8 Proven And Tested Ways To Save Money At Starbucks

Hey there, coffee enthusiasts! 

If you're a frequent visitor of the mermaid-logoed coffee chain, you might already know how pricey it can get. But fear not, as I've got some insider tips to help you save some cash while still enjoying your favorite caffeine fix. Of course, brewing your own coffee at home is the ultimate money-saving hack, but let's be real, we all need a little Starbucks in our lives from time to time. 

So, without further ado, let me share with you my top eight favorite ways to keep some green in your wallet while indulging in your Starbucks cravings.

If you're a fan of Starbucks, there's one tip you simply can't miss - always use a Starbucks Rewards card or their mobile app. Not only is signing up a breeze, but you'll also start earning rewards with every purchase. Imagine enjoying a free drink, a complimentary flavor shot, or even a tasty treat - all for simply sipping on your favorite coffee beverage.

And let's not forget the icing on the cake - you'll get a free drink on your birthday! So if you're someone who frequents Starbucks at least three times a year (let's be real, who doesn't?), it's definitely worth the effort to sign up for their Rewards program. With each purchase, you'll earn points that can be redeemed for all kinds of goodies, making your coffee runs even sweeter.

Have you heard about Starbucks' Happy Hours on Thursdays? That's right, most Starbucks locations offer a sweet deal from 2-7 pm, where you can snag a Buy One, Get One Free deal on pretty much all beverages. From hot coffee to iced tea, and everything in between, you can indulge in your favorite drinks at a fraction of the cost.

To make sure you never miss out on these Happy Hour deals, be sure to download the Starbucks app. This way, you'll get notifications about upcoming promotions and coupons, ensuring you're always in the loop.

I recently took advantage of this awesome deal on my drive home and snagged a Venti Coffee Frappuccino for just $2. Talk about a steal! So, mark your calendars for Thursdays and don't forget to download the Starbucks app to score big on these Happy Hour deals. 

Did you know that you can save some extra cash at Starbucks simply by bringing in your own mug? That's right, by using your own aesthetic mug/tumbler, you can enjoy your favorite brew at a discounted price. And the best part? It doesn't have to be a Starbucks mug - feel free to bring in your favorite "World's Best Dad" mug, or any other favorite of yours.

While the savings may seem small - just 10 cents per drink - it can quickly add up to a free drink if you're a regular Starbucks customer. Plus, you'll be doing your part to help the environment by reducing waste from disposable cups. It's a win-win situation!

So, next time you're headed to Starbucks, don't forget to bring along your favorite mug. You'll not only save some cash but also contribute to a more sustainable future. And who knows, your mug might even become a conversation starter with your barista. So go ahead and tote your own mug - your wallet (and the planet) will thank you. (see also: You’re A Terrible Customer If You Do These 6 Things)

If you're a fan of Starbucks, you're likely familiar with their size options, including the largest size known as a "Venti". Coming in at a whopping 25 ounces, it's no surprise that it's often compared to a gas can with a straw sticking out of it. However, did you know that you can actually split a Venti drink with a friend?

Next time you and your pal hit up Starbucks, consider ordering a Venti size and splitting it between the two of you. Not only will you save a few bucks, but you'll also be able to sample more flavors without committing to a whole drink. Plus, Starbucks is happy to provide a free empty cup to make splitting your beverage a breeze.

Coffee lovers, did you know that there's a secret size option at Starbucks that's smaller than the standard 12-ounce "Tall" size? It's called the "Short" and it clocks in at a modest 8 ounces.

While it's not widely advertised, ordering a Short can actually save you some cash and provide a richer flavor experience. In fact, the Short cappuccino contains the same amount of espresso as the Tall size, but with less milk. This means that you get the same caffeine boost and more concentrated coffee flavor at a reduced cost.

Yummly.com offers an array of amazing Starbucks-inspired recipes that you can easily make at home. These recipes are detailed and easy to follow, so you can enjoy your favorite Starbucks drinks without leaving the comfort of your home.

Whether you're in the mood for a Mocha, Frappuccino, Peppermint Mocha, Eggnog Latte, or Caramel Macchiato, Yummly.com (or even the whole internet) has got you covered. You can impress your friends and family with your barista-like skills, while also saving some cash.

Are you a fan of iced drinks at Starbucks? If so, you may want to try asking for “light ice” next time you place your order.

As you may already know, Starbucks is all about customization. But did you know that asking for “light ice” can give you more of your actual beverage without watering it down?

In fact, asking for “light ice” can reduce the amount of ice in your drink by up to 50%! That means more of the actual beverage that you're paying for, without any extra cost.

So the next time you order an iced drink, whether it's an Iced Grande Skinny Caramel Latte or your own special creation, remember to ask for “light ice.” Not only will you get more of your beverage, but you'll also be able to enjoy it at its full flavor potential. This simple hack is a great way to save money while still indulging in your favorite Starbucks drinks.

Don't throw away your Starbucks receipts just yet, as they can save you money on sweet treats!

Every couple of months, Starbucks offers a promotion called the "Sweet Receipt." If you purchase a drink in the morning, you can bring back that receipt after 2 p.m. and for $1 you can buy any pastry to go with your coffee. 

This is a great way to save money on those tempting bakery items without breaking the bank. Keep an eye out for this promotion on your receipts and make sure to take advantage of it when it's available.

These eight Starbucks money-saving hacks are practical, easy to implement, and can save you money without sacrificing your favorite coffee. From using the Starbucks rewards program to bringing your own mug, there are plenty of ways to enjoy your caffeine fix without breaking the bank. So next time you visit Starbucks, remember to use these tips to save some cash while still enjoying your favorite drinks and treats.