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Who has the best rewards programs for coffee?

FILE - In this Wednesday, March 23, 2016, file photo, Starbucks workers prepare coffee using siphon vacuum coffee makers at a station in the lobby of the coffee company's annual shareholders meeting in Seattle. As Starbucks preps to overhaul its rewards program, some customers may be looking to take their money elsewhere. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, File)
FILE - In this Wednesday, March 23, 2016, file photo, Starbucks workers prepare coffee using siphon vacuum coffee makers at a station in the lobby of the coffee company's annual shareholders meeting in Seattle. As Starbucks preps to overhaul its rewards program, some customers may be looking to take their money elsewhere. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, File) FILE - In this Wednesday, March 23, 2016, file photo, Starbucks workers prepare coffee using siphon vacuum coffee makers at a station in the lobby of the coffee company's annual shareholders meeting in Seattle. As Starbucks preps to overhaul its rewards program, some customers may be looking to take their money elsewhere. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, File)

By Associated Press 3 min read

Some Starbucks customers are vowing to take their money elsewhere after the company said it was overhauling its loyalty program, but finding an alternative may require a little homework.

The changes announced by Starbucks last month essentially rewards bigger spenders, while those who stop in for a regular $2 drip coffee lose out. But even if some people are grumbling, the Seattle-based chain is betting that they will get over it.

Here’s a look at how the new Starbucks program works, along with what Dunkin’ Donuts and Panera offer. McDonald’s, which has more than 14,000 U.S. locations, does not yet have a loyalty program but says it plans to test one by the end of this year.

STARBUCKS

– How it works: Earn two stars for every dollar spent, and get a free item after earning 125 stars. That means you have to spend around $62.50 to earn a reward. To start earning those rewards, however, people first have to collect 300 stars (i.e., spend $150) to reach “gold level.”