Print Starbucks Gift Card: Your Guide to Gifting and Enjoyment

Starbucks gift cards are a fantastic way to treat yourself or someone special. They offer a convenient way to pay for your favorite coffee, snacks, and merchandise at Starbucks locations. In today’s digital age, e-gift cards have become increasingly popular, offering instant delivery and ease of use. But what if you prefer a tangible gift, something you can physically hand over? The good news is that printing a Starbucks gift card is a viable option, adding a personal touch to your thoughtful present.

This guide will delve into everything you need to know about printing Starbucks gift cards. We’ll explore the types of Starbucks gift cards that can be printed, how to print them effectively, and key considerations to ensure a smooth gifting experience. We will also touch upon the terms and conditions relevant to using Starbucks gift cards, drawing insights from the official Starbucks Card Agreement to provide you with a comprehensive understanding.

Understanding Starbucks Gift Card Options and Printability

Starbucks offers various types of gift cards to suit different needs and preferences. Understanding these options is crucial in determining if and how you can print a Starbucks gift card.

1. Physical Starbucks Cards:

These are the traditional plastic gift cards you can purchase at Starbucks stores, grocery stores, and other retailers. They are pre-loaded with a specific value and can be reloaded.

Printability: Physical Starbucks cards themselves are not printable in the sense that you cannot reproduce them at home. They are physical items that you buy pre-made. However, if you purchase a physical card, you can certainly print out a separate card or message to accompany it as a gift.

2. Starbucks eGift Cards:

eGift cards are digital gift cards that are purchased online through the Starbucks website or app. They are delivered electronically, usually via email, to the recipient.

Printability: This is where the concept of “Print Starbucks Gift Card” truly comes into play. Starbucks eGift cards are designed to be both digitally used and printable. When you receive a Starbucks eGift card via email, it typically includes a link or attachment that allows you to view and print the gift card. This printed version can then be presented at Starbucks stores just like a physical card.

3. Starbucks Rewards Cards:

These are physical or digital cards linked to the Starbucks Rewards program. While they function as payment methods, their primary purpose is to accrue rewards points.

Printability: Starbucks Rewards cards are generally not intended for printing as gifts. They are more personal and linked to individual accounts. However, if you are referring to printing a gift for a Starbucks Rewards member, an eGift card would be the more suitable printable option.

Focusing on Printable Starbucks eGift Cards

For the remainder of this article, when we discuss “print Starbucks gift card,” we are primarily referring to Starbucks eGift cards. These are the cards designed to be conveniently printed and gifted.

Step-by-Step Guide to Printing Your Starbucks eGift Card

Printing your Starbucks eGift card is a straightforward process. Here’s a detailed guide to help you through each step:

1. Access Your eGift Card Email:

Locate the email from Starbucks or the sender of the eGift card in your inbox. The subject line usually includes phrases like “You’ve received a Starbucks eGift” or “[Sender Name] sent you a Starbucks eGift.”
Open the email and look for the eGift card details. This will typically include the gift card design, the sender’s name, your name (or the recipient’s name), a gift message, and the gift card number and PIN (or a barcode).

2. Find the Print Option:

Within the eGift card email, look for a “Print Your Gift Card” button or a similar link. Sometimes, the print option might be directly visible on the eGift card image itself.
If you don’t see a direct print button, there might be a link to “View Gift Card” or “Access Your Gift Card Online.” Click on this link. This will usually take you to a webpage displaying your eGift card with printing options.

3. Prepare for Printing:

Printer Ready: Ensure your printer is turned on, has sufficient ink or toner, and is loaded with paper. Plain white printer paper works perfectly fine for printing Starbucks eGift cards.
Check Card Details: Before printing, double-check that all the details on the digital eGift card are correct, including the amount, recipient name, and any personalized message.

4. Initiate the Print Command:

Once you have located the print option (button or link), click on it.
Your browser’s print dialog box will appear.

5. Adjust Print Settings (Optional but Recommended):

Orientation: Usually, “Portrait” orientation works best for printing eGift cards, but check the preview to confirm.
Scale: Ensure the scale is set to “Actual Size” or 100% to avoid resizing the gift card and potentially making the barcode or card number difficult to read.
Quality: Standard print quality is generally sufficient for eGift cards. You don’t need to use high-quality photo paper or settings.
Pages: Make sure you are set to print only the page containing the eGift card if the webpage has other content.

6. Print Your eGift Card:

Click the “Print” button in the print dialog box.
Your printer will start printing the Starbucks eGift card.

7. Verify the Printed Card:

Once printed, carefully examine the card. Ensure that:
- The barcode or QR code (if present) is clear and scannable.
- The gift card number and PIN (if applicable) are legible.
- The design and message are printed correctly.

8. Consider Presentation:

Cut and Fold: You can neatly cut out the printed eGift card along the designated lines (if any). You might want to fold it nicely to make it more presentable as a gift.
Envelope or Card: Place the printed eGift card in a gift card envelope or a greeting card for a more polished and thoughtful presentation.
Personal Message: Even though the eGift card might already have a digital message, consider adding a handwritten note to personalize your gift further.

Troubleshooting Common Printing Issues

While printing Starbucks eGift cards is generally easy, you might encounter some issues. Here are common problems and how to resolve them:

1. Print Button Not Visible:

Check Email Content: Carefully re-read the eGift card email. Sometimes the print option might be slightly hidden or indicated by a less obvious icon.
View Online: Look for a link to “View Gift Card Online” or “Access Your Gift Card.” Printing options are usually more prominent on the web page version of the eGift card.
Sender Instructions: If you are still unable to find the print option, check if the sender provided any specific instructions in the email.

2. Barcode Not Scanning or Card Number Not Legible:

Print Quality: Ensure your printer has sufficient ink or toner. Low ink levels can result in faded prints, making barcodes unscannable and text blurry.
Scale Setting: Verify that you printed at “Actual Size” or 100% scale. Scaling down the image can shrink the barcode and make it difficult to scan.
Paper Quality: While plain paper usually works, very thin or textured paper might absorb ink unevenly, affecting print clarity. Try printing on standard printer paper.
Printer Settings: Check your printer settings to ensure they are not set to “Draft” or “Economy” mode, which prioritize ink saving over print quality. Select “Standard” or “Normal” quality.
Reprint: If the first print is unclear, try printing again after adjusting the settings mentioned above.

3. Incorrect Card Information on Printout:

Email Verification: Double-check the original eGift card email to ensure the details displayed there are correct.
Web Page Refresh: If you are printing from a webpage, refresh the page to ensure you are viewing the most up-to-date information.
Contact Support: If the information is incorrect even in the original email, contact Starbucks customer service or the eGift card provider for assistance.

4. Printer Not Printing:

Printer Connection: Verify that your printer is properly connected to your computer (via USB or Wi-Fi) and turned on.
Paper Jam or Out of Paper: Check for paper jams and ensure the printer has paper loaded.
Driver Issues: Ensure you have the correct printer drivers installed and that they are up to date. Restarting your computer and printer can sometimes resolve driver-related issues.
Default Printer: Make sure you have selected the correct printer in the print dialog box if you have multiple printers installed.

Advantages of Printing a Starbucks eGift Card

While digital eGift cards offer convenience, printing them provides several benefits, especially when gifting:

Tangible Gift: A printed gift card offers a physical item to present, which can feel more personal and thoughtful than simply forwarding an email.
Presentation: You can enhance the presentation of a printed gift card by placing it in a nice card or envelope, adding a handwritten note, and making it feel like a more substantial gift.
Less Tech-Dependent for Recipient: For recipients who might be less tech-savvy or prefer not to use mobile apps for payments, a printed gift card is easier to use and understand. They can simply hand it to the cashier.
Backup: Even if the recipient primarily uses the digital version of the eGift card on their phone, having a printed backup can be useful in case of phone battery issues or technical glitches.
Thematic Gifting: A printed Starbucks gift card can be easily incorporated into themed gift baskets or packages. For example, you could pair it with coffee beans, a mug, or other coffee-related items for a complete gift set.

Key Terms and Conditions Related to Starbucks Cards (and Printed eGift Cards)

While the original Starbucks Card Agreement is a comprehensive legal document, here are some key points relevant to using and gifting printed Starbucks eGift cards, ensuring compliance with their terms and conditions:

Acceptance: “Most Starbucks stores in North America including Puerto Rico accept your Starbucks Card.” This generally includes printed eGift cards. However, it is always wise to check with specific locations, especially those in airports, bookstores, or grocery stores, as “Certain Starbucks-branded locations may not permit you to use the Starbucks Card for payment.” To be sure, “Any store that lists ‘Digital Rewards’ as one of its amenities is a store that accepts the Starbucks Card.”
Value and Usage: “The dollar value that you load onto your Starbucks Card is a prepayment for the goods and services of participating stores.” Printed eGift cards function just like physical cards in this regard. They represent a pre-paid value that can be used for purchases. “Unless otherwise required by law or permitted by this Agreement, the dollar value on your Starbucks Card is nonrefundable and may not be redeemed for cash.” This applies to printed eGift cards as well.
No Fees or Expiration: “We do not charge any activation, service, dormancy or inactivity fees in connection with your Starbucks Card. Your Starbucks Card has no expiration date nor does the value on your Starbucks Card ever expire.” This is a significant benefit, meaning printed eGift cards do not lose value over time and there are no hidden fees associated with their use.
Fraud and Unauthorized Use: “We will not accept any Starbucks Card, or will limit use of any Starbucks Card or Starbucks Card balance, if we reasonably believe that the use is unauthorized, fraudulent or otherwise unlawful…” It’s important to treat printed eGift cards like cash. While Starbucks offers some protection for registered cards in case of loss or theft, unregistered printed eGift cards are essentially like cash. If lost or stolen, the value may be irrecoverable unless the original purchaser has the receipt and the card is unused (as per the eGift refund policy: “We will only give refunds for unused eGifts with the original receipt.”).
Changes to Agreement: “We may amend this Agreement at any time… any change, addition or deletion will become effective at the time we post the revised Agreement to our website…” It is always recommended to refer to the most current Starbucks Card Terms and Conditions available on the Starbucks website for the most up-to-date information.

Conclusion: Printing Starbucks Gift Cards for Personalized Gifting

Printing a Starbucks eGift card is a simple yet effective way to create a thoughtful and tangible gift. It combines the convenience of digital gifting with the personal touch of a physical present. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily print your Starbucks eGift card, troubleshoot any common issues, and understand the key terms and conditions associated with its use.

Whether you are celebrating a birthday, expressing gratitude, or simply brightening someone’s day, a printed Starbucks gift card is a versatile and appreciated gift. So go ahead, print that eGift card, add your personal touch, and share the joy of Starbucks with your friends, family, or colleagues.