What happened
Delta Air Lines is updating the terms and conditions for its partnership with Starbucks Rewards. Starting August 5, 2026, SkyMiles members will earn 1 mile per $1 spent at Starbucks cafés only when they are an active Delta passenger (having taken a qualifying flight). Previously, members could earn miles simply by linking accounts and reloading their Starbucks Card. To mitigate the impact on lapsed flyers, Delta is offering a two-month promotional period for those who haven't flown recently, allowing them to continue earning under the amended conditions until October 5, 2026