Beginning Dec. 26, Starbucks will combine its Gold Card program, and its Starbucks Card Rewards, into a new program called My Starbucks Rewards. It replaces the Gold Card's 10 percent discount and $25 annual fee with a tiered rewards program that offers free birth day drinks, free refills and free Wi-Fi.

At the Gold Level of My Starbucks Rewards, members get a free drink after every 15 purchases and a personalized card.

A Starbucks spokesman said the change was in response to customers who said they'd visit more often if they weren't charged an annual fee. But is trading off the discount a good deal? Opinions on the Starbucks Gossip blog (chicagotribune.com/goldcard) are mixed.

"What a disappointing change! This new program is about half as valuable to costumers as Starbucks Gold," said one person.

Another said he thinks the free drink after 15 purchases works out better than the 10 percent discount.

"Fifteen visits to Star bucks for either basic coffee or pastry purchase, with average of $2 per transaction, will cost me $30," the commenter said. "For the free drink, I will pick those fancy treat venti, which cost at least $3.75."

Gold Card memberships due to expire before year's end will be extended to Jan. 5 along with the 10 percent discount, a spokesman said. Gold Card members who signed up after Jan. 1 will be extended the discount for the full 12-month term.

Afterward, all Gold Card members will be automatically enrolled into My Starbucks Rewards at the Gold Level.

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