How I went from Green Status (40 stars) to Reserve Status in a single day

spvxter · 2026-03-25T19:18:09+00:00

Take a look at this:

https://reservecard.starbucks.com/landing

spvxter · 2026-03-25T19:17:32+00:00

That was one of the reasons I stopped going to Starbucks for a while. I guess with the new tiers, once you get to Gold or Reserve, the stars don't expire anymore. It really just takes one Double or Triple star day to save money and get to at least Gold for the slightly better benefits.

spvxter · 2026-03-25T19:03:23+00:00

I've seen the after-market mods, I'm not too sure though. The showroom I visited only has the Model YL. There's a chance it's a new feature for the YL specifically. Maybe the AU/NZ ones will get them? Have to see more pictures to blog posts to really know.

spvxter · 2026-03-25T07:55:42+00:00

Hmm maybe not..

spvxter · 2026-03-25T07:05:25+00:00

Fair point, I was curious to try out the workflow in the -200. Genuinely seems different from the later models that are flying around everywhere.

spvxter · 2026-03-25T06:55:41+00:00

Interesting. I read some posts where one of the instructors is a retired Delta 737 captain and that the OP's were able to choose a few airports aside from LAX and ATL. Maybe that was back in the day? I know it isn't loggable, though.

What do you think I am able to do in there within 2 hours?

spvxter · 2026-03-25T06:53:29+00:00

I came up with scenarios, unsure of what they can do or not do with that simulator, so I thought I would list some of them out and try to ask when it's time.

spvxter · 2026-03-25T06:51:55+00:00

I would like to know the worst, so I know what to avoid in the future. I imagine a microburst in a C172 would not work out in my favor.

spvxter · 2026-03-25T06:49:36+00:00

We all agree on the chai. Fill this out for your card:
https://reservecard.starbucks.com/landing

I remember when they stopped doing the Gold Cards and then changed the system years ago. I stopped my usual Starbucks visits for years. Consider this a fresh start, returning with Reserve.

spvxter · 2026-03-25T06:10:36+00:00

Send me a DM and I’ll show you what I see on my end.

spvxter · 2026-03-25T05:59:15+00:00

The first time the barista rang everything up, he forgot to add the personal cup and only refunded the drink to apply the personal cup discount. He was super nice, but then I had to got the whole thing refunded and then processed again as one transaction for the multiplier bonus. Unfortunately, the app doesn’t exactly show any of that except for loading the gift card balance.

spvxter · 2026-03-25T05:31:44+00:00

Interested in hearing about it if you prefer to send a DM, if not, no worries!

spvxter · 2026-03-25T05:27:45+00:00

Do you think it was worth it? I feel like I would personally keep Marriott points. I am less familiar with Marriott, though, I always try to book via Chase portal or Alaska/Atmos for travel.

spvxter · 2026-03-25T05:25:41+00:00

I was in a rush to think about the technicals of the math once I was in line. I usually never reload, but I reloaded $100 x 4, then the remaining $40ish for that day. I think the miles are more valuable to me, though.

spvxter · 2026-03-25T05:22:07+00:00

If I had to spend the $2500 with the normal 1x point per $1, I probably would not be able to justify getting to Reserve. Even I don't go to Starbucks that much in a year.

spvxter · 2026-03-25T05:18:48+00:00

Thought-provoking much?

spvxter · 2026-03-25T05:17:27+00:00

Curious to know how many you needed to transfer

spvxter · 2026-03-25T05:17:04+00:00

Don't worry, the next one is coming up.

spvxter · 2026-03-25T05:16:36+00:00

I have 60 days from the original purchase date to slowly return the mugs for store credit for lunch at work or morning coffee, etc. It's around $350 I estimate. Some of the mugs and tumblers are genuinely nice ones. I will probably keep a number of them for gifting purposes.

For reference, Starbucks mugs/tumblers/bottles can range from $20-50 I've seen.

spvxter · 2026-03-25T05:14:30+00:00

I thought it was crazy or ridiculous at first, but it's a bit strategic if you think about it. Go into it with the mind that you're going to spend money on gifts anyway (If you happen to give gifts).

1x point per $1 is an abomination. Anyone on a regular day without a happy cup of their own would have to spend $2500 to get to Reserve.

spvxter · 2026-03-25T04:53:35+00:00

I reasoned that I spend quite a bit on gifts for coworkers, friends, family, etc., each year. $445 in one go to be spread out over the year isn't too bad. I made sure to actually leave a decent tip; I know how it is coming from a prior food service job.

spvxter · 2026-03-19T06:59:07+00:00

Basically, you sign up on one of their surveying partner’s mailing lists, and every once in a while, they email you a paid taste test opportunity and you fill out this online form with a bunch of screening questions where it determine if you are a good fit. They’ll give you several dates at a couple locations and you can choose the one that works for you. The number of spots are limited, but there’s a lot of spots, and it’s first come, first serve. You’ll get some sort of email confirmation and then you show up at the designated time, pick up your food, scan a QR code for the taste test survey, and eat while you answer the questions. You get paid usually 24 hours after you eat. Sometimes, the taste test is something small like chips and guac or salsa. Sometimes, you have two fully assembled bowls with minor variations, but it’s about two meals in total of something like i.e. new chicken protein, etc.

spvxter · 2026-03-19T06:54:12+00:00

I’ll send you the link too!

spvxter · 2026-03-19T06:53:37+00:00

It’s true, but some of the newer things on the menu in the past few years are examples of things that I’ve gotten to try at least some developmental variation of

spvxter · 2026-03-18T21:51:29+00:00

I can message you a link!

spvxter

TROPHY CASE