Delta and Starbucks expand loyalty partnership with new mileage rewards

International

Linked SkyMiles and Starbucks Rewards members will earn one mile per US dollar spent from 5 August

Delta Air Lines and Starbucks are expanding their loyalty partnership by introducing a new way for customers to earn frequent flyer miles through everyday purchases. From 5 August 2026, eligible members who link their Delta SkyMiles and Starbucks Rewards accounts will receive one SkyMiles mile for every US dollar spent at participating Starbucks coffeehouses.

The updated programme is designed to make earning travel rewards through regular coffee purchases more straightforward and further extends the benefits of Delta's SkyMiles programme beyond air travel.

Everyday purchases contribute to future travel

The renewed earning model revives a member-favourite feature that allows Starbucks purchases to translate directly into travel rewards. To qualify, customers must have linked their SkyMiles and Starbucks Rewards accounts and have completed a qualifying Delta flight within the previous 12 months.

Customers whose last Delta flight falls outside that period will benefit from a one-time grace period allowing them to continue earning miles until 5 October 2026.

Double Starbucks Stars remain on travel days

The existing benefit of earning Double Starbucks Stars on Delta travel days will continue unchanged. Eligible linked members receive double Stars on qualifying Starbucks purchases made on days when they have a scheduled Delta flight, whether buying coffee before departure or while travelling.

Additional member benefits continue

In addition to everyday rewards, linked members will retain access to exclusive promotions, limited-time offers, special events and other partnership benefits available through the combined loyalty programme.

How the programme works

Customers must be members of both Delta SkyMiles and Starbucks Rewards and link their accounts through the dedicated partnership platform. From 5 August, eligible members will automatically earn one SkyMiles mile for every eligible US dollar spent at participating Starbucks locations.

Taxes, gratuities, gift cards and alcoholic beverages are excluded from mileage accrual. After the initial eligibility period, members must continue taking qualifying Delta flights to remain eligible for earning miles through the programme.