How to Add Starbucks Gift Card to the App & Pay With Your Phone
How to Add a Starbucks Gift Card to the App & Pay With Your Phone
Link your Starbucks gift card, reload in seconds, and pay with your phone while earning rewards on every drink.
Install the Starbucks app on iOS or Android, sign in or create an account, then go to Cards > + Add Card and enter the gift card number and security code to store it digitally. After adding, you can optionally transfer the balance to a primary card and pay in-store by scanning the barcode in the app at the register. [conversation_history:1]
📋 Table of Contents
Why Add Your Starbucks Gift Card to the App?
Loading your Starbucks gift card into the app lets you pay from your phone, consolidate balances, and automatically earn Stars on eligible purchases. It also reduces the risk of losing a physical card while keeping funds available across devices. [conversation_history:1]
The same setup enables quick reloads, optional wallet integration, and a smoother in-store experience whenever ordering drinks, food, or merchandise. [conversation_history:1]
Step-by-Step: Add Starbucks Gift Card to App

1. Download the App
Get the Starbucks app from the App Store or Google Play, install it, and open it on your phone to begin setting up digital payments and rewards. [conversation_history:1]
2. Create or Sign In to Your Account
Tap Join Now to create a new Starbucks account or Sign In if you already have one, then enter your email, password, and profile details so your cards and Stars sync. [conversation_history:1]
3. Add Your Starbucks Gift Card

- Tap the Cards tab at the bottom of the app.
- Select “Add card” or the + icon.
- Enter the gift card number and 8‑digit security code from the back, or scan the barcode with your camera if supported.
- Tap “Add Card” to save it to your account.
4. (Optional) Transfer Balance to Your Primary Card
If you prefer a single main card, move the balance from the new card into your primary one inside the app. [conversation_history:1]
- Go to Cards and tap Details on the card you want to transfer from.
- Choose “Transfer Balance”, select your main card, and tap Transfer.
- Once the balance is zero, you can remove the empty card via Details > Remove Card.

Add to Apple Wallet or Android Wallet
For even faster access at the register, add your Starbucks card from the app into Apple Wallet on iPhone or a supported wallet on Android. This lets you pull up the barcode directly from the wallet interface. [conversation_history:1]
Open the Starbucks app, tap the card you want, and look for “Add to Apple Wallet” or “Save to Wallet”, then follow the prompts to finish linking. [conversation_history:1]
Reload Your Starbucks Gift Card
When your balance gets low, reload directly in the Starbucks app instead of buying a new physical card. This keeps your card active and makes budgeting easier. [conversation_history:1]
- Tap your card in the app and select Reload.
- Choose or enter a dollar amount.
- Select a payment method such as debit, credit, or PayPal.
- Tap Reload to complete, or enable Auto‑Reload for automatic top‑ups when balance drops below a set amount.
Pay In-Store With Your Phone
To pay at a Starbucks store, open the app, tap your card, and present the barcode to the barista so it can be scanned at the register. The purchase total is deducted from your card balance immediately. [conversation_history:1]
This flow works similarly whether the card is in the Starbucks app or surfaced through Apple Wallet or another supported wallet app. [conversation_history:1]
Earn Stars & Rewards Automatically
Using a registered card in the app to pay allows you to collect Stars under the Starbucks Rewards program, which can later be redeemed for drinks, food, and member-only offers. [conversation_history:1]
Track your current Star balance, reward options, and birthday or promotional offers in the Rewards tab inside the app to plan redemptions. [conversation_history:1]
Troubleshooting & Tips
If the app will not accept the gift card, double‑check that the card number and security code are typed correctly and that the card is not already linked to another Starbucks account. Updating the app to the latest version can also resolve some issues. [conversation_history:1]
Some corporate or promotional cards may have restrictions on balance transfers or use, so checking the terms or contacting Starbucks support can clarify what is allowed. [conversation_history:1]
Pro Tip from Other Customers
Many users recommend combining all balances into a single primary card in the app and removing empty cards afterwards to keep the payment screen clean and quick to use. [conversation_history:1]
FAQ
Can I transfer balance between cards?
Yes, use Details > Transfer Balance on the card you want to move funds from, then select the target card and confirm the transfer. [conversation_history:1]
Can I use my gift card without internet?
As long as the barcode for your Starbucks card has loaded in the app or wallet beforehand, you can typically use it at the register even with limited connectivity. [conversation_history:1]
Can I use multiple gift cards?
You can store multiple cards in the app, but merging balances into one primary card usually makes paying and tracking rewards easier. [conversation_history:1]
Official Links & Support
For the latest terms, rewards rules, and wallet guidance, refer to Starbucks’ official Gift Card Terms, Rewards Help, and wallet support pages, which cover region-specific details and limitations. [conversation_history:1]
From this article, you can cross-link to your other mobile how‑tos such as Snapchat Recap, Reddit video downloads, or WhatsApp fixes to keep readers engaged across related topics. [conversation_history:1]