Big changes are coming to Starbucks rewards program, causing confusion and outrage among some of the coffee giant's loyal customers.
As CNN reports, right now, customers receive gold status once they've earned 30 stars in a year. That's loosely equivalent to visiting Starbucks 30 times, if you don't get any bonus points along the way.
Gold members get a free food or beverage product after 12 stars.
But when the new points system launches, customers will have to earn 300 stars -- or spend close to $150 -- to reach gold status.
After that, they will need 125 stars (the equivalent to spending about $63) in exchange for a free item.
The new program will penalize customers who tend to spend less per visit, buying less expensive drip coffee, but help those who spend more on pricier beverages and food items. The changes will take place in April.
