Java, joe, bean juice — whatever you call it, coffee is one of the world’s favorite drinks. And millions of American drinkers purchase their morning, midday or evening rocket fuel from shops, bakeries and cafes.
Sept. 29 is National Coffee Day. To celebrate, many coffeehouses will offer free cups of java to patrons on that Saturday.
But you don’t have to wait for free coffee. Here are 10 places to score free coffee — or coffee-related freebies — right now, or any time of the year.
Starbucks
Join Starbucks Rewards, and you can earn points with each purchase that will get you a free beverage.
Other perks you can look forward to in this loyalty program include a birthday reward and complimentary refills.
For more tips on saving at Starbucks, check out “5 Great Ways to Save More Bucks at Starbucks.”
Caribou
Become a member of Caribou Perks, and you’ll get a free medium beverage after your first visit. You’ll also be rewarded randomly throughout the year. The more you visit, the better your bounty, which might include size upgrades and food bonuses.
Au Bon Pain
Sign up for the Au Bon Pain eClub at this bakery and cafe, and you’ll receive a free coffee travel mug. Other benefits include “freshly brewed 100 percent arabica coffee daily” and special offers and promotions.
Dunkin’ Donuts
Become a member of Dunkin’ Donuts DD Perks, and you’ll score a free beverage when you sign up, on your birthday and every time you accumulate 200 points. You also get special offers and rewards.
For more tips on saving at Dunkin’ Donuts, check out “7 Ways to Save at Dunkin’ Donuts.”
Dunn Brothers Coffee
Here’s another smart move for java junkies. Download the Dunn Brothers Coffee Rewards App, and you’ll get:
- $3 app download credit
- $3 for every $50 you spend
- $5 toward a birthday coffee
Ikea
Enroll in the Ikea Family rewards program, and you’ll be eligible for many different benefits, ranging from 90-day price protection to 30 minutes of extra time at Smaland, the store’s supervised children’s play area.
But we’re here to talk coffee: Ikea Family also entitles you to a free cup of joe (or tea) every time you visit.
For more tips on saving at Ikea, check out “6 Ways to Save More at Ikea.”
McDonald’s
Many folks swear by McDonald’s coffee, iced coffee and lattes. Join McCafé Rewards and you get can free beverages. Peel the McCafé Rewards card off your first cup, and after collecting stickers on the card from seven more hot beverages, you’ll earn a free medium hot beverage.
7-Eleven
Join the 7-Eleven 7Rewards program, and you can look forward to a free drink after every six drinks you purchase. That includes Slurpees, Big Gulps — and, yes, coffee!
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
Download the Coffee Bean Rewards app to receive gratis coffee or tea. Every dollar you spend earns you a point toward exclusive extras, a birthday gift and surprise promotions.
Peet’s Coffee
Join Peetnik Rewards, and you’ll get a free beverage, including coffee, with your first check-in. You’ll also earn a point with each future check-in. Pile up 15 points, and you get another complimentary cuppa.
Other benefits include a free beverage on your birthday.
Do you know of more places where you can get free coffee? Share them by commenting below or on our Facebook page.
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