Learn to save money at Starbucks! kktryj / Flickr
It’s no secret that I love coffee. A while ago, I even revealed my coffee addiction was costing me major moolah because I was charging my purchase. I’ve reformed my ways since then. If you can’t give up the trips to Starbucks, I share five tips to saving money while still getting your fix.
- Swagbucks, baby! It’s changed my life. I’m not kidding. I took a cue from Julia who also uses Swagbucks to fed her Starbucks habit. I can get free Starbucks gift cards just for searching the web like I normally do. I’ll treat myself to a cup of java only if I have a gift card handy.
- I joined the My Starbucks Rewards. I registered my card online and every few drinks I get rewards like free syrups and free soy milk. On my birthday I’ll also get a free drink! When I reach the Gold level (that’s 30 drinks) I’ll get free drinks every 15 drinks. Every time I receive my gift card from Swagbucks, I just transfer the money to my registered card online.
- I’m brewing Starbucks at home. I’ve found several Starbucks deals at Target. Last time, I bought two bags for $7.99 each and got a $5 gift card for Target. The best part is you can take the empty bags to Starbucks to get a free tall cup of joe!
- I’m taking advantage of Starbucks’ promotions. Every time Starbucks releases a new drink or has seasonal promotions, I drop by to score $1 drinks or free samples. Don’t miss out on these bargains, we share them in our coupon and freebie posts. I also scour the web and newspaper for Starbucks coupons!
- I buy discounted Starbucks gift cards. I’ve set up gift card alerts to make sure I don’t miss out on the deals. I’ve already managed to score two Starbucks gift cards at 25% off — it doesn’t get easier than that!
- Costco is your friend. You can purchase 5 $20 Starbucks gift cards for $80. It’s like getting one $20 gift card for free! Make sure to ask at your location because not all carry them.
I have to mention that I’m not a Starbucks aficionado, but I’ve found it easier to save money with this coffee chain. How do you save money while still getting your caffeine hit?
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Welcome to Bargain Babe! I’m Mara, and I’m so glad you’re here. I am an obsessive bargain hunter and penny pincher, and I am determined to live a full life without EVER paying full price. 
I brew my own at home and pocket the savings.
@Gwen H. Awesome! What’s your fave?
Good article, but I don’t understand the
“You can purchase $20 Starbucks gift cards for $80”
Is this a misprint or do you get multiples of the $20 gift cards, or what?
I don’t quite understand how purchasing $20.00 gift cards for $80.00 is a bargain. Perhaps this is a typo?
You get 5 cards worth 20$ each for 80$
@Gabriele It’s 5 $20 gift card for $80. So you save $20.
I hope that the Costco deal is $80 for $100 in giftcards, not $80 for $20 worth. Otherwise, that is an awful deal.
Lmao
Great, thanks. A good gift for a Starbucks firend…thanks
I’ve found that the coffee I make at home, using my coffeemaker that grinds the beans fresh for each pot, is just as tasty as that at Starbucks (if not more so), and I don’t have to get dressed and go out to get it. As a retiree, I find that a definite plus in my life of leisure!
And I did happen to notice the “5 $20 gift cards for $80” in your post. I guess it’s sometimes necessary to spell out numbers preceding a dollar amount.
@EllieD I envy you! Must be great to wake up and have breakfast without having to rush. My mornings are packed full.
Oops just noticed that, I need to read thoroughly. Thank-you for pointing that out. I too brew at home with an old fashion percolator pot from the 1950’s. It makes the best and hottest coffee ever.
@Yazmin ~ I know the feeling! After a lifetime of struggling to get up every a.m. while I was a classroom teacher, I love the fact that I’m no longer ruled by an alarm. Retirement ROCKS, and, believe me, I appreciate it!
Wow, I have to look into that SB gift card deal by my Costco!
Regarding free coffee, you get a free cup when you buy a pound at any SB location and if you have a Gold card that becomes any free drink.
Another card benefit, you get free coffee refills at the stores. Great if you’re hopping on their wifi for a bit.
@Glen Craig You can get a free coffee at Starbucks no matter where you buy the pound bag. I buy mine at Target because they usually have pretty good deals.
Starbucks no longer has the $25 Gold Card. They now have the My Rewards Card and it’s free! You’ll reach the gold level when you have 30 stars (make 30 purchases).
Are you still using the Gold Card to get discounts and freebies?
I hear what you’re saying about buying at Target. To me it would be a pain to save the bag for the next time I went to SB is all.
Yeas, I’ve had my Gold card since ’09. My current favorite drink is a vanilla breve latte. With the card I don’t have to pay for the vanilla or the 1/2 and 1/2 (the breve part).
@Craig That’s awesome! I guess if you forked over the $25 for the old Gold Card you can still use it to get 10% off purchases and freebies. (Though I checked online and asked at Starbucks and they said that card was history.) Their My Starbucks Rewards is similar.
No, this is the rewards gold card, not the older one that you had to pay for (or the credit card). I don’t get 10% but you get free modifiers, like vanilla syrup.
@Glen Ahh, makes sense now! Yeah, that’s the one I’m using.