Starbucks to introduce rewards card for use outside of its shops

Pretty soon, Starbucks fanatics will be able to earn rewards on purchases outside of Frappuccinos and lattes.

During its annual shareholders meeting Wednesday in Seattle, the company said that at the end of the year, customers will be able to use a prepaid Starbucks Rewards Chase Visa to earn "stars" wherever Visa cards are accepted, USA Today reports. Now, the Starbucks loyalty program gives customers stars based on their number of visits to Starbucks; and after earning 12 stars, they get a free item. Spokeswoman Linda Mills said the company will share details later about how the stars will be rewarded for purchases made with the prepaid card.

There are more than 12 million active Starbucks rewards program members in the United States, and the company announced last month it is changing the way the program works. Starting in April, points will be awarded based on the amount of money spent rather than visits made. The company also announced during the meeting it will start selling single-serving bottles of cold brew in retail stores and launching Pumpkin Spice Latte K-cups.

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