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Pumpkin spice season is making its grand return. Starbucks has confirmed its fall 2025 menu launches on August 26—and yes, the Pumpkin Spice Latte will be back in stores nationwide.
But while the Pumpkin Spice Latte is a cultural icon, it’s not exactly light on your wallet. A grande can set you back $6 or more, depending on location. If a Starbucks run is a regular part of your routine, those seasonal cravings can quickly add up.
That’s where using the right credit card can make a difference. Thanks to a partnership between Bank of America and Starbucks, fall fans can earn more rewards, stacking cash back and Starbucks Stars in a way that few coffee runs can match.
Starbucks and Bank of America: A Rewarding Partnership
Bank of America rolled out its Starbucks Rewards collaboration last year, and it remains one of the most lucrative ways to maximize coffee spending. Here’s how it works:
Every time you reload your Starbucks Card, order ahead in the app or scan to pay, you’re stacking cash back and racking up Stars—redeemable for free drinks, snacks or even Starbucks merch.
Unlike many limited-time promotions, this one doesn’t cap your earnings. Whether you stop in once a week for a Pumpkin Spice Latte or make Starbucks your daily office commute essential, you’ll keep collecting both Stars and cash back. With prices climbing everywhere, a little double-dipping of rewards never hurts.
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Why It Matters This Fall
Pumpkin spice might be a meme, but the numbers are serious. In 2023 alone, Starbucks sold an estimated $500 million worth of Pumpkin Spice Lattes.
Here’s a quick scenario of how the cost of a routine Pumpkin Spice Latte, along with the anticipated rewards, can add up for a Bank of America cardholder:
- You order three grande Pumpkin Spice Lattes a week for a month—approximately $75 total.
- With 2% back, you earn $1.50 in credit card rewards.
- At the same time, you earn about 37 Bonus Stars.
- If you’re using a rewards credit card like the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card—which offers 6% cash back for the first year in the eligible category of your choice, 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases), and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. After the first year from account opening, earn 3% cash back on purchases in your choice category and 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs up to the quarterly maximum—you stack even more cash back on top.
In other words, pumpkin spice doesn’t just taste like fall—it tastes like plentiful rewards if you play your cards right.
How To Activate
If you want to take advantage of the Starbucks and Bank of America deal, it’s not automatic. Here’s what to do to activate rewards:
- Log in to your Bank of America account and activate the Starbucks offer under BankAmeriDeals.
- Link your eligible card in the Starbucks app.
- Pay through the app when you reload your Starbucks Card, order ahead or scan to pay in-store.
Most Stars post within 24 hours, while cash back may take up to 30 days to hit your account.
Bottom Line
Pumpkin spice season always brings excitement, but this year it brings something extra: a chance to make your lattes work harder for you. With 2% cash back plus Starbucks Bonus Stars for Bank of America cardholders, it’s one of the easiest ways to squeeze value out of your coffee habit.
If you’re already planning to line up for that first Pumpkin Spice Latte of the season on August 26, make sure your Bank of America card is linked in the app before you do. After all, fall only comes once a year—but smart rewards can pay off for a lot longer.