23 Starbucks Money Saving Hacks! {Little Known Tricks}

Start saving money and getting free coffee with these easy Starbucks Money Saving Hacks!

It’s time to save some money at Starbucks with some help from these insanely easy Starbucks Money Saving Hacks!

Now let me tell you… I’m a big fan of Starbucks coffee, in fact I even used to work at their corporate headquarters in Seattle when I was in college.  That led to fun classes learning how to make every 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 coffee.  What can I say… I’m in love!

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

Here are some really easy Starbucks Tips and Tricks to help you save money on your next visit to Starbucks, and to even score Free Starbucks drinks!  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}

Starbucks Money Saving Hacks

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 and tips for how you can get Free Starbucks Gift Cards and dine on a dime!

How do I Save Money at Starbucks?

Well… it’s actually a lot easier than you think!  Once you know these secrety money saving tips, savvy ordering hacks + my favorite ways for filling your wallet with FREE gift cards, you’ll be a pro!

#1: 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!

#2: 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, 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!

#3: Get FREE Refills on Coffee and Tea!

Starbucks Rewards Members are also eligible for Free Refills on coffee and tea at participating stores! Learn more here.  We did this just the other day, and it saved SO much money!

#4: You Can Get FREE 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: 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.

Right now you will get 100 FREE Swagbucks SB Points right when you sign up using promo code: FRUGAL100!!  {code is case sensitive ~ sometimes it works better to type it, rather than copying and pasting it}

You only need 500 SB points for a $5 Starbucks Gift Card!  I love Swagbucks and I love how quickly I can earn Free Starbucks Gift Cards with Swagbucks!

#6: Get a FREE Drink on Your Birthday!

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!!”

Related: 101 More Birthday Freebies!

#7: Have your Venti Frappucino Split into 2 Cups

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!

#8: Skip the Mocha, and order a Misto with 2 Pumps of Chocolate!

Instead of a ordering a Mocha, simply order a Misto with 2 pumps of chocolate. A Starbucks barista taught me this tip years ago!  It is made with drip coffee instead of espresso shots, but tastes virtually the same, and saves about $1.00!

#9: Order your Tall Hot Brewed Coffee in a Grande or Venti Cup

By having it poured into a larger cup, you’ll make sure you’ve got plenty of room to add your cream or sugar, without having to pour out any of the coffee!

#10: Get a Cheap Latte When You Order Espresso Shots Only!

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

#11: Or Order an 8oz. Short Drink Off the Secret Menu! {Hot Drinks Only}

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 secret menu hack is for you!  Order your favorite HOT drink as an 8 oz. Short Sized Drink.  The amount you save will vary by drink, but it’s an easy Starbucks money saving trick worth checking out!

#12: Order a Latte and Add Chocolate Syrup

Frugal friend Andrea writes: “If you’re using the Starbucks app and trying to earn rewards, don’t order a mocha.  Order a latte and add chocolate syrup.  Same recipe, same price, but if you order a mocha you won’t earn your rewards points when you’re on a ‘Latte Star Dash’.  Even though a mocha is just a latte with chocolate syrup.”

#13: Active Military and Veterans Get a Free Cup of Coffee on Veterans Day!

Did you know that Veterans and Active Duty Military can also 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”

#14: Download the Starbucks App for Exclusive Coupons! {like 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.  Just the other day they had a Happy Hour coupon in the app for Buy 1, Get 1 FREE drinks!

#15: Get 10c Off 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… this Starbucks Reusable Cup Discount is valid in the lobby only, and won’t apply to drive-thru orders.

#16: 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!  Pair these with one of your FREE Starbucks Gift Cards and treat yourself!

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}

#17: Or 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

#18: 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’ so 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!

#19: 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!

#20: Get Your Pooch a Free Puppuccino

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

To receive this freebie, all you have to do is request a “Puppuccino” or a small cup of whip cream for your doggie.

#21: Make Copycat Versions of Your Favorite Starbucks Beverages 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…

Starbucks Copycat Mocha Frappuccino Recipe!

Starbucks Copycat Cold Brew Coffee Recipe

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

Easy Coffee Recipes

#22: Get Cash Back on Every Purchase + a BIG Signup Bonus! {Up to $200}

When it comes to credit cards, my favorites are the ones that offer BIG signup bonuses and BIG rewards or cash back every time I use them.  When used responsibly, Credit Cards can be a great way to save even more money… and make a little on the side with bonuses, too!

Check out my favorite Cash Back & BIG Signup Bonus Credit Cards here…

Credit Card Hacking {How to Save BIG With Signup Bonuses & Cash Back}

#23: Eat Free at Starbucks With Your FREE Visa Gift Card!

I love how you can use a Free Visa Gift Card to eat free at Starbucks, too!  Check out how you can score yours for free!

Now that you’ve started scoring Free Starbucks Gift Cards and found some fun ways to save money at Starbucks, be sure to also try these other free gift card hacks.

You can never have enough free gift cards in your wallet.  Save even more money when you use these brilliant money saving tips…

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

Share with us in the comments below!