That new rewards rate replaces the current system, where Delta miles are earned by reloading at least $25 onto a Starbucks gift card (with no flight requirement). How to start earning Delta miles on Starbucks purchasesBeginning Aug. 5, 2026, you’ll earn 1 Delta mile per eligible $1 spent at participating Starbucks stores. There’s also a new “Flight Active” requirement: You’ll need to fly on an eligible Delta flight within the past year to earn miles. In fact, this was the original earning rate when the tie-up was first announced in 2022. With the restored 1 mile per $1 earning rate, I’ll be able to collect Delta miles whenever I stop in for my sub-$10 drink order.