Starbucks changing its rewards program

In an effort to streamline its rewards program, Starbucks has announced it will phase out its two-tier loyalty system and move to a single loyalty card program with no membership fees.

As it stands now, Starbucks has two rewards programs. Starbuck Card Rewards is essentially a gift card with perks like free wi-fi access, refills, and syrups or shots. The next step up for frequent customers was the Starbucks Gold Card. It carried a $25 annual fee and entitles customers to a series of special discounts, including 10 percent off each purchase — which not everyone saw as a winning proposition for the members.