Delta Air Lines and Starbucks are bringing back a popular rewards benefit for eligible members who link their Delta SkyMiles and Starbucks Rewards accounts. The updated program begins on August 5, 2026, and allows members to turn qualifying Starbucks purchases into miles for future travel.

What Is Changing on August 5, 2026?

Eligible linked members will earn one Delta SkyMile per $1 spent on qualifying Starbucks purchases. For example, a member who spends $8 on an eligible order can generally earn eight SkyMiles. However, taxes, gratuities and other excluded purchases will not count toward the mileage calculation. The Delta–Starbucks loyalty partnership originally launched in 2022. The latest update restores a simple earning system that helps members collect travel rewards through regular Starbucks spending.

Who Is Eligible to Earn Delta SkyMiles at Starbucks?

Members must have both a Delta SkyMiles account and a Starbucks Rewards account. They must also link the two accounts through the official Delta–Starbucks partnership page. To continue earning miles from eligible Starbucks purchases, linked members must have taken a qualifying Delta flight within the previous 12 months.

Newly linked members can earn miles during their first 12 months after linking their accounts. They must take a qualifying Delta flight to continue earning after that initial period.

How Does the Grace Period Work?

Delta and Starbucks are offering linked members a one-time grace period as the new earning system begins. Members who have not flown with Delta recently can still earn miles from eligible Starbucks purchases through October 5, 2026. After the grace period ends, members must meet the qualifying-flight requirement to continue earning. The grace period gives existing linked members time to understand the updated rules and complete an eligible Delta journey if they want to maintain the benefit.

Which Starbucks Purchases Earn SkyMiles?

The benefit applies to qualifying purchases made at participating Starbucks coffeehouses. The following amounts and purchases do not qualify:

• Taxes
• Gratuities
• Starbucks gift cards
• Alcoholic beverages

Members should confirm that the Starbucks location participates in the Starbucks Rewards program before making a purchase. The final number of miles will be based only on the eligible portion of the transaction.

Can Members Continue Earning Double Stars?

Yes. Eligible linked members can continue earning Double Stars on qualifying Starbucks purchases made on days when they have a scheduled Delta flight. Members should ensure that their Delta SkyMiles number is included in the flight reservation and review the current partnership terms before traveling.

The renewed Delta and Starbucks partnership gives eligible linked members a simple way to turn everyday coffee purchases into rewards for future travel. Members should link their accounts and review the flight-activity and purchase requirements before using the benefit.

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