20+ Starbucks Hacks to Save You Money
Starbucks is a nice way to treat yourself, but those little splurges really add up. Shawn Carter tracked his coffee habit in 2018 and found he spent $2,313.48 at Starbucks in 365 days [source].
Keep in mind that he tracked his Starbucks spending in 2018 when prices were significantly cheaper than they are now.
I don’t even want to think of what his total would be in 2022!
If you are a Starbucks fiend, take advantage of these 20+ Starbucks hacks to help you save money.
1. Download the Starbucks App
The fastest and easiest way to save money at Starbucks is to use the Starbucks app and become a Starbucks Rewards member.
With the app, you can earn rewards and enjoy perks like free drinks on your birthday and free refills on coffee and tea.
Download the Starbucks App Now
2. Earn Rewards
At Starbucks, you want to earn Stars. Stars mean free stuff.
If you want to earn the most stars, use the Starbucks app.
At checkout, have the cashier scan your SB app.
You’ll earn a Star for every dollar spent.
Connect your credit card to the SB app.
One additional Star is earned if you use your app to pay.
Complete Star Reward Challenges to earn bonus stars. (e.g. try a cold brew, a shaken espresso and a latte to earn 100 bonus stars!)
Once you earn 25 Stars, you start earning freebies (like free espresso shots, free drinks, free sandwiches, and free merch)
- Related: 5 Things Rich People Never Buy
3. Go During Happy Hour
Starbucks offers BOGO pricing during Happy Hour.
On select Thursdays each month, Starbucks schedules Happy Hour from 2 pm to 7 pm.
The best way to find out if Happy Hour is happening this week is to turn on happy Hour notifications on the Starbucks app.
4. Get a Second Tea Bag To Go
If you order a hot tea at Starbucks, ask the barista for the second tea bag to go.
It’s free! You’ll be able to enjoy a second cup of tea later.
5. Ask for Steamed Milk
You can save quite a bit if you know how to order your Starbucks drinks.
For example, instead of ordering a Caffe Misto (café au lait), simply ask for a drip coffee with steamed milk.
You can get four ounces of steamed milk with any drink for free – but you have to ask for it.
6. Share a Venti
A Venti Starbucks is 20 ounces. A Tall is 12 ounces.
You can order a Venti and ask the barista to split it between two Tall cups.
You and a friend can enjoy a 10-ounce drink each.
You will lose 2 ounces each, but you will save a couple of dollars!
7. Bring Your Own Cup
Save 10 cents on your order by bringing your own cup.
Every little bit adds up, and it’s better for the environment.
8. Add Cards to the App
To maximize your savings, you need to pay with the app.
It is easy to link credit, debit, and gift cards to the Starbucks app, making it a breeze to pay with the app and earn those extra Stars.
9. Order Drinks with Light Ice
Get more coffee for your money by requesting light ice.
This will prevent you from drinking watered-down drinks and ensure you get your money’s worth.
10. Text Grocery Receipts to Starbucks
Earn Starbucks Reward Stars when you purchase Starbucks coffee at the grocery store.
Simply text “Rewards” to 811811 or email [email protected] and be ready to send a pic of your receipt when requested.
11. Utilize the Free Condiment Station
Order a double or triple shot of espresso in a Venti cup, and then add your own milk at the condiment bar.
Now you’ve got a much cheaper iced latte than if you’d ordered one.
- Related: 11 Habits of Debt-Free Families
12. Don’t Buy Water
Sometimes you need water after all that coffee, but don’t pay for it!
Bottled water is not cheap. Starbucks’ Tap water is free!
And their water is filtered because they use it for making drinks.
They may make you pay for the plastic cup, but it only costs a few cents.
13. Get a Holiday Mug
During the holiday season, Starbucks runs a promotion offering a reusable holiday mug to customers for free.
If customers bring this mug in for coffee, they’ll save money.
In the past, they also offered freebies when you brought the cup in during January.
No news has been released for the 2022 Starbucks holiday cups but be on the lookout.
- Related: 7 Ways to Save Money for Christmas
14. Add Whipped Cream
Ask for whipped cream if you want to sweeten up your Starbucks beverage.
It’s free!
15. Order Your Regular Size in a Larger Cup
When placing your Starbucks order, always ask for it in the cup the next size up.
This allows you to add milk or cream without having to pour any of your drink out.
16. Scale Back Your Orders
You can save a lot by ordering an iced espresso and adding syrups or milk splashes to your drink.
This is significantly cheaper than ordering pre-made lattes or macchiatos (such as caramel macchiato).
17. Try Free Flavors
The more popular flavored syrups, such as mocha, cost extra money.
However, classic clear syrups, such as hazelnut, caramel, and vanilla, are free.
Scale back your drink and go crazy with free flavors.
20. Work at Starbucks
If you really love Starbucks, consider working there to save on your coffee habit.
You’ll earn money with this side hustle, and you’ll get to enjoy your favorite beverages while you are on the clock.
Plus, you’ll enjoy 30% off food and drinks on your days off.
That’s not all. You can also save money on college by working at Starbucks.
Starbucks employees receive free tuition at Arizona State University online.
Your reimbursement for your tuition will show up on your Starbucks paycheck.
22. Look for Employee Training Hours
Speaking of working at Starbucks, find out when your local Starbucks trains new employees.
During training sessions, they often give away free Starbucks drinks. This may be a good time to take your “coffee break.”
23. Get a Free Puppuccino
Don’t forget to get a special treat for your four-legged friend!
The Puppuccino is a small cup of whipped cream (remember, whipped cream is free).
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About the author Michelle Salater
Michelle Salater is a freelance finance writer with a passion for personal finance education. When she’s not in front of her computer, she’s reading biographies and exploring remote areas of the world. She also freelances for Wooster Media Group LLC.
