The Globe and Mail reports in its Tuesday edition that Starbucks is overhauling its North American loyalty program, and for many customers, the changes may feel more bitter than bold. Guest columnist Barry Choi writes that your earn rate will depend on your status: Green: one star per dollar, Gold: 1.5 stars per dollar, Reserve: 1.7 stars per dollar. Starbucks is also adding a reload bonus: Reload $30 and get 10 extra stars, Reload $50 for 25 extra stars. With the reload bonuses factored in, green members will earn less. Starbucks seems to be signalling that this group is not a priority. Gold and reserve members break even or come out ahead under the new structure but maintaining that status comes at a price. Gold members would need to spend $250 a year, while reserve members would have to shell out $1,136.37. Those numbers do not include promos, targeted offers or Double Star Days. Let's be honest, all those "incentives" exist to get you to spend more to get less. Starbucks has also introduced a new 60star option that gives you $2 off any purchase. However, Starbucks is now adding price caps to the 25-, 100-, 200- and 400-star tier redemptions. For instance, the 100-star freebie now has a maximum value of $6.