Can You Get Free Refills at Starbucks? (Refill Policy+Tips)
In the age of the pandemic, many people have begun to work at home or in a coffee shop. The most famous shop is Starbucks. This is great for those who may struggle to keep their energy up. Caffeinated drinks are only a few steps away! But, as energy drains throughout the day, can you get free refills at Starbucks?
Yes, you can get free refills at Starbucks. Whether you are a loyalty member or not, free refills are available as long as you stay in the store. Once you leave, the refill is no longer accessible.
There are a few nuances in the Starbucks refill policy that are imperative to know. Let’s dive into it so you can get as many free refills as possible.
Starbucks Refill Policy
The Starbucks refill policy is fairly simple. If you are a Starbucks loyalty member, refills remain free as long as you stay in the store. However, this only applies to participating locations.
Once you leave the store, the free refill does not apply. You have terminated your visit. When you return to the store, you need to make a new full purchase before the free refill period begins again. You cannot get free refills through the drive-thru.
Additionally, the refill only applies to certain beverages: brewed coffee or tea. You can switch between these drinks with each new refill but not others.
For non-loyalty members, refills are still available. While they are not completely free, they come at a reduced price as long as you stay in the store. The same-visit rule applies to non-loyalty refills too.
Tips to Get Free Refills
Getting free refills is easy at Starbucks. To make the process easier, here are some tips to help.
Get a Starbucks Card
The refills are only free if you have a Starbucks account. You must checkout using the account to be eligible for free refills. Without the account, refills are not free, and it can be a hassle to prove to the cashier that you are eligible.
Order with the Starbucks App
Ordering your original drink through the app makes refills easy. The app holds your Starbucks account information and makes proof of eligibility simple. However, free refills cannot be ordered through the app. You must approach the cashier and show them your eligible app purchase for the free refill.
Do Not Leave the Store
Once you leave the store, your visit is terminated, and the free refills end. If you are going to work at Starbucks, make sure you stay there for a while to get the most of the free refills. The longer you are there, the more free refills you can get.
It’s recommended to get at least two free refills to make the most of the deal. Starbucks is a giant in the coffee industry and can raise its prices due to increased demand. As prices rise, the value of drinks rises, and the more refills you need to get the best deal.
Get a Fun Original Drink
The only beverages that cups can be refilled with coffee and tea. If you order a mocha frappuccino first, you cannot get a free mocha frappuccino refill. Instead, you can get a free brewed coffee or tea. So, order a good drink to begin in a large cup and then get free coffee and tea afterward.
What Drinks are Free Refills at Starbucks?
Coffee and tea are the only drinks eligible for free refills. This includes anything brewed. To know which teas and coffees are good for refills, see the following list.
- Hot brewed coffee
- Iced coffee
- Cold Brew
- Green Tea
- Black Tea
- Hot tea
- Iced tea
- Shaken tea
This may seem like a short list, but it is some of the most basic drinks Starbucks offers. It is what allows them to keep free refills as an option without breaking their profit. But despite their simplicity, these are some of the most popular drinks at Starbucks. Iced tea and hot coffee are great for people in a hurry or those who don’t like the complexities of the other drinks.
The great thing about this somewhat extensive list is that you can mix and match it with each new refill. If you finish an iced coffee and decide you have enough caffeine, the next refill can be a hot decaffeinated tea.
Final Thoughts
Starbucks has secretly been offering free refills for years. They are starting to become more and more popular. To get a free refill, you must have a valid Starbucks account, stay in the store, and ask for an eligible drink. For non-loyalty members, refills are still available, but at a reduced cost instead of free. Go now and take advantage of the best deal Starbucks has.
