Bakkt Digital Wallet, for Bitcoin to Starbucks Points, Goes Live After Long Delay

The launch of its flagship consumer product was originally expected for early 2020.

AccessTimeIconMar 30, 2021 at 3:05 p.m. UTC
Updated May 9, 2023 at 3:17 a.m. UTC
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Bakkt is launching its digital wallet app with companies such as Starbucks among its roster of merchant partners.

  • The app drew 500,000 users in its invitation-only trial run prior to its public launch Tuesday, Bakkt said in a press release.
  • The app was announced in October 2019, with plans to launch in the first half of 2020.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic appears to have scuttled Bakkt’s original timeline, given the app’s focus on the hospitality and travel sectors.
  • Bakkt is aiming to aggregate cryptocurrency holdings with other digital assets such as airline miles, gift cards and loyalty points.
  • “Customers can now use Bakkt to reload their Starbucks Card through the Starbucks app for iOS,” Bakkt said.
  • Other partners include Best Buy, Choice Hotels, Fiserv and GolfNow.
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