Love your lattes? Here’s how to earn free drinks faster — no complicated hacks required.
Whether you’re sipping a flat white on your morning commute or grabbing an iced matcha before errands, Starbucks runs can add up. But with a little planning, you can earn rewards for the purchases you’re already making — both in-store and beyond.
Here are six easy, legit ways to earn Starbucks Stars and even get free gift cards to fund your next caffeine fix.
1. Join Starbucks Rewards (It’s Free!)
If you haven’t joined Starbucks Rewards yet, this is your starting point. It’s free to sign up via the Starbucks app, and once you’re in, you’ll start earning Stars every time you make a purchase — 2 Stars per $1 when you order with a Starbucks Card or through the app.
Once you collect enough Stars, you can redeem them for free drinks, snacks, and more:
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25 Stars: Extra espresso shot or dairy swap
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100 Stars: Brewed coffee, bakery item, or tea
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200 Stars: Handcrafted drinks or breakfast items
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400 Stars: Merchandise or lunch
Pro tip: Load a digital Starbucks Card and pay with it to earn Stars faster.
2. Earn Stars Outside the Café
You can also earn Stars by purchasing Starbucks products at the grocery store. Look for specially marked items (like K-Cups, bottled Frappuccinos, or whole beans) and upload your receipt at Starbucks-Stars.com to claim your Stars.
3. Opt In for Bonus Star Promos
Starbucks regularly runs bonus events like Double Star Days or personalized challenges. Just make sure you’re opted in to email notifications and app alerts so you don’t miss out. Completing simple tasks — like buying two drinks in a week or trying a new item — can earn you bonus Stars fast.
4. Use Shopkick to Earn Free Starbucks Gift Cards
One of the easiest ways to save on Starbucks? Use Shopkick, the free shopping rewards app that lets you earn gift cards just for doing things you already do:
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Walk into participating stores
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Scan product barcodes
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Upload grocery receipts
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Shop online through the app
The points you earn (called kicks) can be redeemed for free Starbucks gift cards—or dozens of other popular retailers.
And yes — you can double dip. Pay for your Starbucks run with a gift card from Shopkick and still earn Stars in the Rewards program. More coffee, fewer dollars. That’s a win-win.
5. Use a Starbucks Rewards Visa Card
If you’re a regular Starbucks customer, the Starbucks® Rewards Visa® Card can help you rack up Stars even faster. Cardholders earn:
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3 Stars per $1 at Starbucks
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1 Star per $2 on everyday purchases
Plus, the card often comes with a welcome bonus of Stars after your first purchase. Just make sure it fits your budget and lifestyle before applying.
6. Trade in Loose Change or Old Items
Here’s a lesser-known tip: Coinstar machines in select grocery stores offer the option to turn loose change into Starbucks eGift Cards — with no transaction fee. And if you’ve got unused electronics, video games, or books, the Amazon Trade-In program lets you exchange them for Amazon credit, which you can use to buy Starbucks gift cards online.
The Bottom Line
Earning Starbucks Rewards doesn’t have to mean spending more — it just means shopping smarter. Whether you’re scanning receipts or using Shopkick to earn on your weekly grocery run, small steps add up to free drinks fast.
Download the Shopkick app today to start turning everyday errands into Starbucks runs on us.
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