Are you looking for ways to earn free Starbucks gift cards? Then keep reading! I’m sharing my favorite apps for getting free coffee from Starbucks!
It’s no secret. I have a small Starbucks addiction.
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 Starbucks coffee but don’t want to break the bank going there, you can earn free Starbucks gift cards and coffee by using these simple methods.
Not only do I use many of these apps and sites, but I tend to get the majority of my Starbucks coffee for free all year round!
Here are 12 legit ways you can earn free Starbucks gift cards!
12 Easy 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. However, 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 earn even more SB.
Your SB points can be traded in for gift cards from stores like 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! Swagbucks is available to residents of the US, Canada, Australia, Germany, France, Ireland, and the UK.
You can read our full review here if you want to learn more about Swagbucks.
2. Ibotta App
Ibotta is an iPhone and Android application that you can use to earn cashback 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. You can also refer your friends and earn even more.
Payments are made via PayPal or Venmo, or you can purchase free Starbucks gift cards, which is what I do. You must have a $10 balance to buy a Starbucks e-gift card, and new users are eligible for a $10 sign-up bonus!
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.
If you’re curious about about this app, read our full Fetch Rewards review.
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.
5. Downtime Dollars
Downtime Dollars 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.
6. Gauge Research
With Gauge Research, you can complete surveys on your smartphone or via their online platform. With this site, you can answer surveys via written word, audio, or video clips, with the latter two offering higher payouts. I’ve only submitted answers in written format, but usually, this format pays $10 per survey. Once you’ve completed your survey, you can use your earnings to purchase free gift cards or cash via PayPal or Venmo from the payment platform Tremendous. They offer over 2,000 different gift card options, including Starbucks!
7. Starbucks Reward Program
If you’re purchasing Starbucks, you must register to be a Starbucks Rewards Member, which rewards you for purchasing coffee and food items! Just download the Starbucks app, create your account profile, add your gift cards or payment method to the app, and 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, 300 stars for a sandwich or protein box, and 400 stars for select merchandise. 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 Stars that you can earn when you complete seasonal challenges. You can also earn stars by purchasing Starbucks coffee beans and ground coffee from grocery stores, retailers, and Starbucks stores.
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 survey 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!
8. 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.
9. Toluna
Another place where you can earn free Starbucks gift cards is Toluna. They are a survey and product testing site where you can earn points for your 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.
10. 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!
11. 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.
12. 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.
Free Starbucks Gift Cards Wrapup
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 free 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 Starbucks gift cards and coffee?
Originally published November 19, 2014. The content was updated October 2024.