Starbucks has made some changes to its rewards program getting customers disappointed. Instead of rewarding customers based on the frequency of their visits, they will now be rewarded according to the money they spend on their orders. The new scheme will be implemented this April.

For the meantime, Starbucks customers will still earn 1 point for every visit. Having 12 points entitles a customer for a free drink or food item. On April, customers will receive 2 points for every dollar spent and a total of 125 points provide a free treat. Starbucks said the change in the rewards program is based on customer's feedback, naming it "#1 customer request" it got in accordance to the loyalty program, Mashable reports.

Currently, customers get gold status if in a year they earned 30 stars. It would be equivalent to a 30-time visit to Starbucks if you haven't any bonus points along the way. Gold members only get free food item or beverage after they earned 12 stars.

However, when the new rewards program starts, customers need to earn 300 stars or spend around $150 to reach the gold status.  In addition, they need 125 stars more which is almost equivalent to spending additional $63 to exchange for a free item. CNNMoney reports that customers who spend $5 for every visit will take advantage because they will still reach the gold status in almost 30 visits to Starbucks. 

A Starbucks spokeswoman informed CNNMoney that the company knows of the reactions on social media and is "always listening to customer feedback."

Starbucks Rewards program customers were sent email on Monday regarding the outlined changes. Here's what the email says: "In April, we're launching a new Starbucks Rewards program to reflect the #1 request we heard from members: more Stars awarded based on what you buy, no matter how often you visit."  It was signed by Aimee Johnson, Starbucks Rewards senior vice president, according to the Sun Times Network.

The plan comes as Starbucks has been aspiring to get more customers signed up to the My Starbucks Rewards program. The change only applies to Canada, U.S. and Puerto Rico.