If I understand correctly, the issue is that Starbucks apps and gift cards require a minimum $10 purchase, and go up in increments of $5.

What is to stop people from using the balance of the card or app, and then paying the rest of an order with cash or another payment method?

The issue of gift cards not being used is hardly unique to Starbucks, and many retailers take advantage of people losing or forgetting them.

Hmm. Interesting. You know, I don’t buy their shit coffee so I never experienced the app. Seems like something they would do. Fuck the wormers and the consumers too am I right?

Edit: thanks for the archive links, the original is paywalled