How to Get Free Coffees at Starbucks Every Time

Ordering coffee – especially at Starbucks – isn’t cheap. But if you find yourself a regular at the store, you can score free coffees at every visit with a simple trick.

Depending on the location and variety, you’re looking at paying at least a few bucks to $7 when on the go. That’s compared to just cents at home.

Each month, a study by financial services platform, Empower Personal DashboardTM, finds that Americans spend $44.50 on coffee, up 10 percent from 2020. When just accounting for Gen Z, the average is $51 a month – the highest of all cohorts in the report.

While ordering coffee is not something I recommend doing regularly if you’re looking to manage your finances, sometimes you need to splurge or need a caffeine boost while traveling.

Even though Starbucks costs a premium, little do consumers know when ordering in-store that they can score a big benefit and major savings.

How to Get Free Coffees

When browsing the app, you may have noticed a section on the home screen about free refills.

While you can’t process a refill through the app, you can by requesting it from your barista. First, you’ll need to order a coffee, of course, and ask an employee for another copy of the drink once finished. Tea is also eligible for a refill at the coffee chain.

What you Need to Know

While this works at most stores that I’ve visited, few will tell you that they can’t process a refill. So it may vary by specific location. For example, locations that operate within Target stores may not allow for it and select others.

Also, keep in mind that depending on the barista, you may be required to order in-store and stay. So, for example, if you leave for an hour and come back, you might no longer be eligible.

Some employees have also told me not to use the app, even if I decide to stay in the store to enjoy my order. But still, I find that most process the refill as long as they see you’ve been in the store.

There’s also a catch – not all drinks are eligible. For example, they will not refill a cold brew and other varieties.

However, they should be able to supplement your refill with a hot or iced coffee, with the sweetener of your choice. Just note that some customizations in your original drink will cost extra, such as cold foam.

Some locations I noticed will also refill your drink in a reusable mug. You can try to request that they put it in a plastic cup to go – but the idea behind it is likely to keep customers in-store.

This all reflects my experience with free refills at locations, with some attributed to Starbucks’ public policy.

Other Ways to Win at Starbucks

Those who find themselves regulars at Starbucks or ordering on the app should keep some other tips in mind the next time they are craving a drink at the coffee chain.

Many sweeteners are free. For example, this is the case with cane sugar and Stevia in The Raw. You can order these on the app with your drink or pick them up at the store’s condiment bar, which also features creamer and milk.

Stevia is our healthiest choice to go with your coffee if you’re looking to add a sweetness to your order. It’s a zero-calorie natural additive. However, Starbucks’ Stevia packets do contain dextrose – which is known to spike blood sugar.

But overall, if you’re planning to dine in a Starbucks store for some time, taking advantage of a refill makes sense. All of a sudden, that $5.50 coffee turns into $2.75 each. It’s not as budget-friendly as coffee at home – but it’s a nice perk to be aware of.

Also, Starbucks’ policy does say “refills” – so you’ll likely be eligible for more than one. It’s unclear if baristas will eventually cut you off, but clearly, you can get your money’s worth if you decide to stay in the store for a period of time.