How to Redeem a Starbucks Gift Card
A Starbucks gift card adds to a Starbucks Card balance in your app, spendable in-store and earning Stars. Redeeming takes about a minute. Here are the exact steps, what you'll need, the errors that trip people up — and what to do if it's a card you'll never use.
Steps to redeem your Starbucks gift card
- Open the Starbucks app (or starbucks.com) and sign in.
- Go to Cards → Add card / Add money → Redeem a gift card.
- Enter the card number and security code from the back.
- Confirm — the balance moves onto your digital Starbucks Card.
What you'll need
- The card number + security code
- A Starbucks account/app
- A phone or browser
Common errors and fixes
- “Card cannot be added.” Double-check the number and the security code (usually under a scratch-off).
- Already transferred. Once moved to a digital card the physical card is empty.
- Region. U.S. and international Starbucks cards aren’t interchangeable.
Got a Starbucks card you'll never use?
A Starbucks balance only spends at Starbucks and can’t be turned back into cash. If you don't actually use Starbucks, don't redeem it first — once the code is on an account the value locks there. Instead you can sell the Starbucks card for cash without ever sharing the code, or swap it for a card you'll use. Both keep more value than letting it sit.
Want the fastest route? Compare selling vs swapping or start on the gift card swap.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I redeem a Starbucks gift card?
At starbucks.com. Sign in, enter the code, and confirm — the value is added to a **Starbucks Card** balance in your app, spendable in-store and earning Stars.
Why won't my Starbucks code work?
Usually a typo or a hidden scratch-off character, a region/currency mismatch, or a code that's already been redeemed. Re-enter it carefully and check the card's region matches your account.
Can a Starbucks gift card be used anywhere else?
No. A Starbucks balance only spends at Starbucks and can’t be turned back into cash.
What should I do with a Starbucks card I don't want?
Don't redeem it — sell the Starbucks card for cash without sharing the code, or swap it for a card you'll use. Once redeemed, the value locks to the account.