Is the Starbucks Gold Card Worth Buying?

In 2008, Starbucks rolled out its gold card program. For $25 a year, customers who hold a Starbucks Gold Card get special perks, such as 10 percent off each purchase, free syrups and other add-ons and free beverage and food coupons in the mail. It also can be re-loaded and used as a regular Starbucks gift card. A loyal Starbucks customer and having a registered Starbucks gift card, I was randomly chosen by the company to receive a free, one-year membership to the gold card program. Nearly one year later, here's my review on the Starbucks Gold Card Program and if it's worth buying.

Is The Starbucks Gold Card Worth Buying?: The 10% Savings

Just presenting your Starbucks Gold Card entitles you to save 10% off your purchase, even if you have no money on the card So let's figure out the math. I spend an average of $5-$6 a week at Starbucks (I'd spend more if I didn't lose my job.) So at 10% off each week, that comes to 50-60 cents a week. Multiply that by 52 weeks and we're looking at savings between $26-$31.20. That just about covers the cost of the card and then some. If you go there 3-4 times a week, you'd get even better savings.

Is The Starbucks Gold Card Worth Buying?: The Add-ons

Members of the Starbucks Gold Card program can get extra add-ons for free. Those add-ons include syrups and soy milk and normally cost about 30-50 cents extra. Although mocha syrup is not on the list of free syrups with your Starbucks Gold Card, rarely did anyone charge me for it as long as I had the Gold Card. Time for more math: I average 2 drinks a week that get mocha syrup. That comes to 60 cents a week and $31.20 a year saved in addition to the 10% savings.

Is The Starbucks Gold Card Worth Buying?: Freebie Coupons

This is where it really pays off to have the Starbucks Gold Card. I honestly can't remember how many freebie coupons I have gotten over the past year, but I can tell you they have included: a Starbucks Vivanno Shake ($4), a bowl of oatmeal ($2), a tea latte ($3), at least 3 tall beverage coupons ($6-$12), and 3 10% off coupons for family and friends. And the year ain't over yet!

So do I think the Starbucks Gold Card is worth buying? If you go there at least twice a week, the Starbucks Gold Card membership is worth buying and will pay for itself. For Starbucks junkies who go about 4-5 times a week, it's foolish to NOT invest the $25 in the Gold Card.