Costa Coffee customers have spoken of their disappointment after the chain announced changes to its Costa Club - affecting its free drink offer.
At the moment, after every eight 'beans' collected, customers can get a free drink in store. But from August 1, people will need to collect 10 beans to get a free one.
'Beans' are earned on the Costa app each time you buy a drink.
You’ll still get one bean for every drink you buy in store and at Costa Express machines. And you’ll still get free cake on your birthday.
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In addition, a new 'Treat Drop' is coming soon where customers get a surprise every month. This could be a special offer or something new landing in the Costa Club app.
A Costa Coffee spokesperson said: “We’ve made some changes to Costa Club, including how many Beans customers need to collect before they can redeem a free drink in store. They’ll still collect one Bean for every handcrafted drink they buy in a store or from a Costa Express machine but will need to collect 10 Beans to get a free drink.
"Customers will continue to collect an extra Bean in store when using a reusable cup. As part of the changes we’re also launching Treat Drop, a new reward feature designed to provide customers more personalised offers, more often, reflecting the food and drink they love at Costa Coffee."
Until August 1, you’ll still get a free drink after you collect eight beans. Any free drinks you earn before this date will be saved in the rewards section of your app. And any beans you’ve collected will still be valid and count towards your next free drink.
A number of Costa fans have hit out at the upcoming changes to the free drink offer on social media.
One wrote on Twitter: "Costa Coffee…I’m not angry. Just disappointed. Greed @CostaCoffee"
Another added: "1 in 10 drinks free now! This question is no longer relevant as I won't be using you. Our local independent offers better customer loyalty."
A third wrote: "@CostaCoffee Either aren’t doing too well or just ripping their customers off.. 8 cups is tight enough as it is let alone 10!!"
And one Costa customer said: "What? 10 brews before you get a free one. That's a lot of dosh and loyalty for not much return... sad face." One comment read: "Thanks @CostaCoffee for making the free drink even harder to get."
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