13 Tricks To Save Some Money At Starbucks

One of the most effective ways to save money at Starbucks is by joining the rewards program. By enrolling in Starbucks Rewards, you accumulate stars with every purchase, regardless of whether it's at a stand-alone store, inside a Target, or even around Walt Disney World. To gain even more stars through the program, be sure to make your purchases on a gift card that you continuously reload on the app. This will earn you double the stars compared to other payment methods. These stars can then be exchanged for free food, drinks, and merch. Depending on the type of drink or food, you might need more or fewer stars.

The process to join the Starbucks rewards program is straightforward. Start by downloading the Starbucks app on your phone, followed by creating an account by filling in the required information, such as your name and email. You'll also need to set up a password, and your birthdate will be requested during the sign-up process.

Once your account is active, present your scannable barcode to the barista during each visit to ensure your purchases are credited to your account. The app also allows you to load money or gift cards, simplifying your coffee-purchasing process. The great thing about Starbucks Rewards is the flexibility it provides; you can use it for in-store purchases and for mobile orders, as well.

An iced Americano and iced coffee may seem similar: They are both customizable, available unflavored, and without creamer, at the same price. Yet, a significant difference lies in their caffeine content — the iced Americano packs a much bigger caffeine punch.

While a venti Starbucks Iced Coffee contains 235 milligrams of caffeine, a venti Iced Americano boasts 300 milligrams. This substantive difference makes the Iced Americano a stronger alternative to iced coffee. Despite the more robust flavor of the Americano, with a little creativity, you can adjust it to hit just the right taste notes.

However, it's essential to consider that the construction of an Iced Americano differs from an Iced Coffee. The Americano is a blend of espresso and cold water, chilled with ice cubes, providing a distinct flavor profile. So, when you customize your drink, remember that these two beverages, despite similarities, offer unique tastes due to their distinct ingredients. But you can't deny that the Iced Americano has much more bang for your buck.

For the ultimate economical choice at Starbucks, consider ordering a venti iced water. Surprisingly, despite it being processed through the register, this refreshment comes at no cost. This tip comes in handy as it eliminates the need to purchase bottled water at Starbucks, saving you a bit of money.

Interestingly, the water you receive from a Starbucks location, even the complimentary ones, is of high quality. It's the same water used in the preparation of iced beverages and for brewing both iced tea and coffee. Considering how critical the quality of water is to the taste of tea and coffee, you can be assured that Starbucks' water is top-notch.

Even if your local tap water doesn't quite hit the mark in terms of taste, the water from Starbucks stands out. Given the company's commitment to delivering delicious beverages, the company ensures the water used meets the same high standards, resulting in a refreshing, flavorful drink even in its simplest form. That said, on behalf of Starbucks baristas everywhere, please be sure to order your venti ice water at the counter with the rest of your coffee order. If you only remember to make this request at the end of the bar while you are picking up your drink, you run the risk of truly disrupting the flow and efficiency of baristas behind the counter.

Providing your birthday when signing up for your Starbucks Rewards account entitles you to a special birthday reward. This reward gives you a free drink or food item at any Starbucks location. The crucial point to note is that you need to register for the rewards account at least seven days prior to your birthday. On your special day, you'll find a reward waiting in your app. Simply show it to your barista after ordering, and one of your items will be complimentary. We suggest indulging a bit by adding customizations or extra shots of espresso to make your birthday treat even more special.

Why not extend the celebrations throughout the day by exploring other establishments offering birthday perks? Consider Cold Stone Creamery, where you can enjoy a buy-one-get-one-free coupon on your birthday to share some delicious ice cream with a friend. Or visit Krispy Kreme to cash in on some complimentary birthday treats. Celebrating your birthday with these rewards turns an ordinary day into an extraordinarily sweet journey.

Pricing for espresso shots can be somewhat unconventional at Starbucks. Adding extra shots to a drink costs an additional dollar per shot. Yet, when you order espresso on its own, the cost is significantly higher. Interestingly, it's only when you order a quad espresso, comprising four shots, that it becomes more cost-effective than ordering a latte. So, for those craving a highly caffeinated beverage like a venti latte, it's advisable to order it as a quad espresso instead. This way, you'll pay less for more espresso shots and still have the option to customize your drink.

Feel free to add a splash of your preferred milk, sweetener, or even a flavored syrup. These espresso shots can be customized just like any latte but at a more reasonable price. If you order enough espresso, it's a savvy way to enjoy an extra caffeine kick without the hefty price tag. Embrace this approach to extract maximum value and enjoyment from your Starbucks experience.

When enjoying Starbucks with a friend, sometimes it's more economical to order an extra-large drink to share rather than ordering individually. This strategy won't work for every drink due to the particular preparation styles, but it's feasible for beverages like iced coffee, iced tea, refreshers, or any other drink that isn't layered or adorned with special toppings.

For instance, if you're both craving a refresher, order a trenta size at 30 ounces with two tall cups. At about $6.25 for a trenta refresher compared to $4.95 for a 12-ounce tall size, you'll get more for less when splitting the trenta. You'll each receive 15 ounces for just over $3, saving a few dollars in the process. So, if you and your friend can agree on a drink, this strategy can be quite beneficial.

However, keep in mind this approach won't be successful with Frappuccinos topped with whipped cream, cold brews with cold foam, or lattes with foam on top. The drink needs to be homogenous and not reliant on particular ingredients layered on top of others.

We've found out that Starbucks' pricing can differ by location, sometimes even within the same zip code. The reason for this is unclear, but it's an important factor to consider before heading out to order your favorite Starbucks drink.

To ensure you're fully aware of the costs, we recommend using the Starbucks app to compare the prices at different locations near you. Most of the time, the prices might be identical; but there's always a chance you may encounter higher costs at certain outlets. If so, you need to decide whether this price difference is significant enough to affect where you place your order.

If convenience is your top priority, you might not need to do this comparative check. Similarly, if you're in an area with limited Starbucks locations, your choices are understandably constrained. However, if you live in a suburban area or a bustling tourist destination with multiple Starbucks outlets, it's a good idea to take a few moments to check the prices at different stores before ordering your favorite cup of Joe. This way, you can enjoy your drink and potentially save some money at the same time.