We all know brewing coffee at home costs less than swinging by a café on the commute, but some mornings you simply don’t have the time or desire.
Instead, take advantage of these free and inexpensive tactics to satisfy your caffeine habit while keeping cash in your pocket.
Here are 11 ways to score a free or inexpensive cup of coffee.
1. Drop by IKEA on a Weekday
Register for a complimentary IKEA Family Card, and you can swing into the furniture megastore for a free coffee every Monday through Friday.
You’ll also receive other perks like exclusive product discounts, 90-day price protection and buy-one-get-one-free frozen yogurt.
2. Be Friendly at Pret a Manger
While some baristas might be cautious about handing out complimentary drinks, staff at Pret a Manger don’t have that worry.
CEO Clive Schlee encourages employees to give away about 28% of the chain’s coffee for free. Workers are empowered to offer free coffee to anyone, for any reason.
Before the policy was widely publicized, frequent visitors were baffled when they received a gratis cup. One Twitter user said, “Pret keeps giving me free hot drinks and I have no idea why but it’s so brilliant. Feel like I’ve won the coffee lotto.” Head into a Pret location and you might hit the coffee jackpot too.
3. Sample Coffee at Cost Plus World Market
“Taste before you buy” is typical at Cost Plus World Market, which is why stores usually brew at least one coffee variety each day.
Shoppers can often enjoy small sample cups while browsing the aisles.
4. Enroll in Starbucks Rewards
Before your next Starbucks run, sign up for their Rewards program. This loyalty scheme can net you free drinks, food, tailored offers and more.
At the entry membership level, you’ll get a free birthday beverage or treat and a discount code for the online Starbucks shop. Earn stars by using a registered Starbucks Card — each transaction (not each item) earns one star.
After collecting five stars within 12 months you’ll unlock the perks above plus free in-store refills on brewed coffee and tea (hot or iced). Reach 30 stars and you’ll get those benefits plus a free food or drink item after 12 additional stars.
5. Join Dunkin’ Donuts “DD Perks”
If Dunkin’ is your go-to, sign up for the DD Perks program. You’ll receive a complimentary drink at enrollment, another free beverage on your birthday and a free item for every 200 points you accumulate (you earn five points per dollar spent).
6. Sign Up for Caribou Coffee Rewards
Caribou Perks is one of the more enigmatic reward programs, promising a range of rewards such as drink upgrades, complimentary bakery items and even free beverages.
You’ll receive an initial perk when you join and others at “surprise” moments; the company notes that the more you buy, the more frequently you’ll get these treats. When notified, you commonly have seven days to visit a store and redeem your perk.
7. Enjoy Birthday Freebies
Many chains and independent cafés will hand out free coffee on your birthday.
If you’re enrolled in Starbucks Rewards or DD Perks, you’re guaranteed a birthday freebie, but plenty of other coffee shops will happily give you a celebratory caffeine boost — you just have to ask. Look up lists of birthday freebies for additional options.
8. Bring Your Own Mug
When you stop into many coffee shops and convenience stores, bring a reusable cup. Some shops will treat it as a “refill” or offer a discount to encourage this eco-friendly habit.
9. Follow Favorite Coffee Shops on Twitter
Dunkin’ Donuts shares coupons and free sample offers via Tweets, as do numerous other coffee brands. Follow your preferred cafés so you’ll see when they post deals, specials and freebies.
10. Pick Up a Punch Card
If your favorite spot offers a “buy five, get one free” stamp card at checkout, grab one. Even if you only plan to visit once, it’s worth taking the card in case you return later.
The challenge is keeping these cards handy so you can get them stamped and claim rewards. Store them in your wallet or somewhere you’ll remember.
11. Hit Steak ‘n Shake During Half-Price Happy Hour
Stop by Steak ‘n Shake between 2–5 a.m. or 2–5 p.m. to get half off shakes and drinks — including coffee. This Half Price Happy Hour is ideal for an afternoon pick-me-up or a late-night boost.
Your Turn: Did we leave out your favorite way to find free or cheap coffee? Share it in the comments!
