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Starbucks, the beloved coffee chain, is many people’s go-to spot for their daily caffeine fix. But let’s be honest – while those frothy lattes and caramel macchiatos are a treat, they can really add up over time.
If you’re someone who frequents Starbucks (or any other coffee shop), you’ve probably noticed your wallet feeling a little lighter at the end of the month. The good news? There are tons of ways to hack the Starbucks system and save a lot of money on your coffee habit.
And no, we’re not talking about skipping your favorite drink entirely. We’re talking about making smart choices, knowing the system, and using a few insider tricks to get the most bang for your buck.
So, let’s dive into these genius Starbucks hacks that will keep your caffeine cravings satisfied without draining your bank account.
1. Order the “Short” Size Instead of Tall
Starbucks has four main sizes for their drinks: Tall (12 oz), Grande (16 oz), Venti (20 oz for hot drinks, 24 oz for cold drinks), and Trenta (31 oz for cold drinks). But did you know that you can order a “Short” (8 oz) drink at Starbucks, which is often cheaper than the standard Tall?
Why This Works:
- A “Short” is essentially a smaller size, and while it’s not always listed on the menu, baristas will make it for you if you ask.
- You can still get the full experience of your favorite drink without the added cost of a Tall or Grande.
Pro Tip: Short drinks are perfect for hot beverages like lattes or macchiatos. If you’re ordering iced drinks, though, you’ll have to go with a Tall, as the Short size is usually reserved for hot drinks only.
2. Use Starbucks Rewards to Earn Free Drinks
If you’re a regular Starbucks customer, joining the Starbucks Rewards program is a no-brainer. With every purchase, you earn points (called Stars), which can be redeemed for free drinks, food, and more.
Why This Works:
- As a member, you’ll earn 2 Stars for every dollar spent, and you can rack up Stars pretty quickly.
- Once you hit 150 Stars, you can redeem them for a free drink or food item of your choice. And, during your birthday month, you’ll even get a free birthday drink!
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to scan your app every time you make a purchase, even if it’s for a small item like a pastry or a simple coffee. It all adds up toward your free rewards.
3. Customize Your Drink to Save More
When ordering a Starbucks drink, you have the ability to customize it, and some changes can help you save a few extra bucks. Here are some ways to trim the price without sacrificing flavor:
Why This Works:
- Skip the Whip: Ordering a drink “without whipped cream” will lower the price slightly and still give you a satisfying treat.
- Ask for Less Syrup: Some drinks come with a lot of syrup, and you can ask for fewer pumps of syrup to lower the sweetness and the price.
- Opt for “Non-Premium” Ingredients: If you’re ordering a specialty drink, consider opting for regular milk instead of oat milk or almond milk, which can sometimes come with an extra charge.
- Request the “Secret Menu”: Many people don’t know about the “secret menu,” a list of fan-made drinks that can be cheaper than the full-blown specialty drinks on the regular menu.
Pro Tip: If you’re ordering something with multiple flavors, ask if they can combine syrups. It’s a great way to make a custom drink without the added cost of extra syrups.
4. Bring Your Own Reusable Cup
This one’s a no-brainer: bringing your own reusable cup to Starbucks not only helps the environment, but it can also save you a little money. Starbucks offers a discount of about 10-20 cents when you bring your own cup or tumbler.
Why This Works:
- Starbucks encourages you to use your own cups, and they reward you with a small discount to do so. It’s a win-win.
- Plus, many people love the look of their own reusable cup, and it can be a fun way to show off your personality.
Pro Tip: If you’re buying a drink that comes with a larger size (like a Venti or Trenta), ask the barista if you can transfer the drink into your reusable cup. You might get a little extra room, and you’ll save money in the process.
5. Order Iced Drinks for a Cheaper Price
Iced drinks at Starbucks often cost less than their hot counterparts, even if the ingredients are the same. Why? It’s all about the ice.
Why This Works:
- When you order an iced drink, you’re paying for the drink with ice instead of hot liquid, so the drink itself might be a little cheaper.
- You still get the same amount of flavor and satisfaction but at a lower cost.
Pro Tip: If you’re ordering a hot drink and it’s a sweltering summer day, ask the barista if they can make it iced for you. You’ll enjoy the same drink at a lower price and with the added benefit of a refreshing cool-down.
6. Opt for “Custom” Drinks Instead of the Most Expensive Items
The seasonal drinks (like the Pumpkin Spice Latte or Peppermint Mocha) are super popular but often come with a hefty price tag. If you’re looking to save, try customizing a basic drink to give it the same flavor at a fraction of the price.
Why This Works:
- Rather than ordering a seasonal or high-end specialty drink, you can ask for a regular latte or iced coffee and add a few pumps of your favorite syrup. This often ends up being significantly cheaper than ordering the full-blown seasonal version.
Pro Tip: For a fall-like vibe without the PSL price, try ordering a Chai Latte and asking for a few pumps of pumpkin syrup. It’s cheaper but still gives you that comforting fall taste!
7. Use Coupons and Promotions
Starbucks sometimes offers digital coupons or promotions through their app, website, or email newsletters. Make sure you’re on their email list or check the app regularly to catch these discounts.
Why This Works:
- Starbucks occasionally releases special deals for new drinks, anniversaries, or national holidays. By being on the lookout for promotions, you can score a discount or even a free item.
- Starbucks also occasionally offers Happy Hour promotions, where you can get discounts on select drinks. If you’re flexible with your timing, this is a great way to snag a discount.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for double-Star days or special bonus rewards through the app. If you’re going to buy a drink anyway, why not stack up those rewards for a future freebie?
8. Avoid the “Bigger is Better” Trap
It’s easy to think that getting a larger size (Grande or Venti) means more drink for your money, but that’s not always the case. Many people find that they don’t finish their drink anyway, and larger sizes can often lead to more sugar and unnecessary calories.
Why This Works:
- If you’re perfectly satisfied with a Tall, there’s no need to upgrade to a Grande or Venti. Stick to the smaller sizes and avoid paying for a drink you won’t fully enjoy.
- Plus, smaller drinks often contain less sugar and fewer calories, which can help keep you on track with your health goals.
Pro Tip: Next time you order, really ask yourself if you need that Venti or if a Tall will do the trick. It can save you money and keep things simpler.
9. Stock Up on Starbucks Gift Cards
Buying Starbucks gift cards at a discount store or using reward points from credit cards to get gift cards is a sneaky way to save on coffee. Some retailers sell gift cards for less than face value, so you’re essentially buying your drinks at a discounted rate.
Why This Works:
- You can save a few bucks up front by purchasing discounted gift cards, and then use those cards to pay for your Starbucks drinks.
- If you have a rewards credit card, use it to earn points or cashback on your Starbucks purchases. This can add up over time, helping you save even more.
Pro Tip: Some credit cards offer bonus rewards for purchases made at coffee shops or cafes, so use your rewards card to pay for your Starbucks habit and earn rewards while doing it.
Final Thoughts
Starbucks doesn’t have to be a drain on your wallet. With these smart hacks, you can still indulge in your favorite drinks without feeling guilty about the price tag. From customizing your orders to earning rewards, using these tips can help you enjoy your Starbucks habit while keeping your finances in check.
So next time you walk into Starbucks, remember: you have the power to save money every time you order. Happy sipping!
