Read through these frugal tips to find ways to save money on your drive-thru coffee habit.
You have probably heard it before; “Save money by skipping your morning latte at the drive-up coffee shop.” While this is a great way to save money, it is understandable that this little addiction is hard to give up for some people. If you can’t pass that coffee shop without stoping, you might as well save as much as you can while you are there!
10 Ways to Save Money at Coffee Shops
While you may not be ready to ditch the java just yet, here are some ways that you can save at the coffee shop or drive-up coffee stand.
1. Join rewards programs and loyalty programs.
Starbucks has a rewards program that gives you free refills on brewed coffee, treats, and other goodies on your birthday. Many locally-owned coffee stands have punch cards. If you are going to buy a daily drink, you could get a couple of free ones a month this way.
2. Download the app.
Don’t just download the app, go through it and look for all the goodies. Some of the apps will allow you to sign up for the rewards program inside the app. Starbucks gives you double points if you place your order using the app. You will also find special offers in the apps throughout the year.
3. Order off the “secret menu”.
Just because it isn’t on the menu, doesn’t mean they don’t have the means to make it. Try ordering something with a la carte ingredients and see if it is cheaper.
4. Drink your coffee in-house.
Often times, if you want more than one cup, you may be able to get a free refill on brewed coffee if you are in-house or at least get a refill for cheap. This is great if you are working for a couple of hours at the coffeehouse. Sometimes, coffee shops offer free drip coffee to customers who buy something off their food menu such as a muffin.
5. Ask about special cups for discounts.
Some coffee shops offer half-price refills when you buy their travel mugs. Some cafes even offer free fill-ups for a month with the purchase of a travel mug. Not only is this a great deal, it is better for the environment, too.
6. Buy discounted gift cards.
You can buy discounted gift cards for national chains at some warehouse stores. Use those discounted gift cards to make your coffee and you will ultimately save money. This is a good tip to stack with other saving tips since you can use them with rewards programs and might even be able to load the gift card to your app to place your order and pay for it all in app.
7. Follow on Social Media
Follow your favorite coffee shops on Facebook, Instagram, and/or Twitter. They will often release their daily deals, seasonal specials, and even free drinks to fans.
8. Become a regular.
Anyone who is a regular at a business like a restaurant knows that getting to know the servers and baristas at establishments often gets them special treatment like discounts, free extra shots, and even free drinks occasionally. Get cozy with the people who work at your favorite establishment and they will be sure to tell you about upcoming deals.
9. Doctor it up at home or your office.
If you like your coffee with all the bells and whistles that cost extra such as soy milk or flavorings, you could save a lot of money by keeping some soy milk or a selection of flavored syrups at your office. You can buy a large bottle of flavored syrup for less than $5 and use it for months. Just order a plain brewed coffee, then add milk and flavorings at home or at your office.
10. Bring your own mug.
Some coffee shops are big on being environmentally friendly so they give customers discounts if they bring a mug from home even if it isn’t their brand’s mug. This small savings of 25 cents or so that many places offer adds up to over $60 a year in savings if you get coffee 5 days a week.
How do you save money on your morning habit?
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Pauline Wiles says
I usually visit Starbucks as a treat, not a habit, but I do wonder what it would cost to make the equivalent chai latte at home. But the free drink to celebrate my birthday (through the Starbucks card program) is very welcome!