Tips For Saving Money at Starbucks

10 Ways to Spend Smarter at Starbucks

August 5, 2009

Source: Getty

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You don't have to eliminate your favorite things when spending less is your goal; you just need to spend smarter. Starbucks knows how much you're seeking value these days, and invited me to discover the ultimate insider's tips on how to enjoy your Starbucks experience for less. Deanna, the store manager of a local Starbucks, taught me several awesome tricks I never would have known about otherwise. Check out these ten tips that the stores' baristas swear by.

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15 Comments

3 years

I use most of these tips--but have not tried the "misto" tip. But, I plan to! Another thing I do is let co-workers and family members know a Starbucks gift card is a great option, when they ask. It's a gift you can carry and use just about everywhere. And--I also have found that it helps to use the same store whenever possible and get to know the baristas--they will occasionally treat frequent fliers to free upgrades, or recommend things I might like, based on what I usually order. Now, that's service!

3 years

This sounds great, but most of my starbucks purchases are at Barnes and Noble. They do not honor the starbucks card nor do they serve the whole starbucks menu, as far as I know.

3 years

If you order tea at Starbucks, ask for it with no water. They usually brew it strong, then mix in more cold water and ice right before giving it to the customer. With "no water" the tea will probably be a bit too strong, but you can add more water on your own and get 25%-50% more tea for the same price.

3 years

Is this true for Canadian stores too?

3 years

Using two cards didn't work for me. I have a Gold Card (10% discount on everything) and tried to also get the discount for soy with my regular Starbucks card. The cash registers just couldn't handle it. I salted away the Starbucks card, transferred the $ to my gold card, and use the gold card exclusively.

3 years

I just read the tips for saving money at Starbucks & think they're great. But, do you have to ask for these money-savers that automatically go along with having a gift/gold card??

3 years

What great ideas for today's economy! Thanks Starbucks!

3 years

A really cheap drink is a Venti Starbucks double shot on ice. It's typically not more than $2.95 with my Va. tax. The best part about this drink is it has 5 shots of espresso! It gives me a nice refreshing boost in the morning, and sometimes afternoon. The drink is made as follows: 5 shots espresso over ice and classic syrup (I do not get the classic syrup in my drink, I ask for 3 equals instead cause I don't want to be taking in that much sugar) Then shaken together with ice in a martini shaker (kinda lol) poured into your cup and topped with 2% or your choice of creamer. You can also add a flavored syrup in place of the classic. It's a very yummy drink, and cheap for as many shots you get in the drink. I always use the treat receipt and go back in the evening after dinner and share a strawberry banana smoothie with my 4 year old son, and he loves it! It was only 2.00 instead of over $4.00 without the treat receipt.

3 years

i think Anonymous wouldn't know the difference if they were drinking liquid cardboard. Leave the real coffee for grown-ups tyvm. Keep rockin Starbucks!

3 years

Hey that was very educational. I needed that for those $2.00 days and I only want the fresh taste of Starbucks. Alethea J Brown, author of I Don't Want To Be A Mom Today !!! Empowerment Reassurance and Encouragement for the Single Mom

3 years

Great advice for cost cutting at Starbucks. I have another one, I am a Barista at Starbucks and instead of getting a White Mocha I suggest "Poor Man's White Mocha", Brewed coffee with white mocha or in summer an Iced Coffee with white mocha. It can save you a lot that way.

3 years

i love Starbucks but i dont go there often enough to really take advantage of these little savings but! i did find out that a coffee frappuccino tastes absolutely delicious and a grande only costs $3.40 thats 5 cents cheaper than a tall caramel frappuccino!

3 years

Thanks for sharing. This was awesomr! ! !

3 years

i think starbucks is overrated.