Start saving money and getting free coffee with these secret Starbucks Money Saving Hacks!  Plus, I’m sharing 12 Starbucks Copycat Recipes you can make at home, too!

Then… save even more money on coffee and treats when you know how to get Free Food at Panera!

Starbucks Money Saving Hacks

It’s time to save money at Starbucks with these ridiculously easy Starbucks Money Saving Hacks!

Now let me tell you… I’m a big fan of Starbucks coffee.  Whenever I want to Eat Out Cheap, I use these little-known tips and tricks to score a sweet deal!

My infatuation with coffee began in high school, but my love only increased when I started working at the Starbucks corporate headquarters in Seattle.

I was young, in college, and highly caffeinated.  That Summer led to fun classes learning how to make every popular Starbucks Menu Drink + unlimited FREE drinks each day at the make-your-own espresso bars tucked around every corner!

So yes… that fueled my already brewing addiction and serious love affair with our friend, Coffee.

I’ve always enjoyed Starbucks dates with my hubby, meeting friends for coffee, and stopping by Starbucks cafes on vacation with my family!  However, making frequent stops to get coffee at Starbucks can really add up, right?  So that’s where these Starbucks Drink Hacks come in to play!

These easy Starbucks Tips and Tricks to help you save money on your next visit to Starbucks, score Free Starbucks drinks, and even learn how to make your favorite handcrafted coffee beverages at home!

Are you ready to save BIG on your next coffee fix?

Finding the best Restaurant Deals is always fun!

So read on to learn my favorite hacks for How To Save Money At Starbucks…

(Original Starbucks location in Pike Place Market – Seattle, Washington)

Related: 30 Eat Out Cheap Ideas

We all know that scoring our favorite Starbucks drink for free is the absolute best way to enjoy coffee.

So here are my favorite Starbucks money saving hacks.  When you know these tips, you can enjoy your favorite drinks more often, while spending less money.

Sound good?

How do I Save Money at Starbucks?

Well… it’s actually a lot easier than you think!

Once you know these secret money saving tips, savvy ordering hacks and Starbucks Copycat Recipes, you’ll be saving like a pro!

#1. Ordering Off the Menu of Starbucks?  Get an Iced Venti… for the Price of a Tall!

This little trick that will save you SO much money!

When ordering your favorite iced drink off the menu of Starbucks, simply order it as a “Tall with No Ice”.  Then also ask for a “Venti Cup of Ice”.  Once you receive your order, pour your Tall drink into your Venti cup, and watch it fill it right up!

You just scored a Venti Iced Coffee for the price of a Tall!

#2. Save $2.00 on a Starbucks Latte When You Order a Doppio!

Frugal Friend Madison writes: “If your regular drink is an iced latte, instead order just the shots in whichever cup you prefer, and then ask for milk or cream.  You end up with the same drink, but ordering the individual shots instead comes out cheaper!”

For example, you can get a Grande Iced Latte with 2 shots of espresso for $4.95, but a Doppio is just $2.95!

What’s a Doppio?  Well, my hubby’s favorite drink order is 2 shots of espresso over ice with half and half.  A barista told him it’s officially called a ‘Doppio’.

It doesn’t have quite as much milk as a latte, but it’s pretty darn close.  And if you want, you can order it with half and half instead of milk for a richer, creamier drink!  It’s 100% dreamy!

Your tastebuds (and wallet) will thank you!

#3. Get FREE Starbucks Refills on Coffee and Tea!

Starbucks Rewards Members are also eligible for Free Refills on coffee and tea at participating stores!

So make sure to scan your rewards card when paying.  Then once you finish your drink in-store, you can get a refill of a free hot or iced coffee!

We do this all the time, and it saves SO much money!

#4. You Can Get FREE Starbucks Refills While Shopping at Target, too!

Frugal Friend Beth writes: “Become a Gold Member and get a hot or iced coffee or a tea (ask first if it will count), then stay in the store even if it’s a Target and get a free refill on way out.

If your working on your computer or just hanging out you can also keep getting free refills.”

Related: Ways to Save More at Target

#5. Get a FREE Starbucks Drink on Your Birthday! (Go for a Venti!)

Did you know you can get a free drink on your birthday, too?  Sign up for Starbucks Rewards and make sure to enter your birthdate when signing up to be eligible for your free birthday treat!

Make sure you use your Starbucks app to earn star rewards in the previous 12 months to qualify for your freebie.

Katherine writes: “I always look forward to that free coffee from Starbucks on my birthday!!”

This is by far one of my favorite freebies I get on my birthday.  The deal is valid for any size drink, so treat yourself to a Venti!

Related: 101 Birthday Freebies to Sign Up For ASAP!

#6. Have your Starbucks Venti Frappucino Split into 2 Cups

Want to know how to order one drink for two people?

If I’m out with my hubby, kids, or a friend, instead of ordering 2 Tall 12 oz. Frappucinos, we order 1 venti 24 oz. Frappucino and have it split into 2 cups.

This simple trick saves abut $3.00!

#7. Starbucks Barista Hack: Skip the Mocha, and order a Starbucks Misto with 2 Pumps of Chocolate!

Here’s a tip that will save you a fast buck.

A Starbucks barista taught me this tip years ago!

Instead of ordering a Mocha, simply order a Misto with 2 pumps of chocolate. It’s made with drip coffee instead of espresso shots, but tastes virtually the same, and saves about $1.00!

#8. Save Money When You Order a Hot 8oz. Short Drink! (Secret Size in Starbucks)

You won’t find this option listed up on the wall, but if you want to save a little money (or just want to cut back on the caffeine or calories), this Starbucks secret menu hack is for you!

Order your favorite HOT drink as an 8 oz. Short Sized Drink.  It’s my favorite size in Starbucks to order!G

The amount you save will vary by drink, but it’s an easy Starbucks money saving trick worth checking out!

My order on repeat: For example, rather than a Tall latte with one shot, you can order a Short latte.  It also comes with one shot, so you’ll get the same boost of caffeine that you would from a Tall, but save money just by having a little less milk.

#9. Guess the Starbucks Pup Cup Price!  (Yep, It’s FREE!)

Did you know that Starbucks has a secret menu item just for your dog?  It’s true and it’s an easy way to make your doggie very happy while you are out and about.

So what is a Puppuccino… also known as a Pup Cup?

It’s simply some whip cream in a small cup.

To receive this freebie, all you have to do is request a “Puppuccino” or “Pup Cup” and you’ll get a FREE treat for your pooch added to your order!  Fido will thank you!

Related: How to Keep Dogs Busy Inside

#10. Starbucks Veterans Day Deal! (FREE Coffee)

Did you know that Veterans and Active Duty Military and Veterans can receive a Free Cup of Coffee at Starbucks on Veterans Day?

Frugal Friend Carol writes: “We go once a year when they give free coffee to veterans, and my husband gets his free cup of coffee”

So if you know any veterans or active duty military, make sure to share this tip with them.  It’s a great way to say thank you!

Related: 101 Military Discounts You Didn’t Know About!

#11. Download the Starbucks App for Exclusive Coupons! (like 50% off or Buy 1, Get 1 FREE!)

Would you like to save even more with some Starbucks Coupons?  Just download the Starbucks app on your phone, and check it regularly for exclusive coupons.

Here are some of the delicious deals I’ve recently taken advantage of thanks to having the app on my phone…

• Free Birthday Drink (any style, any size)
• Buy 1, Get 1 FREE Fall Drinks
• 50% off Holiday Drinks

Not all apps are worth it, but the Starbucks app can really pay off.

Erica writes: “If they have a BOGO special and you don’t have a friend with you, you can order your second drink and throw it in the fridge for the next day!”

#12. Scan Your Starbucks App EVERY Time You Order to Earn Stars!

Even if you won’t be paying for your order with your Starbucks app, make sure to scan your app every time you order.  This way you can rack up more points for FREE drinks and food later!

Plus, when you scan your app every time you order, you won’t miss out on getting those free refills I mentioned above!

#13 Starbucks Barista Hack: You Can Use Your Starbucks Star Points Towards FREE Merchandise!

Did you know that you can use your points to score free merchandise?

Erica writes: “Another tip a barista told me is that if you have over 400 star points you can use them towards select merch (I think she said up to $20 which is a great deal).

So if you’re in the market for a gift or a new mug and have some extra points could be a good way to use them before they expire!”

#14. Get 10c Off at Starbucks When You Bring In Your Reusable Cup!

Did you know you can also get a 10 cent reward just for bringing in your reusable cup?

I mean hey, it all adds up! 🙂

Just remember, the Starbucks Reusable Cup Discount is valid in the lobby only.  It won’t apply to drive-thru orders.

#15. Order Your Iced Tea With no Water + 2 Free Iced Waters on the Side!  (You’ll End Up With 2 For the Price of 1)

Want 2 iced teas for the price of 1?

When you order iced tea at Starbucks, it is basically brewed double strength, and then watered down before serving.  A simple hack is to just order a ‘No Water Iced Tea’.

This way you end up with Double Strength Tea.

Then order 2 Iced Waters on the side.  Drink down the waters a little ways, then evenly pour the iced tea into each cup to end up with two teas for the price of one!

#16. Get a FREE Espresso Shot with Just 25 Stars!

If you don’t rack up stars quickly, don’t worry.  Now you can get a FREE shot of espresso added to your drink for just 25 stars!

Let the energy boost begin!

#17. Skip the Bottled Water, and Get a FREE Filtered Ice Water!

You’ll often find bottles of water within easy reach in the cooler case while you’re standing in line.

However, I NEVER buy water bottles at Starbucks.

When placing your order, simply ask for an ice water as well, and you’ll end up with a delicious filtered ice water to go… for FREE!  Yay for free water!

#18. Try One of These Starbucks Secret Menu Drinks!

The Starbucks Secret Menu is one of the most delicious things you may ever experience!  There are SO many decadent drinks to try that aren’t on the menu.

You just need to know how to order them, and you’re good to go!

Popular Starbucks Secret Menu Drinks to Try…

1. Candy Cane Frappuccino (Grande Vanilla Bean Frapp, 2 Pumps Peppermint Syrup, Top with Whip Cream)
2. Cinnamon Roll Frappuccino (Grande Vanilla Bean Frapp, 2 Pumps Cinnamon Dolce Syrup, Top with Whip Cream)
3. Churro Frappuccino (Grande Vanilla Bean Frapp, 2 Pumps Cinnamon Dolce Syrup, 1 Pump White Mocha Syrup, Sprinkle of Cinnamon, Top with Whip Cream & Caramel Syrup)
4. Cotton Candy Frappuccino (Grande Vanilla Bean Frapp, 2 Pumps Raspberry Syrup, Top with Whip Cream)
5. Dole Whip Frappuccino (Grande Vanilla Bean Frapp, 5 Pumps Pineapple Ginger Syrup, Top with Whip Cream)
6. Heath Toffee Frappuccino (Carmel Drizzle in the Cup, Grande Mocha Frapp, 2 Pumps Toffee Nut Syrup, Top with Whip Cream + Mocha Drizzle)
7. Nutella Frappuccino (Grande Mocha Frapp, 2 Pumps Mocha, 1 Pump Hazelnut Syrup, Blend in Whip Cream)
8. Skittles Frappuccino (Grande Strawberries & Cream Frapp, 2 Pumps Vanilla Syrup, 1 Pump Raspberry Syrup, Top with Whip Cream)
9. Snickers Frappuccino (Grande Mocha Frapp, 1 Pump Caramel Syrup, 1 Pump Toffee Nut Syrup, Top with Whip Cream + Extra Caramel Drizzle)
10. Twix Frappuccino (Grande Caramel Frapp, 2 Pumps Hazelnut Syrup, Java Chips, Caramel Sauce, Whip Cream + Mocha Drizzle on top)

Erica writes: “These are all great tips! Another one I love to do is to either bring a premixed protein shake like a premier protein (or one I made at home) and order a dopio over ice in a venti cup with extra ice for a couple bucks.

Then I pour my protein mixture in and voila, an iced espresso drink that tastes great, low in sugar, high in protein and lower cost!”

#19. Barista Hack: Create Your Own Drink & They Will Make It For You!

Did you know you can actually make up any drink you want when ordering at Starbucks?

Several baristas at several different stores have clued me into this trick.  They say as long as they have the ingredients on hand, or you can give them a little guidance on how you would like it made, they’ll gladly make it for you!

How fun is that?!?  It’s time to get creative!

Here are some of the syrup and sauce options available to get you thinking about more new fun drinks you’d like to order:

Starbucks Syrups:

• Brown Sugar Syrup
• Caramel Syrup
• Cinnamon Dolce Syrup
• Hazelnut Syrup
• Irish Cream Syrup
• Peppermint Syrup
• Pineapple Ginger Syrup
• Raspberry Syrup
• Toffee Nut Syrup
• Vanilla Syrup

Starbucks Sauces:

• Caramel Sauce
• Mocha Sauce
• Pistachio Sauce
• White Chocolate Mocha Sauce

#20. Skip the Coffee Run, and Make Some Starbucks Copycat Recipes at Home!

Frugal friend Rosemary writes: “Oh my gosh don’t get me started on how much I love starbucks LOL!

We got an espresso machine to try to keep ourselves from going too often.”

Get started making some of your favorite Starbuck’s style drinks at home with these fun recipes…

How to Make Espresso at Home Without a Fancy Machine!

Copycat Starbucks Cold Brew Coffee Recipe

Starbucks Copycat Coffee Frappuccino Recipe

Starbucks Copycat Mocha Frappuccino Recipe

Copycat Starbucks Caramel Apple Spice Recipe

Alicia writes: “Caramel apple spice is an easy one to recreate.”

Copycat Starbucks Hot Chocolate Recipe

Starbucks Copycat Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate

Starbucks Copycat Peppermint Hot Chocolate 

Copycat Starbucks White Hot Chocolate

Starbucks Copycat Cold Hot Chocolate Recipe

Copycat Starbucks Peppermint Mocha Recipe

Hot Vanilla Creme

Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Bread Recipe

Now go check out 20+ more delicious java creations you can make at home…

Easy Coffee Recipes

Bonus Tip. Get FREE Starbucks Gift Cards for Taking Surveys!

Start collecting your free Starbucks Gift Cards when you take surveys with Survey Junkie.  Once you reach 1,000 points, you can cash out your points for a $10 Starbucks Gift Card!

As a member of Survey Junkie, I love how they have a fun, easy earnings wheel to track my progress.  Progress towards scoring that next free Starbucks Gift Card!

This is definitely one of my FAVORITE Starbucks Money Saving Hacks!

Bonus Tip #2. Stuff Your Wallet with More FREE Starbucks Gift Cards!

I’ve already been a member Swagbucks for almost 10 years and I consistently earn free gift cards every month!

With Swagbucks you can earn SB Points for Free Starbucks Gift Cards by taking surveys, watching videos, playing games, getting shopping rewards and more. You only need 500 SB points for a $5 Starbucks Gift Card!

Here’s what you need to do…

Go here to sign up for your Free Swagbucks account.

Then… start earning SB Points!  Learn about all the best ways to earn SB Points with these 16 Ways to Earn More Swagbucks SB Points.  More SB points = More Starbucks Gift Cards!

I love Swagbucks and I love how quickly I can earn Free Starbucks Gift Cards with Swagbucks!

More Ways To Save Money At Your Favorite Restaurants

You can never save enough money when eating out… can you?

So now that you’ve scored these Starbucks Money Saving Hacks, start saving even more money when you use these brilliant Eat Out Cheap tips for popular restaurants near you.

Saving money at your favorite restaurants is about to get really easy.

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Chili’s Menu Hacks You Haven’t Heard Before!

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So what are your favorite Starbucks Money Saving Hacks and Ordering Tricks?

Share with us in the comments below!