It’s no secret. I have a small Starbucks addiction, especially since it’s my office away from home.
From the pumpkin spice and gingerbread lattes in the fall to the delicious cold brew and iced green tea in the summer — I’m a fan of it all. And while their drinks and goodies are delectable, this habit can really put a dent in your weekly budget.
But there’s good news!
If you love to work at Starbucks but don’t want to pay an arm and a leg for your weekly coffee habit, you can earn free Starbucks gift cards and coffee by using these smartphone apps and online platforms.
Not only do I use these many of these apps and sites, but I tend to get the majority of my Starbucks coffee for free all year round!
Here are 11 legit ways you can earn free gift cards for Starbucks!
11 Ways to Earn FREE Starbucks Gift Cards
1. Swagbucks
Swagbucks is an online platform where you can earn points called SB, which can be redeemed for gift cards, coupons, and sweepstake entries. But they also have a smartphone app for iPhone and Android operating systems. You can quickly earn Swagbucks by playing games, answering questions, completing offers, and even surfing the web using their toolbar. If you refer your friends, you’ll make even more SB.
Your SB points can be traded in for gift cards from Amazon, Target, PayPal, and, yes, Starbucks! It currently takes 500 Swagbucks to earn a $5 Starbucks gift card. New users can also get a $10 bonus for signing up and earning 2,500 SB within their first 60 days of joining! You can read our full review here if you want to learn more about Swagbucks.
- I’ve earned $101 in gift cards from using Swagbucks.
2. Ibotta App
Ibotta is an iPhone and Android application that you can use to earn money when you go shopping. Before you head out on a shopping trip, complete tasks relating to your favorite brands and companies. Next, shop at stores like Target and Walgreens and take photos of your receipts. Once your transaction has been verified, your account will be credited with a specified cashback amount. Refer your friends and earn even more.
Payments are made via PayPal, Venmo, or you can purchase Starbucks gift cards, which is what I do. You must have a $10 balance to buy a Starbucks gift card, and new users are eligible for a $10 sign-up bonus!
- Oh, did I mention, over the years, I’ve earned over $2,432.66 using Ibotta?!
3. Fetch Rewards
Fetch is a smartphone app that rewards users for scanning their receipts through the app, shopping through the app, and referring friends (100 bonus points to each party) to the platform. Each activity is designated a different point value, and points can be used to purchase magazines, sweepstakes entries, and gift cards from various retailers, including Starbucks! It takes 5,000 points to earn $5 in gift card value, but the points add up fast, especially if you connect your email and Amazon accounts, which scan your e-receipts.
- I’ve been using Fetch since 2021, and during this time, I’ve earned $90 in gift cards.
4. Shopkick
I’m totally addicted to this app! Shopkick is a cool rewards program that is available for iPhone and Android phones. Download the app to your phone, and you’ll instantly earn kicks when you walk into your favorite stores (Old Navy, Crate & Barrel, Exxon, Target, Macy’s, etc.). Scan specified product barcodes once you’re in the store to earn more kicks. Link up your credit card and refer your friends for even more kicks. Kicks can be used for Target, Old Navy, and Starbucks gift cards! It currently takes 1,250 kicks to get a $5 Starbucks gift card.
- I’ve been using Shopkick since 2013, and during that time, I have earned $520 in gift cards!
5. Dabbl
Dabbl is a mobile app where you can earn points for watching videos, completing offers and tasks, completing online surveys, and taking advantage of deals and discounts. You can also earn 10 points for each friend that earns 1,000 points on the app. Five thousand points are equivalent to $5 in gift card rewards; however, you’ll earn bonus points when you cashout at higher gift card amounts. Retailers include Amazon, Best Buy, CVS, Walmart, Starbucks, and more.
- I’ve personally earned $15.61 using Dabbl.
6. Starbucks Reward Program
If you’re purchasing Starbucks, you need to sign up to be a Starbucks Rewards Member, which rewards you for drinking their coffee! Just download the Starbucks app, add your gift cards or payment method to the app, then manage and pay for your drinks using the app. Every time you make a purchase, you’ll earn stars towards free drinks and treats. You also get a complimentary beverage on your birthday.
It takes 100 stars for a free drip coffee, tea, or bakery item. It takes 200 stars for a free handcrafted drink and 300 stars for a sandwich or protein box. You’ll earn one star for every dollar you spend with your registered Starbucks cards and app.
Starbucks also has Double Star Days and Bonus Star challenges, where you can earn even more stars for certain purchases. You can also earn stars by purchasing Starbucks coffee beans and ground coffee from grocery stores and retailers.
Another perk of being a Starbucks Reward Member is you’ll get free refills on your drip coffee! And if you bring in your own reusable cup, you can get $0.10 off your purchase!
Other Survey Sites to Use
Above are the surveys sites and mobile apps that I personally use to earn free Starbucks drinks. But here are some more ways to earn free food and drinks from Starbucks!
7. InboxDollars
InboxDollars has an online platform and a smartphone app where you can earn money by taking surveys, playing games, shopping online, reading emails, and printing coupons. Each activity has its own cash value, and once your account reaches a $15 threshold, you can cash out via PayPal, check, or gift cards, including Starbucks. New users get a $5 bonus just for signing up! InboxDollars has paid out over $80 million in rewards since 2000!
If you’re curious about InboxDollars, read our full review here.
8. Toluna
Toluna is a survey and product testing site where you can earn points for participation. Most surveys and questionnaires take 15–20 minutes, and members receive anywhere from 15–20,000 points depending on the length. Points can be redeemed for sweepstake tickets or gift cards from stores like Amazon and Starbucks! It currently takes 30,000 points to earn a $10 Starbucks gift card.
9. Survey Junkie
Survey Junkie is an online platform that rewards users for taking surveys and surfing the web with their toolbar extension. With Survey Junkie, you earn 25 points for creating an account and another 50 for filling out your profile. There’s also a quick checklist that new users can complete for an extra 205 points. Surveys vary in length and point value. Currently, 100 points are equivalent to $1; you must reach 500 points ($5) before redemption. Your points on Survey Junkie can be used for cash via PayPal or e-gift cards, including Starbucks!
Related content: How to Earn Free Amazon Gift Cards
10. Branded Surveys
Branded Surveys in a market research firm that pays individuals to answer surveys online. They recruit survey takers from the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. For each survey you take, you’ll earn points which can be redeemed for gift cards from major retailers and food establishments like Starbucks. You can even withdraw your earnings in the form of PayPal cash. New users get 100 points ($1) just for creating an account.
11. MyPoints
With MyPoints, you can earn points when you play games, take surveys, and shop online. New users can also earn $5 in bonus points when they verify their email address (easy peasy)! Points you earn can be used to purchase gift cards from Amazon, Walmart, Target, eBay, Starbucks, and more. MyPoints is available to users in the US and Canada.
Conclusion
Drinking Starbucks coffee doesn’t have to be an expensive habit. As you can see, there are lots of easy ways to earn free Starbucks gift cards. Add a few of these smartphone apps and survey websites to your daily routine; you’ll be drinking free coffee in no time.
Of course, there are other ways to earn free Starbucks coffee using mobile apps. However, instead of earning Starbucks gift cards, you’ll take your PayPal or Visa gift card earnings and use those to purchase coffee instead. Check out this list of ideas for more ways to make money with mobile apps!
What other sites do you use to earn FREE coffee and gift cards from Starbucks?
Originally published November 19, 2014. The content was updated in May 2023.
