DUNKIN’ fans are infuriated and threatening to boycott the coffee giant after a beloved free coffee perk was slashed yet again.
As the coffeehouse tweaks its rewards program yet again, making it even tougher for customers to scoop up freebies, fans are ranting on social media.
Dunkin’ is soon rolling out a major change to its loyalty program[/caption]
Fans of Dunkin’ are not happy that the impending changes to its rewards program mean it will be harder to score freebies[/caption]
Dunkin’ is plotting to update its loyalty system next month, alerting fans of the “Dunkin’ Rewards Refresh” via an email.
Customers were disappointed to realize that the revamped points tiers will force them to shell out even more cash to earn free food and drinks.
As of now, the program gives coffee fans 10 points for each dollar spent in the Dunkin’ app.
These points can be cashed in for different menu items like free coffee, which currently runs customers 500 points, or $50 spent.
The caffeinated drink will cost fans 600 points once the update rolls out in weeks, meaning that Dunkin’ members will have to spend an extra $10 in the app to earn their free coffee.
The points required to redeem other rewards, including donuts, tea, non-coffee drinks, breakfast sandwiches, and frozen and specialty drinks have all spiked by 50 to 200 points, or $5 to $20.
Points system switch-up
Beginning in October, Dunkin’ will tweak the amount of points that customers must exchange to receive free rewards.
- Li’L Treats (hashbrowns, Munchkins, cold foam add-on): 150 points → 150 points
- Donuts: 250 points → 300 points
- Bakery (new category): n/a → 400 points
- Bites & Bagels: 600 points → 500 points
- Coffee: 500 points → 600 points
- Tea: 400 points → 600 points
- Non-coffee drinks: 700 points → 800 points
- Breakfast sandwiches: 800 points → 900 points
- Cold brew: 500 points → 950 points
- Frozen & specialty drinks: 900 points → 950 points
Source: New York Post
Complementary cold brews will see the biggest points jump from 500 to 950 points, forcing fans to shell out an extra $45 in the app to redeem the reward.
Aside from the points bumps, Dunkin’ will drop the cost of the Bites & Bagels category and add new categories and items to its loyalty program, including a cold foam add-on, a new bakery reward, and snacks like à la carte bacon.
Another welcomed change is the new “personalized offers” based on the Dunkin’ items that customers order most frequently.
One switch-up, however, that has members up in arms is that rewards points will expire 12 months after they are earned, starting on October 6.
Customers are also being limited by the 30-day window they’re given to claim a freebie after they convert their points into a reward.
The U.S. Sun reached out to Dunkin’ for comment but has yet to hear back.
Customers of the coffee giant are fuming about the tweaks to the rewards program, with many venting their frustrations online.
“That is absolutely ridiculous,” cried one Facebook user. “I already don’t go there because their prices have gone through the roof, but at least when I had to, the rewards made it somewhat palatable.”
Dunkin’ vs Starbucks: rewards programs
Both loyalty programs reward customers for every dollar spent, although the rate at which they earn varies.
Starbucks rewards members, for example, earn one Star for every $1 spent, while Dunkin’ offers members 10 points for every $1 spent.
Dunkin’s system generally offers more generous points-per-dollar earnings and lower redemption thresholds for menu items.
For example, Dunkin’s rewards currently start at 150 points, or $15 spent, for a 3-count donut hole pack or hash browns, and 500 points, or $50, for a free coffee.
Starbucks rewards, on the other hand, requires more spending, with 25 Stars, or $25 spent, in exchange for a free drink customization, and 100 Stars, or $100, for a coffee or bakery item.
In comparison to Dunkin’, Starbucks is known for providing a more flexible reward for drinks and offering a superior birthday reward.
“Dunkin’ was my fav for 40 years. It is awful now,” complained another user, as a third said, “Time to boycott DD.”
SECOND ROUND
It’s not the first time that Dunkin’s rewards program revamp has left foodies feeling disappointed.
The chain rolled out its its DD Perks Rewards program at the beginning of 2014, later replacing it with the revamped Dunkin’ Rewards program in October 2022.
At the time, many Dunkin’ customers were infuriated by the change and what it meant for the points system.
Prior to the switch-up three years ago, members had to spend $40 to rack up enough points to score a free coffee, espresso, or similar beverage.
Once the program was adjusted in 2022, that number nearly doubled to $70, upsetting many fans.
“Rip dunks, it was nice while you were actually rewarding, even tho you only got my drinks right 1/3 of the time,” said one Reddit user, as another joked, “I no longer run on Dunkin.’”
At the time, Dunkin’ clapped back at the complaints, saying that the change was positive for members.
“Change is always going to be an adjustment, but in the long run, Dunkin’ loyalists will benefit even more. Dunkin’ Rewards is all about choice for our members,” a company representative previously told The U.S. Sun.
“With a more dynamic rewards structure where they start earning rewards at a lower spend threshold, they can redeem points for a wider variety of food and beverages, and choose when and how they use their points.
“Dunkin’ loyalists told us they want the ability to redeem for more than just beverages. You can now redeem anything on the menu. They also want to bundle points for larger orders.
“You can now accrue points for a full meal for yourself or for the whole soccer team. And they told us they want to be recognized for their loyalty. You can now achieve Boosted Status and earn points even faster when you come to Dunkin’ more often.”
As Dunkin’ adjusts its loyalty program again, a manager has confirmed that the chain quietly pulled a famous donut from its fall menu lineup.
Meanwhile, a Chinese coffee chain is storming America as it looks to knock rivals Dunkin’ and Starbucks off the top.
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