Delta Starbucks Partnership Changes
The partnership between Delta Air Lines and Starbucks is about to get a little less caffeinated. The airline and the coffee giant have long allowed Starbucks members to earn extra SkyMiles for their sips. But today, upcoming changes to earning rates and eligibility were announced that may amount to a devalued rate for some—and eliminate the ability to earn entirely for others. The new system will go into effect Aug. 5, 2026. Let's take a look at the Delta Starbucks partnership changes, and how the program will continue to work until then.
How the Partnership Currently Works
The Delta Starbucks partnership launched back in 2022 and has undergone some changes over the years. Under the current setup, link your Starbucks and Delta accounts at DeltaStarbucks.com, and you can earn SkyMiles when reloading your Starbucks account with at least $25. The reload amounts in the chart below determine the number of miles you can earn—worth up to 2x SkyMiles for the largest eligible reloads. You can continue earning via these reload rates through Aug. 4, 2026, before the Delta Starbucks partnership changes take effect.
| Starbucks Rewards — Reload Amount | Delta SkyMiles — Earning Rate |
| $25 – $49.99 | 25 miles |
| $50 – $74.99 | 75 miles |
| $75 – $99.99 | 125 miles |
| $100 | 200 miles |
Participating customers also access exclusive promos and earn 2 Starbucks Stars per $1 spent on Starbucks purchases during the days they travel on a Delta flight. Those elements of the partnership won't change.
Upcoming Changes to Earning + Eligibility
When the Delta Starbucks partnership changes take effect Aug. 5, 2026, the above reload earning rates will be no more. Instead, eligible accounts will earn 1 SkyMile mile per $1 spent at participating Starbucks locations (excluding taxes, gratuities, gift cards and alcoholic drinks). Interestingly, this is similar to the way the partnership worked prior to a 2024 change. But this time, there's a new barrier to entry: Members must have flown a qualifying Delta flight over the past 12 months.
There's a bit of a grace period in effect, depending on if and when you've linked your membership accounts. Existing members can continue earning 1x SkyMiles on Starbucks purchases through Oct. 5, 2026, even if they haven't taken a Delta flight. Meanwhile, those who link their accounts for the first time will be eligible to earn for the first 12 months. Afterward, they will need to fly a qualifying Delta flight to continue earning.
Delta Starbucks Partnership Changes: ToP Thoughts
Delta is framing this rollout as a positive change. (It has even shared Starbucks secret menu ordering instructions for a drink inspired by Delta's signature Biscoff snacks in celebration.) While the new earning structure is more straightforward for casual Starbucks shoppers, it also slashes the possibility for Starbucks' bigger spenders to earn up to 2x miles for their reloads. If you want to get ahead of the change, reload your account before Aug. 5. If you're new to the partnership, be sure to link your accounts. Honestly, you're not likely to earn an earth-shattering amount of miles either way—but it's still a fun way to ToP off your account with a few extra coins. That is—if you fly Delta at least once a year. For some more lucrative SkyMiles earning, look toward Delta's partnership with Airbnb or its current summer promo. Come and tell us your thoughts about the Delta Starbucks partnership changes over in the ToP Facebook group.
