Delta and Starbucks Combine Loyalty Forces

Let’s Call it “SkyBucks”

Delta (DAL) recently announced it will combine its SkyMiles rewards program with Starbucks’ (SBUX) rewards program, as of this week. This means that members of both programs will be able to merge their accounts and earn twice the rewards.

Members will earn one Delta mile per $1 spent at Starbucks. Additionally, on days when members have a Delta flight, they will earn double “stars” on Starbucks Rewards when shopping at select Starbucks stores.

As an added incentive, members can earn an additional 500 miles if they link their accounts before the end of 2022.

The Power of Rewards

Have you ever wondered why so many companies offer a rewards program? These programs represent one of the most powerful ways to boost customer loyalty, increase engagement, and keep people coming back.

For example, Starbucks Rewards has approximately 27.4 million total US members. Last month, these rewards members accounted for more than half of Starbucks’ total orders.

With that in mind, it’s in a company’s best interest to make its rewards program as attractive as possible. The more value that a company can offer to its consumers, the more likely people will be to sign up. This is part of the reason Delta also partners with Lyft (LYFT), Airbnb (ABNB), and Instacart.

How To Take Advantage

As a consumer, rewards programs are a company’s way of incentivizing you to shop with them.

In this example, opting into this new Delta/Starbucks program is a good way to earn more Delta SkyMiles and free coffee from Starbucks. If you frequently shop with these companies anyway, you might find it could be in your best interest to sign up.

That said, it’s important to do your homework. You should always double check rewards programs to make sure there aren’t unexpected costs associated with signing up. Sometimes a company will lure you in with a free trial period, only to start charging your card a few weeks later. If you’re not careful, you could end up paying for a membership that you don’t really need.

Delta and Starbucks are two of the most recent companies to combine forces when it comes to rewards. As airlines look for creative ways to draw in new business, be on the lookout as more partnerships could emerge over the next few months.

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