Starbucks Korea will temporarily ease its criteria for refunds of Starbucks Card balances. From June 1 to 14, it will issue refunds without the existing condition of using at least 60 percent of the most recent top-up amount, it said on Monday. Requests made through the Starbucks app will be processed within seven business days, and the refundable amount per account is up to the current maximum balance limit of 2 million won.

Under the existing terms of use, Starbucks Card refunds were allowed only when at least 60 percent of the final top-up balance had been used, and only for the remaining amount of 40 percent or less. The exception refund was 마련됐다 after a system development process. A Starbucks official said, "With a heavy sense of responsibility and a remorseful 마음, we have eased the criteria to operate in a way that minimises inconvenience even a little for customers who have recently requested refunds."

Unregistered, bearer physical cards can be refunded by visiting a store. In-store refunds will be operated on a limited basis only for this type of card. Customers who want to withdraw from Starbucks Rewards membership can transfer the entire remaining balance to a bearer physical card at a store and then withdraw immediately. In that case, withdrawal is possible even before the exception refund period, and after June 1 customers can receive a cash refund in stores without usage conditions.

Starbucks, however, plans to operate some convenience features for Starbucks Cards and top-up limits on a limited basis during the exception refund period, citing the burden on store responses and the risk of abuse through cashing out. Details will be announced later through the Starbucks website and mobile app. A Starbucks official said, "Regarding Starbucks Card refund rules, we will continue to listen to consumers' various opinions and strive to improve inconveniences."