While there exists some clever Starbucks menu hacks that’ll definitely save you money, it’s really hard to beat “free”. As in free Starbucks coffee, free refills, and even free Starbucks gift cards. Here are some really easy ways to earn all three from your local Starbucks.

Free Starbucks Refills

In order to score a free coffee refill at Starbucks, you’ll need either a registered Starbucks card or their mobile app on your phone.

Then use either one to order any “Handcrafted Beverage” and you qualify for a free refill on that visit.

A handcrafted beverage is anything a barista makes with their hands. So it excludes bottled water, juice, and soda.

The refill drink can only be one of the following: Brewed Coffee (hot, iced coffee, or cold brew) or tea (hot or iced).

But the cool thing is you can order a mocha or latte, for example, and on your way out you can get a “refill” of iced tea or brewed coffee.

So you can order a latte, then after you drink it, you can order a free caramel iced coffee as you walk out the door.

In the summer-time I’ll do this with brewed coffee and use it later in the day to make an iced coffee.

PRO TIP: FREE COFFEE ON MONDAY AFTER THE SUPER BOWL

In 2025, Starbucks offered a free Tall Hot or Iced Brew coffee to all Reward members on February 10th, 2025.

This was the Monday after the Super Bowl and they painted the promo as folks needing a little caffeine pick-me-up after a big Sunday.

It turned out to be a very successful promotion, so look for the same thing next year.

Free Starbucks Coffee

Here are some highly clever ways to score free coffee at Starbucks:

Free Birthday Drink

Join the Starbucks Rewards program and score a free drink on your birthday. Just present the Starbucks app to redeem.

Nowadays, the free drink gets added to your account on your birthday (used to be 2 days before) and will expire at midnight on your birthday.

Anything on the menu is open for you to order as your birthday reward, even food items.

PRO TIP: THE BIRTHDAY DRINK YOU SHOULD BE ORDERING

To maximize the value of your free birthday reward at Starbucks, you should order the largest, most expensive drink you genuinely enjoy.

Here are four tips to ensure you get the most “bang for your buck”:

1. Go Big or Go Home – Definitely choose a Venti (20 oz) or Trenta (31 oz) size if available (Trenta is only for iced drinks).

2. Customize Like Crazy – Customize your drink with UNLIMITED FREE CUSTOMIZATIONS such as:

• Extra espresso shots (adds caffeine and flavor).
• Alternative milk options like almond, oat, or coconut (normally cost extra).
• Extra syrups or toppings (whipped cream, caramel drizzle, mocha drizzle, etc.).

3. Secret Menu – Order something off the secret menu for a premium experience. Ask for complex, Instagram-worthy options like the “Butterbeer Frappuccino” or “Ferrero Rocher Frappuccino.” Tip: Be ready with the recipe for secret menu drinks since baristas aren’t trained on them.

4. Think Seasonal or Limited-Time Drinks – If your birthday aligns with the holiday season or special promotions, opt for festive drinks like the Peppermint Mocha, Pumpkin Spice Latte, or Chestnut Praline Latte (Venti or Trenta sizes).

Free Holiday Drinks

They always hand out thousands of free coffee around the holidays.

Be sure to follow Starbucks on Facebook as they’ll let you know what days and times you can come in and score free coffee drinks.

Free Coffee via Discounted Gift Card

A very easy way to get free coffee at Starbucks is by purchasing a discounted gift card.

Your best bet is to check out CardCash.com and get a $100 Starbucks gift card for only $87.50 or a $70 card for only $61.

See Also: All Places That Give You Something Free on Your Birthday

PRO TIP: ASK FOR AN EXTRA TEA BAG

When ordering tea at Starbucks, you can maximize your purchase by asking for an extra tea bag to-go.

Here’s how and why this works:

When you order your tea, simply (and politely) say, “Could I have an extra tea bag to-go, please?”

If the barista hesitates, let them know it’s for later use. This is a simple and reasonable request that works 90% of the time in my experience, especially since Starbucks allows customization of your drinks.

The extra tea bag lets you brew a fresh cup of tea later at no additional cost, effectively doubling your drink for free.

If you order a larger size, you’re already getting more hot water. The second tea bag can be saved for another time or used to double the flavor of your current drink.

If you prefer iced tea, you can use the extra tea bag to brew your own iced tea at home by steeping it in cold water or hot water and chilling it. This works especially well with Starbucks’ vibrant tea blends, like Passion Tango or Jade Citrus Mint.

Free Gift Cards

Aside from buying discounted gift cards for Starbucks, there exists some slick ways to score absolutely free gift cards.

Swagbucks – Watch videos, play games, search the web, and shop online and earn cool “SwagBucks” that you can redeem for free gift cards at Starbucks.

Ibotta – Take your grocery shopping to the next level and start redeeming Ibotta “rebates” on stuff you’ll be buying anyways.

Then once you have $20 worth of rebates (which won’t take long) and you can score a free $20 Starbucks gift card.

ShopKick – Earn “kicks” just by walking into stores in your local area. Then earn more “kicks” by browsing products and even more by making purchases.

Once you earn these kicks, you can quickly turn them into a free gift card.

Ask the Reader: How do you get free stuff from Starbucks and feed your addiction on the cheap? Or do you just stay out completely and brew at home?

By Kyle James

Photo by Bfishadow.

If Five Guys regular menu has you kinda bored, consider ordering something from the Five Guys secret menu for a delicious new burger or French fry treat. The cool thing about this burger joint is you can customize your burger until your heart’s content, all for the same price. But did you know that some creations lurk only on the secret menu, items that once ordered, just might change how you order forever? Here is how their secret menu currently breaks down.

Patty Melt

Order a Five Guys Patty Melt off the secret menu and you’ll get a grilled sandwich with buns grilled and served upside down (i.e. with the flat, soft side facing out).

The bread actually looks like Texas Toast if you’re familiar with that.

The magic of the patty melt happens with the toppings.

Not only can you add any of their toppings for the same price, but they include patty melt classics like grilled onions and mushrooms.

I like to get my patty melt with 2 patties, grilled onions, and extra cheese. Not for the faint of heart, but man, is it delicious.

PRO TIP: THE FRIES ARE HUGE

The regular-sized French fries at Five Guys will easily feed 2-3 people.

I made the mistake of ordering fries for each of my kids and we had enough to feed a large army.

Also, if you have a peanut allergy, stay away as Five Guys uses only peanut oil when cooking their fries. Plus, the place is strewn with peanut shells.

See Also: The Ultimate In-N-Out Burger Secret Menu

Grilled Cheese

While the grilled cheese sandwich does appear on the Five Guys regular menu, most diners don’t know that you can customize it like crazy.

My favorite is to add grilled onions, grilled mushrooms, tomatoes, lettuce, and mustard.

One of my favorite sandwiches ever.

If you’re a vegetarian this sandwich is a must-order at Five Guys.

PRO TIP: THE “LITTLE HAMBURGER” IS ANYTHING BUT

The Little Hamburger at Five Guys has a very deceiving name. Coming in at 540 calories, it’s actually a regular sized burger with one patty.

Hungry? Just order the regular hamburger or cheeseburger as they both come with 2 patties.

Double Grilled Cheeseburger

Make sure you have an EMT standing by with paddles before you order this bad boy from the Five Guys secret menu.

The “Double Grilled Cheeseburger” consists of as many beef patties as you want, plus any toppings of your choice, squeezed between 2 grilled cheese sandwiches.

Yes, you read that correctly, “2” grilled cheese sandwiches.

The beauty of this burger is that it gets you that crunchy Texas-style toast on the outside, but the inner goodness of juicy meat and cheese.

Presidential Burger

Having originated in the Washington D.C. area, Five Guys Burgers has been visited by president Obama on more than one occasion.

Enough actually that he has his own burger on the secret menu, called the “Presidential”.

Order it and you’ll get a cheeseburger with lettuce, tomato, jalapeno peppers, and mustard.

See Also: The Burger King Secret Menu Will Make You Bow to the King

In-N-Out “Animal Style” Double-Double

If you live in one of the many states that does not have an In-N-Out burger location, you can get the next best thing by creating your own “Animal Style” cheeseburger at Five Guys.

Start by ordering a regular cheeseburger as this’ll get you two patties and a single slice of cheese.

Next order “extra cheese” to create the double-double. Then add grilled onions and whatever other toppings you want.

To stay as original as possible order tomato, lettuce, and pickles.

Last, but not least, are the condiments. To create the special In-N-Out sauce, you’ll need to order mayo, ketchup and relish on the side and mix them together yourself.

Then slather the sauce on your burger and you’re in for a delicious treat.

The only thing missing from the original In-N-Out “Animal Style” burger is the hamburger patty grilled with mustard directly on it.

Unfortunately they won’t do that step for ya. Boo.

Sloppy Joe

The Sloppy Joe comes courtesy of a current Five Guys employee.

“Also there’s a Sloppy Joe burger that could be considered a secret menu option.

Not all locations will know what you’re talking about, but you can order it by asking for a burger (with or without cheese) with grilled green peppers, grilled onions, ketchup, & BBQ sauce.

Tastes a lot like a homemade Sloppy Joe.”

If you love Sloppy Joe’s, it’s definitely worth a shot.

See Also: The Jersey Mike’s Secret Menu Will Change the Way You Eat

Cheese Fries

You’re no longer beholden to 2 types of French fries at Five Guys (Regular-Style or Cajun).

Consider ordering “Cheese Fries” from the Five Guys secret menu for some gooey goodness.

You’ll get some yummy melted cheddar cheese dumped right on top of your fried potatoes.

While not available at every Five Guys location, it’s worth a shot if melted cheese is your thing.

“Well Done” Fries

Every one has a different preference when it comes to French fries.

If extra crispy fries is your thing, consider ordering “Well Done” fries from their secret menu.

They’ll come out extra crispy/crunchy, almost like a warm and thick kettle chip.

Chicago Style Hot dog

Don’t settle for a regular old hot dog at Five Guys.

Instead, create a “Chicago Style” dog by adding tomato, relish, pickles, hot sauce, mustard, and green peppers.

Feeling frisky? Throw on some Cajun seasoning for good measure.

It’ll be the best hot dog you ever tasted, bar-none.

See Also: McDonald’s Secret Menu: Mickey D’s in a Whole New Light

Ask the Reader: What items off the Five Guys secret menu have peaked your curiosity? Also, how do you like to customize your burger at Five Guys?

By Kyle James

Photo by Mike Mozart.

As any “real” coffee lover can attest, the coffee at Dunkin’ Donuts can compete with Starbucks on pretty much any level. Dunkin’ is way more than doughnuts these days, and the Dunkin’ Donuts secret menu surely proves that. From tasty cold and hot coffee drinks, to yummy treats, their secret menu has something for every one. Here’s how the Dunkin’ secret menu currently breaks down.

Almond Joy Iced Coffee

Apparently this delicious warm-weather treat was a limited-time drink on the Dunkin’ Donuts secret menu.

The good news is many employees still know how to make an Almond Joy iced coffee.

If you order it and get a blank look, just ask for a mocha iced coffee with a shot of toasted almond. As a dude who always steals Almond Joys from my kid’s Halloween basket, I’m all over this one.

PRO TIP: FAVS FROM AN EMPLOYEE

I found this great Reddit thread where a Dunkin employee shared some great drink recommendations.

From looking at the comments on this thread, here are 4 drinks you gotta try:

Hot Drink: Medium Cappuccino 3 Caramel, 3 Cream and 1-3 Coconut shots. (Comment: It’s addicting.)

Iced Drink: Medium Latte with Oatmilk, 2(3) Caramel, 2(3) of your favorite Vanilla, and cold foam.

Frozen Drink: Vanilla Bean Coollata with 2 Butter Pecan and 2 coconut. (Comment: Check the calories count on this one, it’s pretty high)

Honorable Mention: Iced Sweet Tea + Lemonade + 1-2 pumps of Peach Sunshine

See Also: Starbucks Secret Menu is Amazingly Delicious (Try Something New)

Birthday Cake Coolatta

Similar to the Birthday Cake frappuccino on the Starbucks secret menu, this is simply a Vanilla Bean Coolatta with a Hazelnut Swirl added.

It’s a sweet one, but if that’s your thing, you should give it a try.

Coco Berry Coffee

Order an iced mocha then add a shot of blueberry to it. Throw in some milk or coconut milk for an even creamier mixture.

The result is a yummy iced berry treat with plenty of coffee taste.

Creamcicle Coolatta

From DD employee Janice, “small shot of vanilla bean swirl, small shot of cream, and orange coolatta mix a little over the bottom line. Add neutral base coolatta and enjoy. Whip cream on top. And no the cream never curdled when mixed with the orange mix.”

Sounds yummy.

She said the owner of her shop was impressed enough to let her make it for customers.

Eggnog Latte

Order it cold in the Summer or hot in the Winter. Either way, the Eggnog Latte will sure to please.

If the Dunkin’ employee doesn’t know how to make it this secret menu item, just order a Vanilla Chai (frozen if you want a cold drink), then add 3 pumps of Caramel Swirl and you’re good to go.

See Also: 10 Smart Ways to Save BIG at Dunkin’ and Krispy Kreme

Nutella Surprise

To give any regular menu item a “Nutella Surpise”, just add two Mocha Swirls and one Hazelnut Shot to any drink.

If you’re a fan of Nutella you’ll never go back to regular coffee at Dunkin’ Donuts.

Oranges & Cream Coolatta

This tasty treat in an Orange Coolatta with a couple pumps of vanilla bean (at no extra cost) to make it a Oranges & Cream Coolatta.

The same can be done for the Strawberry Coolatta.

Here is the vanilla bean breakdonw:

• Small-3pumps vanilla bean
• Medium-4 pumps vanilla bean
• Large-6 pumps vanilla bean

Thanks to Meg, a Dunkin’ employee, for the tip. She makes this drink for a few regular customers and they swear by it.

Peaches & Cream Coolatta

To get a custom made Peaches & Cream Coolatta, just order a Vanilla Bean Coolatta with 3 peach shots added.

If you’re a fan of creamy peaches, this secret menu item is a must-try.

Pina Coolatta

This is suppose to be amazing and taste just like the real thing.

To get it you order a vanilla bean coolatta, ask for pineapple swirls and shots of coconut.

The small size is 2 of everything, medium is 3, large is 4. 

Raspberry Hot Chocolate

Every time my kids visit a Starbucks they order a Peppermint Hot Chocolate, but this drink looks much yummier in my opinion.

A Raspberry Hot Chocolate from Dunkin’ is simply regular hot chocolate with 3 shots of raspberry added.

If you’d prefer some caffeine, order a mocha instead of a hot chocolate.

Snickers Coffee

Order any regular-sized hot or iced coffee from Dunkin, then add 1 Hazelnut swirl and 1 Salted Caramel swirl.

I particularly recommend the “iced” coffee Snickers drink. So darn good!

Toasted French Vanilla Coffee

If the plain ol’ french vanilla creamer has you bored, order this bad boy.

It consists of a regular coffee with 2 swirls of French Vanilla, 1 Toasted Almond shot, and Almond milk instead of the normal white stuff.

See Also: Like Flavored Coffee and Sweet Drinks? Check Out The Dutch Bros Secret Menu

Turbo Hot Coffee

Order the often forgotten Turbo Hot Coffee off the Dunkin’ Donuts secret menu and get a quick caffeine pick-me-up.

This drink is simply a regular cup of hot coffee with a shot of espresso added. You can also order a Iced Turbo for a cold caffeine boost.

Tropical Breeze Coolatta

If you ever find yourself dreaming of warm tropical beaches and swaying palm trees, order a Tropical Breeze Coolatta.

It’s made with a Minute Maid Coolatta with 2 shots of coconut and a single peach shot for good measure.

It’s essentially a Pina Colada with a peachy twist. Sounds yummy, especially on a hot and humid Summer afternoon.

Ask the Reader: What Dunkin’ Donuts secret menu item sounds enticing? Have you ever ordered anything from their secret menu?

By Kyle James

Photo by Mike Mozart.