Sending A Starbucks Gift Card By Text In 2024: The Complete Guide
Starbucks served over 150 million mobile app rewards members in 2022. The coffee giant‘s commitment to mobile technology has made sending gift cards easier than ever. This guide will walk you through how to text a Starbucks gift card using their mobile app in just minutes.
The Starbucks Mobile Gifting Experience
According to Starbucks CTO Deb Hall Lefevre, more than 42% of tender in US company-operated stores in 2022 came from mobile order and pay.
"Starbucks is focused on building deep digital relationships with our customers through the Starbucks App," Lefevre said.
Texting Starbucks gift cards streamlines gifting by integrating it directly into Starbucks‘ popular mobile app. Gone are the days of rushing to the store to buy a physical gift card. The process makes gift-giving:
- Instant – Gift cards are delivered to recipients‘ phones within minutes
- Personal – Senders can customize the gift card with photos and messages
- Flexible – Gift any amount from $5 to $500
Sending a gift card by text or email also opens up gifting opportunities with far away friends and family.
Step-By-Step Guide To Texting A Starbucks Gift Card
Sending an eGift card by text through the Starbucks app takes just minutes. Follow these steps:
- Open up the Starbucks app and tap "Gift" on the menu
- Choose the amount of the gift card
- Select a design and customize with a photo or text
- Enter the recipient‘s name and mobile number
- Confirm your order and checkout
Once you checkout, the gift card is immediately sent to the recipient‘s phone number via text message.
On iOS devices, the gift card will appear in the messaging app as an Apple Wallet pass. On Android, a URL link to view the gift card will be texted.
Sending Starbucks eGifts via Email
You can also email a Starbucks gift card if you don‘t have the recipient‘s phone number. The process is the same as texting:
- Customize the gift card design and amount
- Enter the recipient‘s email instead of mobile number
- Confirm and checkout
The gift card will be delivered to their email inbox with a barcode and gift card number they can use in stores or online.
Here‘s a comparison of texting vs emailing a Starbucks gift card:
| Method | Recipient Experience | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| Text | Appears in messaging app (Apple wallet pass for iOS, URL link for Android) | Sending to frequent mobile app users |
| Arrives in email inbox | Sending to infrequent Starbucks customers |
Using Your Starbucks Gift Card
Starbucks gift cards can be used to pay for drinks, food, and merchandise at any participating Starbucks location. Recipients can also register their gift card to their Starbucks account and use it to pay through the app via mobile order and pay.
To use an eGift card in stores, the recipient simply needs to:
- Open the gift card on their phone (in Apple Wallet or via URL link)
- Show the barcode to the barista
- The balance is applied to the purchase
For mobile ordering, recipients can:
- Click "Add Card" in the Starbucks app
- Enter the gift card number and pin
- Select the gift card to pay
In 2022, 31% of Starbucks‘ US sales came through Mobile Order & Pay.
Can You Add Funds To a Starbucks Gift Card?
Unfortunately, the original gift card sender cannot add funds remotely to a Starbucks gift card after sending. However, the recipient can add funds to register the card to their account.
Once a gift card is registered, the recipient can easily add money to it as needed from the Starbucks app. Card owners can add funds in increments of $5 up to a maximum balance of $500.
Simplify Starbucks Gifting With Text & Email eCards
Texting a Starbucks gift card makes sending coffee perks easier than ever. In just minutes, you can brighten someone‘s day with a customizable eGift. For last-minute gifts, stocking stuffers, or treats for long-distance friends, texting a Starbucks gift card is the perfect solution.
