Getting a 50% discount at Starbucks may seem impossible, but there are actually a few legitimate ways to save big on your morning coffee run. As a loyal Starbucks customer, you want to take advantage of any savings you can get. Paying full price day after day can really add up. So what are some of the best tricks for getting half off your drink order? Let’s take a look at some easy tips and hacks you can use to get that coveted 50% Starbucks discount.
Sign Up for the Starbucks Rewards Program
One of the best ways to save money at Starbucks is to join their rewards program. The Starbucks Rewards program is free to join and allows members to earn Stars towards free drinks and food items. Here’s how it works:
- You earn 2 Stars for every $1 spent at Starbucks. Stars can be earned on both food and beverage purchases.
- Once you accumulate 300 Stars, you’ll hit the Gold Tier status. This unlocks extra benefits.
- At 125 Stars, you’ll earn a free food or drink reward. This equals 50% off a $10 purchase.
- Other reward options include free refills on brewed coffee and tea or a free pastry for 50 Stars.
As you can see, being part of Starbucks Rewards makes it easy to earn freebies and discounts. Just loading up your Starbucks card and making your normal purchases will quickly rack up Stars. This is one of the most consistent ways to enjoy 50% off savings at Starbucks.
Take Advantage of Happy Hour Offers
Keep an eye out for Starbucks Happy Hour promotions if you want a chance at 50% off. Periodically, Starbucks will announce special Happy Hour deals for rewards members. This usually takes place from 2-7pm on select Thursdays.
On Happy Hour days, Starbucks Rewards members can enjoy 50% off certain handcrafted beverages. For example, a grande cold brew that normally costs $4 would only be $2 during happy hour. Hot coffee, iced coffee, lattes, Frappuccinos and espresso drinks are sometimes included.
To take advantage of Happy Hour savings, you need to scan the Starbucks app before placing your order. You must be a Starbucks Rewards member. This is a fantastic way to maximize your discount and get half off Starbucks beverages.
Utilize Mobile Offers and Coupons
The Starbucks app regularly distributes exclusive mobile offers to rewards members. These are coupon-style discounts that can be loaded directly onto your app. Offers may include percentage-off deals, BOGO free beverages, and free food or drink rewards.
For example, an offer may give you 50% off any handcrafted beverage or BOGO free on certain menu items. These mobile offers vary in style and amount, but keep an eye out for 50% savings. Combining a mobile offer with a reward redemption is the ultimate way to get half off your entire order.
Ask for the Birthday Reward
Don’t forget to cash in on your Starbucks birthday reward! As a rewards member, you can get a free drink or food item up to $10 for your birthday. To claim this offer, simply scan the app and apply the birthday reward before paying.
With this free redemption, you can get any drink up to a $10 value for free. That equals 50% off if you were planning to buy a $10 drink anyway. Sweetening the deal even more, you can combine the birthday freebie with a purchased item to get half off your whole order.
Split Venti Drinks into Tall Sizes
Here’s an underutilized hack: order a Venti drink, ask for it to be split into two Tall 12 oz cups, then share with a friend. You’ll get two drinks for the price of one Venti, essentially getting 50% off.
For example, a Venti Caffè Mocha costs around $5. A Tall size of the same drink costs $3.50. So by asking the barista to split a Venti into Talls, you save $1.50.
This trick works for any brewed coffee, espresso drink, Frappuccino, refreshers, etc. Keep in mind, splitting is up to the discretion of the barista. Be polite when asking. This hack is great when you’re grabbing Starbucks with a coworker or friend.
Order Cheaper Drinks
To naturally pay less at Starbucks, order cheaper menu items then use your rewards. For example, a Tall brewed coffee is around $3. Pair this with a free food or drink reward and you’ve got half off your order.
Some of the least expensive Starbucks drinks include:
- Tall Brewed Coffee ($3)
- Tall Americano ($3)
- Tall Cold Brew ($3)
- Tall Iced Coffee ($3)
- Tall Caffè Latte ($3.75)
Order one of these cheaper basics, then redeem your free item. This allows you to get that 50% discount without splurging on more expensive drinks.
Bring Your Own Cup
Bringing a reusable cup to Starbucks can help you save 10 cents off your drink order. While not a full 50% discount, every dime counts! Starbucks offers the cup discount on handcrafted beverages.
This may not seem like much, but those 10 cent discounts add up over time. Plus, you’re reducing waste and doing something good for the environment. Make sure your cup is clean and meets reusable cup policies. Ask the barista to apply the 10 cent discount when ordering.
Order at Happy Hour Times
As mentioned earlier, Starbucks Happy Hour takes place from 2-7pm on select days. Be sure to place your Starbucks orders during this window of time to capitalize on possible happy hour deals.
You might get lucky and be able to score 50% off certain drinks even if it’s not an official happy hour day. Baristas are sometimes given leeway to offer discounts during these times. Grabbing an afternoon coffee is your best bet for savings.
Split a Venti Brewer with a Friend
Here’s another split trick to try: order a Venti Hot Brewer with a friend and ask for it to be split into two Grande mugs. This will save you each a couple dollars, as a Grande Hot Coffee costs around $2.65.
For example, instead of both paying $3 for a Grande, you’d each pay $1.50 for your split Venti Brewer. This hack works with any brewed coffee including Pike Place, Veranda Blend, Blonde Roast, etc. Just ask your barista nicely to split the large brewer.
Order at a Licensed Store
Many grocery stores and other retailers have licensed Starbucks counters inside them. Licensed stores provide the same menu and drinks but they have more flexibility with discounts and pricing compared to corporate-owned Starbucks cafes.
Visit a licensed Starbucks location and inquire about any current in-store coupons or percentage discounts they may be running. For example, some will honor grocery store loyalty discounts and take 10% off your order. This brings a $5 drink down to $4.50.
Combining retailer coupons with Starbucks mobile app offers is the ideal scenario for max savings. Be gracious if the store can’t discount, but it never hurts to ask!
Order Online for Pick Up
When ordering ahead on the Starbucks app for in-store pickup, you can sometimes score automatic discounts applied to your order. Keep an eye out for discounts like 10-20% off pickup orders over a certain amount.
Stack this with your Starbucks rewards and you can easily achieve 50% off your drink order. For example, if you get 10% off a $10 order by ordering ahead, you’d save $1. Pair this with a free $5 reward redemption, and you’ve got $5 off a $10 purchase, or half off.
Ask About Discounts
If you don’t see any current coupons or offers available, it never hurts to ask the barista directly about any discounts they can offer. Whether it’s a military discount, senior discount, student discount or just an everyday markdown, asking politely may pay off.
Sometimes barcode scanners go down or discounts haven’t been updated in the system. Simply request if there are any current discounts they can apply to your order. The barista may be able to take 10% off or more with manager approval. Doesn’t hurt to ask!
Sign Up for Starbucks Emails
Joining the Starbucks email list can help you stay in the know about upcoming Happy Hours, mobile app deals, and other exclusive discounts. Keep an eye on your inbox for any coupons or percentage-off codes that can be used in store.
Sometimes Starbucks will send 50% off coupons to email subscribers, redeemable on certain beverages or food items. You may even get a birthday freebie by email if you aren’t yet a Starbucks Rewards member. Sign up so you never miss a deal!
Follow Starbucks on Social Media
Similar to emails, following Starbucks on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram can provide insider access to deals.
Often special discounts or freebie offers will be promoted on their social channels. Examples may include free coffee giveaways, BOGO free deals, and percentage discounts.
Respond quickly to social media offers before they expire or supplies run out. With a smartphone on hand, you can easily take advantage of last-minute Starbucks deals.
Use a Cash Back Credit Card
One overlooked way to save money at any store is by using a cash back credit card. This allows you to earn a percentage back on all your Starbucks purchases.
For example, a 2% cash back card would give you 20 cents cash back for every $10 spent. That may not seem huge, but it adds up over time especially if you frequent Starbucks.
Cash back offers range from 1-6% typically. Use your rewards credit card at Starbucks to get a portion of your money back and maximize any other discounts. Every bit of savings counts!
Buy Starbucks Gift Cards at a Discount
Stock up on discounted Starbucks gift cards to lower your out-of-pocket spend at the store. Many retailers like grocery stores or online sellers will discount Starbucks gift cards by 5-10%.
For a $50 gift card, you may pay just $45 at the grocery store. Then you can use that $50 credit on your Starbucks orders and get 10% off everything. Combine it with other discounts and rewards for even more savings.
Buying discounted gift cards is an easy way to get that extra savings off your drinks. You can even gift them or re-gift them to share the savings with coffee lovers in your life.
Grab Free Extras
When ordering your drink at the counter, politely ask if you can get any free extras. For example, ask if you can get extra pumps of flavor, extra whipped cream, or an extra espresso shot for free.
Often baristas are happy to add on small extras at no cost. This helps increase the value of your order without spending extra. The worst they can say is no.
Free upgrades may include swapping milk options, adding drizzle, or upgrading size. If you don’t ask, you’ll never know so it’s worth a try for extras.
Order During Sales
Believe it or not, Starbucks does run sales on select items from time to time. Keep your eye out for discounted handcrafted drinks, Frappuccinos, breakfast sandwiches, and other menu products.
For example, you may see Grande handcrafted espresso drinks on sale for 50% off during a one-day flash sale. They also offer BOGO free deals on drinks, pastries, oatmeal cups, and lunch items occasionally.
Timing your Starbucks runs around these sales is a great way to score half price or buy one get one free offers. Combine it with rewards redemptions for even lower prices at the register.
Share Free Drinks and Food
When you redeem rewards for free drinks and food, offer to share the freebies with friends and family. This allows you and the people you share with to enjoy free Starbucks items.
For example, if you earned a free sandwich reward, grab something you’ll both enjoy and split it over lunch or coffee. You can also order a free Venti drink, ask to split it into Talls, and enjoy free drinks together.
Sharing the freebies you earn makes them go twice as far. It also gives you a chance to brighten someone’s day with an unexpected Starbucks treat thanks to your savings know-how.
Order Simple Customizations
Ordering complicated, customized drinks can really drive up your bill at Starbucks. Instead of ordering a drink with 10 modifications, opt for simpler customizations to save some cash.
For example, ask for one less pump of syrup, nonfat or soy milk, light ice, an alternative milk choice, or no whipped cream. These are easy swaps that won’t add to the price.
Keep your drink order as simple as possible but add one or two budget-friendly customizations to make it perfect for you. Scaling back on intricate drink details can lead to cash savings.
Say No to Upsizing
Turn down upsized or supersized versions of Starbucks drinks to avoid overspending. It’s easy to upsize your 12 oz Tall to a 16 oz Grande but this drives up costs quickly.
For example, a Tall Latte is $3.75 while the Grande size runs $4.25. That’s a 50 cent upcharge. If you don’t need the extra 4 oz, opt for the smaller size to keep your order total down.
The same applies for Venti drinks instead of Grande. Unless you really need the extra liquid, don’t give into the temptation of upsizing your drink order to the largest size.
Bring Your Own Food
Starbucks has a policy that you can bring your own food into the cafe, no purchase required. Take advantage of this policy by enjoying your home-packed lunch alongside a discounted Starbucks coffee.
Whip up coffee-shop worthy meals and snacks at home that pair nicely with your favorite Starbucks beverage. Some examples include breakfast sandwiches, protein boxes, oatmeal cups, and baked goods.
Pairing homemade food with minimally customized Starbucks drinks allows you to save money while still feeling like you have a special treat.
Get the Starbucks App
The Starbucks app unlocks so many discounts and ways to save that it’s a must for any Starbucks fan. You can join Starbucks Rewards, pay via the app, collect Stars, redeem rewards, and manage your account all in one place.
The convenience of mobile ordering and earning free drinks make the app worth the download. You’ll also receive exclusive app-only coupons and discounts you can’t access elsewhere.
Connecting your Starbucks card to the app also makes it easy to reload funds and collect Stars without needing your physical card on hand.
Sign Up for Email Lists
Beyond the main Starbucks email list, look for other Starbucks-affiliated lists you can join. Some examples include Tasting Notes for coffee info, Starbucks for Life sweepstakes, seasonal drink guides, and more.
These niche emails may contain special codes or coupon offers that regular emails won’t. Expanding the types of Starbucks emails you receive gives you more chances to uncover discounts.
Just be sure to scan through the emails carefully or set up an exclusive folder. That way you can easily identify any legit Starbucks savings opportunities without getting overwhelmed.
Avoid Specialty Drinks
While tempting, avoid ordering expensive, specialty Starbucks drinks every day. These include seasonal offerings, limited-edition Frappuccinos, Instagram-worthy coffee concoctions, and customized refreshers and lemonades.
No doubt these drinks taste amazing and make great occasional treats. But at $6-8 each, the costs really add up if ordering daily. Instead, choose discounted coffee classics as your go-to orders.
Save the pumpkin spice, rainbow, tie-dye, and other specialty Starbucks beverages for special occasions to keep your wallet happy. Opt for cheaper basics like brewed coffee, Americanos, and cold brew to sip on most days.
Order at Non-Peak Times
Starbucks is least busy in the late morning and mid-afternoon hours between regular breakfast and lunch rushes. Place mobile orders or visit your Starbucks during these slower periods to take advantage of speedier service.
The baristas will have more time to apply discounts, answer questions, split drinks, and add free extras when it’s not slammed. Taking 60 extra seconds to ask for a 10% discount is doable when they aren’t juggling 20 orders.
Timing is everything when it comes to saving money. Hitting Starbucks at 11am or 3pm ups your odds of scoring discounts and split drinks.
Conclusion
While known for higher prices, various tips and hacks exist to get 50% off at Starbucks. From joining rewards and redeeming freebies to asking for discounts and splits, smart savings habits make coffee indulgences more budget-friendly.
Utilize all the tools and resources available to loyal Starbucks fans. Sign up for emails, follow on social media, download the app, and be kind to your baristas. Combining multiple discount strategies is the most powerful way to maximize your savings.
With these handy tricks, getting half off your Starbucks order is totally possible. Do a happy dance the next time you pay just $2 for a $4 Frappuccino thanks to your discount know-how! Now enjoy those sips for less.