How to Add Starbucks Gift Card to the App & Pay With Your Phone
December 8, 2025

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 (2025 Guide)

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.

1 App for cards, rewards, & pay
3 Core flows: add, reload, pay
2 Platforms: iOS & Android
Quick Summary: How to Add & Use a Starbucks Gift Card

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]

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

How to Add Starbucks Gift Card to the App & Pay With Your Phone

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

How to Add Starbucks Gift Card to the App & Pay With Your Phone

  • 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.
  • How to Add Starbucks Gift Card to the App & Pay With Your Phone

  • 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]

How to Add a Starbucks Gift Card to the App & Pay With Your Phone – 2025 Guide