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Companies appreciate your loyalty and are eager to reward it. By offering incentives such as free coffee, they aim to entice you to return for other purchases as well.
While it’s true that maximizing rewards programs can be beneficial, it’s important not to overspend just to earn points. Instead, let them build up naturally and take advantage of the rewards when available.
How to get free coffee
Here are some effective ways to get free coffee, whether instantly or gradually:
1. Starbucks free coffee
Starbucks Rewards stands out as a top-tier coffee rewards program. For every dollar spent using the app, you earn one star when your debit card is connected. If you link a Starbucks gift card to the app and pay with it, you’ll earn 2 stars per dollar. Once you reach 25 stars, you’re eligible for a complimentary extra shot of espresso or syrup.
As a Rewards member, you receive a complimentary coffee beverage upon earning 50 stars. The Birthday Reward perk also grants you a free drink or treat on your birthday. Stars expire six months after you earn them.
2. Caribou coffee
Joining the Caribou Coffee Perks program gets you a free medium drink once you finish setting up your profile. You’ll also get your own Caribou card. With this card, you earn 2 points for every $1 you spend in-store, through the app, and on certain purchases at cariboucoffee.com.
Once you reach 25 points, you can start getting add-ons. At 50 points, you’ll score a free cup of coffee. Redeem points for brewed coffee, hot tea, or bakery items. The more points you rack up, the better the rewards. For instance, with 400 points, you can get a growler or canteen of coffee, a bag of beans, or a box of K-Cup pods.
3. Dunkin’ Donuts coffee
Dunkin’ Rewards gives you 10 points for every dollar you spend. Reach Booster status by visiting Dunkin’ 12 times in a month, and you’ll get 12 points per dollar spent for the rest of the year. Get your free caffeine fix faster with this perk.
The Dunkin’ Rewards program has tiers, offering various freebies as you reach different point levels. To get a small, medium, or large coffee, you need 500 points. Plus, you earn triple points on your birthday, as well as the day before and after.
4. McDonald’s
McDonald’s upgraded its coffee offerings a while back, catching our attention. Although their My McDonald’s app rewards program isn’t specifically focused on coffee, new users receive a bonus of free large fries upon sign-up. However, free coffee is also on the table.
As a member of MyMcDonald’s rewards program, you earn 100 points for every dollar spent. These points can be redeemed for various food and drinks.
When you accumulate 3,000 points, you qualify for a complimentary large McDonald’s Iced Coffee. To reach this milestone, you’d need to spend $30 at McDonald’s.
5. 7-Eleven
If you love getting coffee at 7-Eleven, you should join their 7Rewards program. It’s simple! Just download the app and start earning points when you buy qualifying items. You’ll get 10 points for every dollar you spend. Once you collect 1,000 points, you can use them to get $1 off your purchase at 7-Eleven.
A regular coffee at 7-Eleven costs $1.99. So, when you reach 2,000 points, you can exchange them for a free cup of coffee.
6. Ikea
Get free COFFEE at Ikea? Absolutely! If you’re an Ikea Family member, you can enjoy a complimentary cup of hot coffee or tea every time you visit the in-store restaurant.
7. Peet’s Coffee
Peet’s Coffee lovers have great opportunities because they offer ways for fans to enjoy free coffee. Join their Peetnik Rewards Program to earn points on purchases. Download the Peet’s app and make your first purchase through it to receive 125 free points. Afterward, you’ll earn 1 Peetnik Point for every dollar spent at participating U.S. locations.
Once you accumulate 50 points, you can claim a free drip or cold brew coffee. Additionally, you can refer a friend to Peet’s. They’ll receive $10 off their first order on Peets.com, and you’ll get $20, plus free ground shipping, after their first purchase. There are various items available for under $20 on their online store, such as K-Cup pods.
8. Panera Bread
If you’re a regular at Panera Bread, consider joining the Unlimited Sip Club. With this club, you’ll receive a free drink every two hours, including coffee. The first month is free, then $11.99 a month. If you visit Panera often, this perk can quickly cover its cost. However, if you don’t visit often, it might not be worth it.
With the Unlimited Sip Club, you can choose from any size of iced and hot coffee, iced and hot tea, fountain beverages, and Panera Bread’s new Charged lemonades.
It’s important to know that there’s no points system involved with MyPanera. Simply present your card each time you visit, and they’ll swipe it. Based on your preferences, Panera will surprise you with rewards tailored to what you love most.
9. QuickChek
The QuickChek Rewards program gives you $5 back in your account whenever you spend $50. This money goes towards your next purchase.
As a rewards member, you get free coffee if you visit QuickChek 4 to 9 times a month. Visit 10 or more times, and you’ll get two free coffees!
10. Biggby Coffee
Join Biggby Nation and enjoy a free birthday coffee every year. Additionally, when you buy 12 full-price coffees, your 13th one is on the house. Similarly, when you purchase nine pounds of coffee, you’ll get your 10th pound for free.
11. Krispy Kreme
When you go to Krispy Kreme, you’ll receive a complimentary coffee without needing to buy anything. Plus, if you’re part of their rewards program, you’ll also get a free donut to enjoy alongside your coffee.
12. Cinnabon
Receive a free cup of coffee at select Cinnabon bakery spots during the holiday. No need to buy anything.
13. Pilot Flying J
To receive a free coffee from Pilot Flying J, simply download the myPilot app from the App Store or Google Play. Once installed, navigate to the myOffers section to access your coupon.
Additionally, first-time users of the app are eligible for a free drink of their choice, allowing you to enjoy two complimentary coffees in total.
14. Cumberland Farms
Text “FREECOFFEE” to 64827 on September 29th to get a coupon for a free coffee at Cumberland Farms, either hot or iced. You can also add flavor shots to your drink at no extra cost.
15. Sprinkles Cupcakes
Purchase a cupcake from Sprinkles during the holiday season and receive a free can of High Brew Coffee.
16. White Castle
Every year, White Castle offers a coupon on their website for a free small coffee with any purchase. You can only use this coupon on September 29th.
17. Barnes & Noble
At Barnes & Noble stores with a café inside, you can enjoy a free hot or iced coffee without buying anything.
18. Cost Plus World Market
Cost Plus World Market offers free coffee every day to all visitors, featuring a variety of flavors. Guests are welcome to enjoy multiple samples during their visit.
19. Local gas stations
Gas stations often offer reward programs where you earn points for every dollar spent. These points can be redeemed for free items, like drinks such as coffee or even free gas.
Additionally, some gas stations without reward programs occasionally have promotional offers on certain days where you can get complimentary items, like a hot cup of coffee, simply by asking.
20. Birthday freebie
Numerous places offer freebies on your birthday, including restaurants, gas stations, and coffee shops. Many of these places give you a complimentary cup of coffee. While this perk is only available once a year, it’s still a nice bonus.
The bottom line
Save money on coffee by signing up for reward programs at select locations. Joining these programs can earn you free coffee, potentially saving you hundreds of dollars, especially if you’re a daily coffee drinker.