Costa Coffee makes change to loyalty scheme with a new customer perk

Regulars at Costa Coffee will find a change to the company's loyalty scheme which means they can choose to add a few perks to their brews.

The nationwide coffee shop chain, which has outlets across Newcastle and the wider region, has altered its scheme for Costa Club members which involves collecting a "bean" stamp for every coffee bought. A full 10 beans will earn a free drink.

But now a new 'Swaps' feature has been introduced which means that two beans - which is also the number earned by those who take in a reusable cup - can be exchanged for syrups, cream or an extra shot of coffee if preferred, reports The Mirror. The company announced the new benefit in an email newsletter.

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Announcing the news to customers it said: "Introducing, an extra benefit for Costa Clubbers. As well as earning 10 beans towards your usual free drink, with Swaps you can now treat yourself to a little reward, more often."

It added: "Use a Swaps reward any time you have two beans - in-store, with Click & Collect or Click & Serve for a drop of syrup, a dash of cream, an extra shot or a dairy alternative. You can use one or more Swaps to make your drink extra special."

The comes as Costa brings back one of its seasonal coffees - a Maple Hazel Iced Latte. The autumn treat, which has flavours of roasted hazelnut and maple and is topped with a 'light whip' and crunchy biscuit, was made available first to Costa Club members who could order it from Friday, August 23.

Patrick Steele, head of loyalty and customer engagement at Costa Coffee, said the company understands "the importance of providing our customers with a personalised experience". He said the extra benefit of Swaps gives Costa Club members a chance to use their beans at an earlier stage.

He added that enjoying little treats more often with its Costa Club app will make "the coffee experience with us even more rewarding".