Starbucks FYI

[t-rex]

I just discovered a few weeks ago that if you take in your own mug to Starbucks and ask for a refill that it cost only 50 cents. On top of that if you use a Starbucks gift card (that has been registered) you get the refill for free!!! Who's been keeping this gem a secret???

You can thank me after your first cup....


Card Rewards | Starbucks Coffee Company

[cinstreshick]

NICE!! Does it have to be a Starbucks purchased mug or just any old mug I bring from home? Also is it for just a basic brew or things like caramel macchiato?

[t-rex]

You can bring in any old mug from home. It is only for the brewed stuff....but they will give you a free flavor shot or milk selection to go with that. so my usual is whatever bold version they have and a sugar-free hazelnut flavor. Yum Yum! This saves me a step of brewing my own at home and $1.50 plus tax.

[katey66]

Thanks!! Cheaper than my Sheetz .85 refill. How much is the reward card?

[Qbert]

What if I bring a paper (disposable) mug?

[t-rex]

"Thanks!! Cheaper than my Sheetz .85 refill. How much is the reward card?"

Just load one of their gift cards with $5.00 and your golden. Just make sure you register it online.

"What if I bring a paper (disposable) mug?"

I would think you could bring a paper cup (like the Dixie type)

[justusseven]

The link you provided says:
"You must use your registered Starbucks card to purchase a hot or ice brewed coffee and then present the same card for a refill during the same visit. Offer valid at participating stores and subject to change".

I would think it'd be a health code violation if Starbucks was taking cups from everywhere behind the counter to fill up. When you read the FAQ's on this link, it also says,
"Do I have to present my Starbucks Card in order to get a free refill?"

"Yes. You will have to present your Card to the barista. Brewed coffee refills are for customers who are spending time in our stores."

I think you just got lucky with your local Starbucks on this one =)

[t-rex]

I have been in with just my mug and said refill and they only charged me 50 cents when I paid in cash. So that part you can count on... I had one of my office buddies tell me to bring in the card to get the free refill. This particular Starbucks I go to is in an large uptown building so it has a lot of people coming though and they are giving me and a lot of others a free refill.

As far as the health thing from what I can see that the filling nozzle is high enough off the counter that the person filling the coffee can keep it from touching the dispenser. Just to give you an example, if I wanted a refill at a fast food restaurant it would be a health violation according to what you say because I took it and used it and brought it back for a refill. So I don't think that would fly with most people if they were refused a refill. Most places just ask you to take the top and/or the straw and then refill your cup and hand it back.

At this point I'll leave it with a caveat of "your results may vary"...

[t-rex]

Another update on Starbucks.... If you bring you own cup in and purchase tea they will only charge you for the tea bags. In my case they charged me 84 cents which includes tax for two tea bags. Love my orange pekoe tea!

[katey66]

Have some running around to do tomorrow, gonna need coffee, so I'm giving it a shot. I'm not too good with Starbucks. Only went there 3 times and never knew how to order. Always ended up with a vanilla latte'. So hopefully I can just get a plain coffee :)