There's something magical about how the perfect cup of joe can brighten your day. But what if I told you there’s a way to make that experience even sweeter on your b-day with a Starbucks birthday drink?
There’s something magical about how the perfect cup of joe can brighten your day. But what if I told you there’s a way to make that experience even sweeter on your b-day with a Starbucks birthday drink?
This isn’t a pipedream! Starbucks offers a free drink to loyal customers celebrating their special day.
I’m here to tell you all about redeeming these birthday freebies. Read on to discover how to turn your birthday into a Starbucks extravaganza!
Table of Contents
- Does Starbucks Offer Free Birthday Drinks?Can I Get Any Starbucks Drink for Free
- How to Get a Free Starbucks DrinkVisit the Starbucks Rewards WebsiteGet Your First Star
- TipsUse Your Starbucks CardAlways Scan the Member Bar Codes Before PayingUse an Account-Linked Payment MethodParticipate in Starbucks Partnership ProgramsLook Out for Bonus StarsPaying with Multiple Starbucks Cards
- Additional Benefits
- Final Thoughts
- FAQ
Does Starbucks Offer Free Birthday Drinks?
It’s true! Starbucks rewards members with free drinks and other gifts on their birthday. To qualify for a free Starbucks birthday drink, you must have a Starbucks Rewards accountand a registered Starbucks card.
In addition, you must have made at least one regular purchase that earns at least one star. Do this at a participating Starbucks location in the year leading up to your actual birthday.
Birthday girls and boys can choose between the following complimentary items:
Customers may also get a free drink on their birthday in any available size (short, tall, grande or venti).
To put things in perspective, Starbucks stars typically earn you the following:
25 stars: An additional espresso shot, extra syrup or sauce. You may also opt for a non-dairy milk addition to your beverage up to the value of $1.
100 stars: A free drink (hot or iced coffee or tea), a bakery or packaged food item.
200 stars: A handcrafted drink, a hot breakfast food item (oatmeal or breakfast sandwich).
300 stars: A lunch sandwich, packaged salad, packaged protein box or packaged coffee beans.
400 stars: Select merchandise valued at up to $20.
Not all of these drinks, food items and merchandise are available as a birthday reward, as you’ll see in the next section of this guide. This breakdown gives you an idea of what items to redeem when you get a free Starbucks reward.
You should also note that Starbucks stars have an expiration date. They are valid for six months from the date you earned them.
Can I Get Any Starbucks Drink for Free on My Birthday?
Unfortunately, youcan’t get any Starbucks drink or food item as a birthday reward. There are restrictions when it comes to redeeming these birthday rewards.
As such, the following items are not available in this Starbucks rewards program:
Multi-serve food items and beverages.
Alcoholic coffee drinks or other drinks containing alcohol.
Packaged coffee beans or coffee grounds.
Starbucks merchandise, including coffee gear, tumblers and travel mugs.
Items from the Starbucks roastery.
Items at Princi locations and some Starbucks locations.
How to Get a Free Starbucks Drink on Your Birthday
When your special day arrives, you should get a code for your free item via the Starbucks app. This code will allow you to get your Starbucks birthday drink.
It may not be too late to benefit if you’re not yet a Starbucks rewards member. Here’s what you need to do to enjoy your birthday reward:
Visit the Starbucks Rewards Website
Sign up at the Starbucks rewards website or download the Starbucks app to sign up and begin earning Starbucks rewards.
On the Starbucks website or the Starbucks app, enter your personal info, including your first and last names, email address and actual birth date. Enter the month and date in the birthday field.
Join this loyalty program and enter your account information at least seven days before your birthday. This will make you eligible for free drinks or other birthday rewards.
You must enter all the information accurately. Incorrect account information may make you ineligible for free drinks or other birthday rewards on your b-day.
Get Your First Star by Purchasing Your Starbucks Birthday Drink
You’ll automatically receive a Starbucks digital card with a zero-dollar balance when you join the Starbucks rewards program. You may add funds to your e-wallet in-store, online or via the Starbucks mobile app.
To redeem your birthday rewards, tap the “Offers” tab at the top right of the Starbucks app.
If redeeming your free Starbucks drink in-store, first pay for your drink. Then, present the email you received from Starbucks, qualifying you for a birthday reward. Your barista will scan the barcode on your registered Starbucks card or app to redeem the birthday reward.
Here are a few things to remember before you redeem your birthday freebie:
Participating customers must be 13 years or older to get a free drink with this Starbucks birthday reward program.
A parent or legal guardian must accompany any Starbucks rewards member aged 13-18 redeeming a birthday reward.
You can’t sell these birthday rewards to others; they’re strictly for personal use.
Birthday rewards are only for one use.
The free drink, handcrafted beverage or food item birthday reward expires at midnight on the day of your birthday. You won’t be able to use this birthday reward for any other special occasion.
Remember, you can only get your Starbucks birthday drink or food item at authorized Starbucks stores or Starbucks-owned businesses such as grocery stores, supermarkets or hotels.
Unfortunately, orders placed via Uber Eats won’t earn you stars. To earn stars with an Uber Eats order, pay for your purchase using the Starbucks Rewards Visa Prepaid or Starbucks Rewards Visa credit cards.
Tips for Making the Most of the Starbucks Birthday Rewards Program
To make the most of this Starbucks rewards program, some hints and tips can help you maximize these personalized offers.
Use Your Starbucks Card At Participating Stores and Businesses
Paying for your next pumpkin spice latte or other favorite using your Starbucks card literally pays! Every dollar you spend at participating Starbucks locations using your digital Starbucks card in the app earns you two stars.
Furthermore, when you purchase in person at a participating Starbucks store and pay using your registered Starbucks card, you’ll earn two stars for every dollar spent. In fact, if you scan the barcode in the app and then use your Starbucks digital card (registered or not), you’ll also earn two stars for every dollar you spend.
It gets even better when you work for Starbucks! Starbucks partners earn three stars for every dollar they spend at a participating Starbucks store. However, participating Starbucks employees must register their partner card to their account. Then they must scan the barcode on the actual partner card or in the Starbucks mobile app before purchasing.
Always Scan the Member Bar Codes Before Paying
When you scan your barcode in the app at the register before paying with cash, debit cards, credit cards or your e-wallet balance, you’ll earn one star for every dollar you spend at authorized Starbucks locations.
Starbucks partners earn double the stars for every dollar spent. However, they must use the card registered to their Starbucks Rewards account and scan the member barcode before purchasing.
Use an Account-Linked Payment Method
To pay for your order conveniently via the app, you can link a debit card, credit card or mobile wallet to your Starbucks Rewards account. This enables you to earn one star for every dollar you spend. Again, Starbucks partners earn double the stars using an account-linked payment method.
However, it is essential to note that Starbucks can amend or delete accepted payment methods at any time.
Participate in Starbucks Partnership Programs
You can also earn stars for your birthday reward through partnership programs provided by Starbucks’ business partners.
However, it is important to note that these programs are independent of Starbucks and have their own terms and conditions. That said, they’re an excellent way to bump up those reward points!
Look Out for Bonus Stars
Starbucks occasionally offers the opportunity to earn more stars with special promos. These “extra stars” have special terms and conditions valid for the duration of the promotion. Unfortunately, as of July 2023, the Star Codes rewards program is no longer available.
Paying with Multiple Starbucks Cards
Finally, if you have multiple Starbucks cards registered, you only need to present one of your registered Starbucks cards to redeem a free drink on your birthday or other occasion.
Additional Benefits of the Starbucks Rewards Program
Receive free refills of hot coffee or tea or free refills of iced coffee or tea (after scanning your barcode in the app prior to making a purchase). The free refill is only valid during the same in-store visit.
Early or extended access to special discounts or menu items at a participating Starbucks location.
Special offers based on your previous purchases or preferences.
Earn bonus stars when you bring a clean, reusable cup to participating stores.
Eligibility for “Double Star Days” when you may earn double the stars per purchase. That’s more stars for your birthday reward!
Final Thoughts: Make Starbucks a Part of Your Special Occasion
Now you know all about the Starbucks birthday drink rewards program! Starbucks understands the importance of celebrating life’s milestones. So, it has made it easier for coffee lovers worldwide to do just that.
When your next birthday rolls around, remember to treat yourself to a personalized Starbucks creation. After all, it’s your day, so you really should celebrate it your way!
Did you know about the Starbucks birthday reward program? I hope this article has given you all the info you need to enjoy it. Please let us know your experience with this birthday reward program in the comments section!
Starbucks Birthday Drink FAQ
To get your Starbucks birthday drink or other item on the Starbucks menu, scan the member barcode in the Starbucks app. You may also show your registered Starbucks card at a participating store. Your birthday reward will already be in your account and is only good for that day.
Starbucks still offers a free drink or other item on your birthday. These birthday rewards are available through the Starbucks rewards program on an active Starbucks rewards account. Sign up and input your personal info, including your birth date, to claim your Starbucks birthday reward.
To activate your Starbucks birthday reward drink, you must scan the barcode in the app. Log in using the Starbucks app or at the Starbucks website to check if your Starbucks free birthday reward is accessible and to activate it.