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Do you want to get free Starbucks?
I’m not going to hide I enjoy their drinks (their toffee nut hot chocolate is my fav!).
However, they are pretty pricey, especially their specialty drinks.
While I’m a big fan, if I get hooked with this habit it can really put a big dent in my budget.
As much as I want to, I can’t stay away from Starbucks.
If only there was a way to get them for free.
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But guess what, you can get free Starbucks!
So if you like freebies and have a slight addiction for caffeine, specifically Starbucks, then this post is for you.
In this article, I’m going to share 20 tips on how to get a free Starbucks drink.
Are you crazy about Starbucks?
Lattes and fraps, cold brews and teas, that delectable coffee aroma—people go crazy for them.
If you ask me, Starbucks has never failed to deliver.
But despite the fact that a Starbucks habit is not a cheap one, it doesn’t make people like it any less.
If you think you’re a Starbucks addict, you’re not alone.
There are many people who are similarly addicted to the brand and its coffee.
According to a report from Acorns Money Matters report, around millennials are spending more on their daily coffee than they are investing in retirement.
How much do they spend?
About $3 a day on coffee. That’s about $1,100 a year.
That pumpkin spice latte can really burn a hole in your wallet.
So if you’re anxious about all that money spent on java but can’t let go of the habit, here are 20 tips on how to score a free coffee at Starbucks.
How to get free Starbucks
1. Sign up with Swagbucks to get a free drink at Starbucks
This is one of the easiest ways to bag a Starbucks free drink.
One of the best platforms that let you take surveys for money through Paypal is Swagbucks. It’s a great site that offers wonderful rewards and opportunities to make extra cash.
Did you know you can earn $100 worth in Starbucks gift cards with Swagbucks?
All you need to do is sign up for an account. Then answer survey questions, watch videos, or just do all the normal stuff you do online.
Swagbucks is a 100-percent legit survey site.
2. Earn Starbucks money when you go shopping with Ibotta.
Want to earn cash backs?
Check out Ibotta. Use this app when you go shopping at Walgreens and Target. Once your transactions are verified, you can earn cash backs.
Ibotta payouts are made via PayPal or Starbucks gift cards.
Click here to sign up for Ibotta.
3. Participate with Toluna for Starbucks gift cards.
Toluna is a product testing and survey site that has a fun and energetic vibe.
You can join the fun activities and test products for free while earning cash in return.
Payouts are made through PayPal. You can also have gift cards and product rewards as alternatives.
If you want to join Toluna, click here.
4. Get the Starbucks app for a chance to get freebies.
Did you know you can earn stars toward a Starbucks free drink when you download this app?
If you get 125 stars, you get a Starbucks coffee free.
Wondering how to get these stars?
For every dollar you spend with your Starbucks card and app, you get two free Starbucks stars.
Plus, you get a free Starbucks beverage on your birthday.
5. Register your Starbucks card for the rewards program.
If you’re a Starbucks addict, you’re probably familiar about this program.
You will automatically receive a Green Level status upon joining. For every dollar you spend, you earn two stars. The more stars you earn, the higher your status becomes.
When you earn 300 stars in a year, you will receive a Gold member status. This means more perks and benefits.
You can join the Starbucks rewards program here.
Whether you’re Green or Gold Level status, you can still get freebies in Starbucks. You can choose from hot or iced coffee, teas, and other brews.
And did I mention you can also get free coffee at Starbucks on your birthday?
Related: The Best Free Stuff On Your Birthday
Starbucks used to give birthday celebrants up to 30 days to redeem their in-store freebies. But it changed the policy, only letting you get stuff on your actual birthday.
You have the option to go nuts and customize your drink the way you want it. Or you could choose something from the food menu.
6. Earn rewards and Starbucks freebies with the Drop app.
Would you like to turn your purchases into rewards?
Check out Drop. It’s a free app that lets you rack up cash rewards.
You buy stuff, and Drop will let you earn points for rewards, coupons, and cashback.
What’s great about it is you can use these perks to get a free Starbucks drink.
Want to join Drop? Click here.
7. Buy one get one free from Starbucks.
You might want to keep an eye out on special promos and discounts. Starbucks features them often during the holidays
One of the popular ones include the Starbucks BOGO special; you buy one, you get one drink free.
Also, visit your nearest outlet during Starbucks’ happy hour for price-offs on their specialty drinks. Discounts can reach up to 50 percent off.
8. Collect free stamp cards to get a free Starbucks drink.
If you didn’t know, Starbucks hands out free stamp cards. This usually happens during the holiday season.
When you get enough stamps on your card, you can get a free Starbucks drink.
You can also exchange your stamped-out card for other freebies like a Starbucks planner.
9. Earn a free drink by being environmentally friendly.
Do you usually bring your own mug when you visit Starbucks?
Did you know you can save 10 cents on every purchase of fresh brew if you bring your mug with you?
Now, 10 cents may not sound that much. But if you’re a frequent Starbucks customer, that could amount to a couple of free drinks.
At 10 cents a day 365 days a year, you can save $36.50 annually. That’s about 12 to 13 drinks already.
If not for the savings, bringing your own mug is good for the environment.
Savings and saving Mother Earth, how can you say no to that?
10. Keep an eye on Groupon for awesome deals.
It may not happen often, but once in a blue moon, Groupon lets you in on big discounts.
One of the specials on Groupon includes big savings on your next Starbucks trip. You can get a $10 Starbucks card for half the price. That’s about a drink free for every card.
Sign up for Groupon and get the chance to snag other good deals.
11. Earn points for credit card rewards.
Got a credit card?
Ask your bank if it allows you to accumulate points for rewards. That’s usually the case.
Rack up the points and earn rewards from your regular purchases. From your groceries to utilities.
Your weekly trips to the supermarket can get you a couple of javas every month.
12. Check out Puppucino.
Did you know Starbucks offers a delectable treat for your pup?
It’s called Puppicino.
The next time you go to Starbucks, have your four-legged furry pal tag along. Order a generous serving of Puppucino—it’s whipped cream in a cup for your pup.
Apparently, it’s free. Ask your local outlet about it.
Guess what! Even if you don’t have your dog with you on your visit, you can still order a Puppucino for free.
You might want to try this heavenly sweet drink. It’s a magical delight.
Need more hacks to get free Starbucks?
I’m just getting warmed up. Here are more tips to get your caffeine fix and more bang for your buck.
13. Try the DIY iced lattes.
This one’s not absolutely free, but it’s cheaper than your usual fare.
If you don’t mind making your own drink, you might want to experiment on your own caffeinated concoction.
Get your inexpensive Starbucks drink by creating your own latte. It’s cheaper by a dollar or two.
Plus, you get to make your own, which means you control the ingredients you put in there. Just go to the condiment bar and let out your creative side.
Here’s how you can make your DIY ice lattes.
Get a double (or triple) shot of espresso on ice in a larger-sized cup. Now take that espresso to the condiment counter and enjoy a generous dousing of cream, milk, sugar, chocolate powder, and cinnamon.
Enjoy your DIY iced latte made to your preference.
14. Secret menu for smaller-sized caffeinated delights.
Here’s another hack to getting cheap drinks at Starbucks.
Google “Starbucks secret menu.”
Now, most people are only familiar with the three sizes that the coffee chain offers. It’s tall, grande, and venti.
But did you know there’s a fourth one?
It’s a short size—an eight-ounce cup as opposed to tall’s 12 ounces.
A short size drink will set you back less than two bucks, which is less than the average three-dollar price on the regular menu.
You’ll have to ask the barista about the smaller beverages. They don’t usually put it on their menu board.
With a short drink, you can save about 15 percent but still get the same amount of caffeine. That means you still get your usual buzz but with fewer calories.
15. “Upgrade” your cup size.
Not a free drink, but a handy tip if you want to get the most of your beverage.
I don’t know if you noticed this; when you let the barista make room for cream on your drink, you’re essentially giving up space intended for your coffee. That crucial cup real estate makes you have less caffeine.
To overcome this deficiency, order a tall coffee, but ask the barista to put it in a larger cup. That way, you maximize the vital cup real estate for your caffeinated delight and still get your cream fix.
16. Go easy on the ice.
Just like the cream conundrum.
If you put cream on your coffee cup, it takes up space. This results in less coffee; a waste of cup real estate.
Ice takes up space too.
If you put in a lot of ice on your drink, you’re getting less coffee and more ice, resulting in a diluted beverage when the ice melts.
So the next time you get an iced drink, tell your barista to go easy on the ice.
Less ice means you get more bang and caffeinated buzz for your buck.
17. “Not too much water on my iced tea please.”
This is another strategy to get the most bang for your buck.
Did you know Starbucks has a pre-set concoction for their iced teas?
Now this pre-made formula is in concentrated form, meaning the tea content is splendid.
However, when you order your usual iced drink, most baristas will dilute it with water.
If you want twice the buzz in your iced tea, tell your barista to go light on water. Not too much or you’ll get a watered-down beverage.
18. Venti and grande contain the same amount of caffeine.
You probably didn’t know this.
Would you believe a venti drink contains the same amount of caffeine as a grande?
To arrive at a venti size, the barista just pumps up more milk on a grande.
This observation applies unless you ordered a plain brew.
19. Get it in a French Press.
Have you tried getting your coffee in a French Press?
You get a brew that’s more aromatic and delectable.
But here’s another good reason why you should try it.
You can save up to 50 percent off your caffeine bill. This tip is perfect if you’re sharing the hot beverage with a couple of your friends.
With a French Press, you end up with 32 ounces of heavenly delight. Way to split it with your best buds.
20. Try the venti split.
This works best if there’s two of you sharing the drink (preferably a frappucino).
Order a venti and ask for two tall-sized cups.
When you get your venti order, fill up the two tall cups. You get two servings for the price of one.
Have any other tips on how to get free Starbucks?
