Want to know the secret to getting a free Starbucks drink? It’s easier than you think!
If you love a little treat without paying full price, here’s the simplest, mom-tested guide to free drinks and easy savings without having to clip coupons.
And right now, you can get a complimentary beverage up to $8 in value just by joining Starbucks® Rewards and making a qualifying purchase within your first week.
Don’t miss out on this sweet deal, valid for new members who sign up by 9/28/2025.
I’ll show you exactly how to find the offer in the app and what kind of delicious handcrafted drinks you can redeem.
Get ready to sip your favorite drink for free!
How to Sign up for Starbucks Rewards
One of the easiest ways that you can Save Money on Starbucks is using Starbucks Rewards.
How to Get a Free Starbucks Drink
Create your account in the app. Right now, new members who sign up by Sept 28, 2025 get one free handcrafted drink with a qualifying purchase during their first week (the coupon lands in your Offers tab, so make sure to watch for it). Promos change, so peek at the app for the current deal.
- Download the Starbucks app on your phone.
- Sign up for the free Starbucks Rewards program.
- Make a purchase and pay with a card or gift card you’ve registered in your account.
You’ll automatically receive 150 stars after your first purchase through the app that you can use to get one free standard-menu size handcrafted beverage of your choice!
You can add shots of espresso, flavorings, and whipped cream, all included free!
Know your Star tiers (what your Stars buy)
- 25 Stars: add-ons (extra espresso shot, syrup/sauce).
- 100 Stars: brewed coffee or tea, iced coffee/tea, or a bakery/snack item.
- 200 Stars: any handcrafted drink or a hot breakfast item.
- 300 Stars: packaged lunch/salad/protein box or a bag of coffee.
- 400 Stars: select merchandise or Starbucks Reserve packaged coffee (value cap applies).
Availability can vary by store type. Some grocery cafés (like Target or Kroger locations) show a 150-Star redemption for food/drink—your app will reflect what’s available at your store.
Earn Stars faster (simple habits)
- Pay in-app with a loaded Starbucks Card → 2 Stars per $1. If you only scan your member barcode and then pay with cash/credit, it’s 1 Star per $1.
- Watch for Double/Triple Star Days. Starbucks pings you in the app/email; tap to activate.
- Bring a clean reusable cup for 10¢ off plus Double Stars (works in café, drive-thru, and mobile orders; benefit has daily limits).
- Link partner programs for extra goodies:
- Marriott Bonvoy ↔ Starbucks = Double Stars during hotel stays + occasional point bonuses.
- Delta SkyMiles ↔ Starbucks = Double Stars on your flight days + miles on eligible Starbucks purchases/reloads.
- Personalized offers live in the Offers tab (think: BOGO, bonus-Star challenges). Turn on notifications so you don’t miss them.
Don’t miss your free birthday treat
Add your birthday in your account, join at least 7 days before your big day, and make one star-earning purchase beforehand.
On your birthday, you’ll see a free drink, food item, or ready-to-drink bottled beverage to redeem that day.
Check out this Huge List of Birthday Freebies for more ideas!
One more way to get freebies
During the same in-store visit, you can get free refills of hot or iced brewed coffee and tea (excludes Cold Brew, Nitro, lemonades, and Refreshers base). Handy for work or study days.
Quick plan to score a free drink today:
- Download the Starbucks app and join Rewards.
- Load $10 to your Starbucks Card in-app so you earn 2 Stars/$1.
- Bring a reusable cup for 10¢ off + Double Stars.
- Open the Offers tab and activate any promos (and watch for Double Star Day).
- Redeem smart: save 200 Stars for pricier handcrafted drinks, or use 100 Stars when you just want a brewed coffee or snack.
Deals and tiers can vary by store (especially inside grocery stores) and change over time, so always double check the app before you order.
FAQs (super quick)
Yes—unused Stars eventually expire; your app shows the date.
Often yes, but offerings can differ; check your store in the app.
Refills are for the same café visit; ask your barista how your store handles it.
What to Do Next
Ready to treat yourself? Download the Starbucks app, join Rewards, and start stacking Stars. Turn on notifications so you never miss a bonus offer!
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