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Updated July 2026 · real, multi-region App Store reviews
Head-to-head

Starbucks vs Chick-fil-A

Starbucks 4.9★ · Free to download 60
Winner Chick-fil-A
Chick-fil-A 4.9★ · Free to download 75

Chick-fil-A generally offers a more reliable app experience and better customer service, despite some recent issues, making it the preferred choice over Starbucks.

Full reviews: Starbucks · Chick-fil-A

While both Starbucks and Chick-fil-A apps offer mobile ordering and rewards, Starbucks users frequently report app instability, payment issues, and dissatisfaction with their rewards program. Chick-fil-A, though not without its own glitches and reward changes, generally receives higher praise for its service and app functionality.

Head to head

Features & Functionality tieR1R8R10R13
Starbucks Starbucks users appreciate the ability to pre-order and customize drinks, saving time R8. However, many report significant issues with the app crashing, freezing, or not loading R1. There are also complaints about mobile ordering being unavailable too often R10 and the delivery feature being poorly implemented R13. Some users also note missing customization options for drinks and the removal of features like coupons .
Chick-fil-A Chick-fil-A users find the app generally easy to use for ordering . However, recent updates have caused problems for some, including inability to select stores, missing previous orders, and issues with adding addresses for delivery . Some users also find the interface confusing or too busy and report issues with the camera for mobile orders . There are also complaints about unwanted games and pop-ups R67R73.
Ease of Use edge: Chick-fil-AR3R6R19R24
Starbucks Starbucks is praised for making ordering coffee easy and convenient for many . However, a significant number of users struggle with signing up R3, issues with the app charging reloads without sending orders R6, and the mandatory reload policy which requires adding more funds than the order total R19. There are also complaints about the placement of the 'use rewards' option R24 and difficulty adding credit cards .
Chick-fil-A Chick-fil-A's app is generally considered easy to order and use . However, some users find the interface confusing with hidden parts . There are also specific complaints about the drive-thru process when using the app and issues with recent order history being incorrect .
Reliability & Performance tieR1R6R9R10
Starbucks Starbucks users frequently report the app crashing, freezing, or not loading, especially on older iPhones or with poor internet connection R1. Mobile ordering is often reported as down or delayed, leading to long waits R9R10. There are also instances of the app charging for reloads but not sending the order R6.
Chick-fil-A Chick-fil-A users experience issues with the app after updates, including inability to select or search for stores and deleted order history . Some report the camera not working for mobile orders and the app being slow or glitchy, leading to cancelled orders that are still charged . There are also reports of issues with gift card scanning and the app forcing updates .
Rewards Program & Value edge: Chick-fil-AR4R5R18R21
Starbucks Starbucks' rewards program is a major point of contention. Users are disappointed with changes to the policy, including stars expiring quickly R4R5R51 and the removal of benefits for pre-loading cards R4. Many feel the program is no longer as rewarding R21 and express frustration over the inability to redeem points for certain food items R18 or the high number of stars required for a free drink .
Chick-fil-A Chick-fil-A's rewards program is generally well-liked, with users appreciating the awards and bonus awards . However, some users note that the points needed for a sandwich have increased and question the point value discrepancies for items of similar price . There are also issues with DashPass perks not applying when ordering through the Chick-fil-A app R66 and problems with scanning receipts for points R66.
Customer Service & Order Accuracy edge: Chick-fil-AR7R29R33R34
Starbucks Starbucks users report poor customer service, with online support being unhelpful R7 and delivery issues not being adequately resolved R34. There's no option in the app for refunds or remakes when orders are made incorrectly R33R49. Inconsistency in drink quality across locations is also noted R29.
Chick-fil-A Chick-fil-A is widely praised for its outstanding service and friendly staff . However, some users frequently receive wrong orders and report issues with problem resolution through the app's chat feature . There are also complaints about corporate not being helpful with order issues and difficulty getting refunds for inedible food .
Pick Starbucks if

you frequently visit Starbucks and prioritize the convenience of mobile ordering to save time, despite potential app glitches and a less generous rewards program .

Pick Chick-fil-A if

you value consistent quality food and exceptional customer service, and want a generally reliable app experience with a good rewards program, even with occasional app update issues .

Evidence note: Both apps are free to download, so there is no free-vs-paid asymmetry. Reviews for both apps show a mix of positive and negative experiences, with recent negative reviews often highlighting app performance issues and changes to rewards programs.

Frequently asked

Do Starbucks stars expire?
Yes, Starbucks stars expire, with users reporting losing 300 stars for not using the app in two months R4R5R51.
Can I get a refund for a wrong order on the Starbucks app?
No, there is no option in the Starbucks app to get a refund or remake for orders made incorrectly R33R49.
Does the Chick-fil-A app have games?
Yes, the Chick-fil-A app includes games, which some users find annoying and a waste of time R67R73.
Can I use DashPass perks with Chick-fil-A app delivery?
DashPass perks for Chick-fil-A delivery through the Chick-fil-A app only apply if the order is a minimum of $12, unlike when ordering directly through the DoorDash app R66.

What reviewers actually said

Built only from these 120 real reviews (foreign ones translated). Superscripts jump to the quote here. Apple has no per-review links, so [ref] opens that app's reviews on the App Store.

  1. [R1] Starbucks 1/5 · US No longer works on older iPhones: No longer works on iPhone X with iOS 16, so won’t be purchasing coffee from Starbucks until I get a new phone in a few months.
  2. [R8] Starbucks 5/5 · US The App Gets You Free Reward Points!: The app is way better personally because you can earn reward points,customize drinks and more.
  3. [R10] Starbucks 1/5 · US Too often: “Online ordering not available” This happens too often. And this is a day after i gave this particular store a sparkling review. 😏
  4. [R13] Starbucks 1/5 · US Delivery feature is terrible: Very poorly implemented, clearly just a webpage added inside the app instead of a properly built feature. It freezes constantly, doesn't respond to tap input, and doesn't remember your login session because it's separate from the actual app
  5. [R3] Starbucks 3/5 · US Signing up problem: Idk what’s going on but no matter how many time I sign up and fill the information correctly it keeps on saying that there’s an error in the system.
  6. [R6] Starbucks 3/5 · US Charges reload without sending order: A few times now the app will charge the reload amount when ordering…then not actually send the order at all. Also usually excludes certain food orders from being added via the menu and requires adding a past order even when the item is still in stock.
  7. [R19] Starbucks 1/5 · US Just let me pay for my order: You shouldn’t have to add funds greater than your order. Just let me pay for my order like literally every other fast food app.
  8. [R24] Starbucks 3/5 · US Rewards: It would help if the use rewards option was at the top verses in the very bottom of the page
  9. [R9] Starbucks 3/5 · US Not great!: So when you use the mobile app to order, your order doesn’t instantly go through to the store. We waited over half an hour only to be told that the barista didn’t get our order until about 5 minutes before. There’s no point in using the mobile order app if you’re waiting in line anyway for over 40 minutes just to get coffee!
  10. [R4] Starbucks 1/5 · US Reward Program: Very disappointed that Starbucks has changed their rewards policy. I’ve lost 300 stars because I haven’t used the app in 2 months. I feel like there should be a better way of doing this, stars should never expire considering the money was spent. Makes me not want to use the app. Especially after changing the 2x stars with pre loading a card. What’s the point of loading a card if I
  11. [R5] Starbucks 5/5 · US Stars: You get deals and can preorder and see what drinks there are and get stars for free stuff but the stars disappear that’s why I didn’t put 5 star
  12. [R18] Starbucks 3/5 · US Redemption offers: I really would love to use my points for food choices. This isn’t made available causing my unused points to be a waste
  13. [R21] Starbucks 3/5 · US Expensive: I go less because they have products I like but they charge much more than before and the rewards program isnt as rewarding as it used to be. They also dont stand behind their products as well as they used to.
  14. [R7] Starbucks 1/5 · US Horrible don’t bother using: I came in religiously and signed up for the rewards and at one point everything was ok until I had to update the app . Then everything went away. There was no rewards/ no purchase history. I contacted their live online support and they were no help . I rather just pay cash/use card .
  15. [R29] Starbucks 5/5 · US Very convenient: Really useful, but I wish we could rate our drinks too after ordering. There’s a lot of inconsistency depending on where you go.
  16. [R33] Starbucks 3/5 · US Refund/issue option: There have been too many times I’ve grabbed my drink and been on my way to work and it’s made wrong. There is no option in the Starbucks app to get a refund or remake.
  17. [R34] Starbucks 1/5 · US Delivery: Bad customer service. I ordered two drinks on delivery and they order came with a soaked bag, one of the drinks spilled and leaked all over my work desk when I put it down to open the bag. I contacted support and they offered a $5 refund and said that was the best they could do when the drink was $10 and the delivery fee puts even more on. I told them I’ll take a remake and I’ll even go
  18. [R51] Starbucks 1/5 · US Points Expire: Ridiculous how quickly points expire. Stupid you cannot load the exact amount of money on your card, who wants to add $20 to a Starbucks account (just providing free loan to Starbucks) None of the stores know how to make matcha or cold foam, emailed a complaint and even though I have pictures they wouldn't do anything about it because I wasn't given a receipt
  19. [R49] Starbucks 2/5 · US Mistakes: It’s easy to make mistakes when you’re traveling and there’s so many Starbucks. There needs to be a way to refund your money in case you go to the wrong Starbucks or they don’t have your order or if you order at the wrong store.
  20. [R67] Chick-fil-A 1/5 · US Annoying and idiotic: How about you focus on making an app that works before you put stupid little games in the app
  21. [R73] Chick-fil-A 1/5 · US No one wants games in this app: No one wants games in this app, so stop wasting your users time with pointless popups, and stop wasting your own money developing them.
  22. [R66] Chick-fil-A 3/5 · US The Hidden Catch in Chick-fil-A DoorDash Orders: Chick-fil-A delivery is partnered with DoorDash. I enjoy Chick-fil-A, but I’m frustrated that even with DashPass, delivery through the Chick-fil-A app doesn’t apply the DashPass perks unless the order is a minimum of $12. When ordering Chick-fil-A through the DoorDash app, the DashPass perks apply, but you are unable to redeem Chick-fil-A rewards.

Synthesized from 120 recent App Store reviews · updated July 2026 · View on the App Store