5 Things You Should Know About the End of the Starbucks Rewards Visa

Starbucks and Chase have decided to end their credit card partnership -- again. That's right, for those who remember the ol' Starbucks Duetto Visa Card -- perhaps the best cash back card in Starbucks' history -- this second breakup might come with hard feelings, but fortunately nothing in terms of lost rewards.

The partnership will end on July 20, 2023. If you currently hold the Starbucks Rewards Visa -- currently the only card produced by this partnership -- here are some important things you should know.

1. Chase Freedom Unlimited® will replace the Starbucks Rewards Visa

On July 20, your Starbucks Rewards Visa will become a Chase Freedom Unlimited® card. Chase will ship this card to you in the mail between six to eight weeks after July 20. The card will have a new expiration date and security code, though everything else will stay the same, including account number, interest rate, credit line, travel benefits, and purchase protection insurance.

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® earns 1.5% cash back on all purchases, plus 3% back on dining and drugstores and 5% back on travel purchased through Chase. The card has no annual fee and cash back can be redeemed for statement credits, gift cards, travel, and even Amazon purchases.

2. Stars will expire August 2024

Through July 19, your Starbucks Rewards Visa will continue to earn 2 Stars for every $1 you spend at Starbucks. More importantly, these Stars won't expire until August 2024.

This is significant because Stars typically expire six months after the calendar month in which you earned them. For instance, if you earn 100 Stars in April, then you would normally have until Nov. 1 to use them.

But Chase and Starbucks are giving you between 12 and 15 months to use the last Stars earned on your Starbucks Rewards Visa. Additionally, any Stars you earn between July 20, 2023 and Jan. 20, 2024 as a Starbucks Rewards Member will not expire until August 2024. After Jan. 20, 2024, your Stars will once more expire six calendar months after the month in which you earn them.

3. You might get some reimbursement for the annual fee

The Starbucks Rewards Visa was free for the first year, then charged a $49 annual fee. If you paid an annual fee between August 2022 and March 2023, you will get a prorated refund. Chase will deposit this into your account roughly two to four weeks after July 20, 2023.

4. You'll get 400 bonus stars on July 20

Call them dying Stars -- or the last big bonus for cardholders -- but within two weeks after July 20, 2023, Starbucks will load 400 bonus stars into your account. To get the Stars, you must keep your Starbucks Rewards Visa open and in good standing through July 19.

5. You'll still get a monthly free drink until July

Perhaps the biggest perk with the Starbucks Rewards Visa is the free monthly latte. Don't worry -- these coupons won't go away. You'll still get your monthly free drink until at least the partnership officially ends on July 20.

Is the Chase Freedom Unlimited® a good substitute for the Starbucks Rewards Visa?

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is a decent credit card and probably the best substitute from Chase's lineup of cash back cards. You'll earn 3% back on dining out and takeout -- which includes Starbucks -- and the 5% back on travel is high for a no annual fee credit card. However, the 1.5% back on all purchases is a little dinky, and you could probably earn more on other cash back cards. Check out credit cards that earn more on dining and restaurants to see if the Chase Freedom Unlimited® is the best substitute for your spending.