11 Coffee Rewards Programs, Ranked: Which Gives You The Most Treats?
What's better than grabbing a hot cup of coffee on your way to work? Getting your coffee free, of course. Today's hottest coffee places, like Wawa, Dunkin', and Starbucks, offer their own reward systems for frequent customers to rack up points and get drinks for free.
These coffee shops, restaurants, and convenience stores don't do this just for your benefit, though. Coffee rewards programs have the ability to increase restaurant revenue by pulling in more customers and encouraging them to buy more to keep earning rewards (via Insider Intelligence). Sure, it's a little sneaky, but in the end, restaurants and coffee lovers can both rejoice.
According to a 2021 Paytronix and PYMNTS report, close to half of restaurant visitors use at least one loyalty program. And nearly 60% of consumers who already use a rewards program are open to spending more money at other places with rewards systems in place. Here, we rank some of the best coffee rewards programs from top chains across the nation, so you know where to go to earn free coffee and other rewards.
11. Sheetz
Sheetz offers much more than just coffee, including numerous made-to-order food options, like chicken sandwiches, subs, burgers, and breakfast wraps (via Sheetz). Therefore, when you sign up for My Sheetz Rewardz, you can earn points on just about everything you buy from the convenience store. However, in addition to money off gas, surprise freebies, and exclusive invites to try new items, My Sheetz Rewardz points can also give you special offers exclusively through the Sheetz app (via My Sheetz Rewardz).
Reward members can use the app to turn in their points for free coffee perks from Sheetz, including specialty drinks or even a free mug. The app also includes offers like a free or $1 coffee when you make a purchase using the Sheetz app. Be sure to check the app occasionally for new offers or let it send you push notifications when new rewards are available. Although coffee deals are limited at Sheetz, they do exist, and you can always earn points simply by buying your morning coffee.
10. Wawa
If you live near a Wawa and love coffee, don't snooze on signing up for Wawa Rewards. Join the loyalty program through the app or the website to earn points when you purchase items in-store. You'll get rewarded for every $50 you spend, so this program might not score you as many freebies as elsewhere (via Wawa Rewards). Frequent Wawa shoppers will probably reap the most benefits from this program compared to occasional visitors.
Still, anyone who joins automatically gets a free drink added to their account, so you could potentially get your free coffee within 24 hours of signing up. Other bonus rewards throughout the year let you build points faster for free food, snacks, and coffee. Wawa also releases limited-time rewards to Wawa Rewards members outside of its regular program, like its Free Coffee Tuesdays in November and December, when you can redeem a bonus for a free coffee each week (via Wawa).
9. Krispy Kreme
Krispy Kreme might be best known for its delicious glazed doughnuts — and, possibly, the failed doughnut smoothie that flopped hard — but it also sells coffee to go along with its famously yummy, sweet treats. Customers can join the Krispy Kreme Rewards program for opportunities to earn free doughnuts and coffee by making purchases and completing other tasks. The program has different reward tracks, including one for regular coffee purchases and one for specialty coffee purchases, to help loyal customers get points for everything they buy from Krispy Kreme instead of just doughnuts. When you earn enough rewards, you can redeem a free coffee.
Since you probably visit Krispy Kreme for a doughnut now and then in addition to coffee, you'll be happy to know that after 12 purchases, your 13th doughnut is free. You even get a free one just for signing up for the program. Sometimes, Krispy Kreme offers free coffee to rewards members exclusively, like on National Coffee Day (via Facebook).
8. Einstein Bros. Bagels
Einstein Bros. Bagels has several coffee drinks on its menu, including a hot vanilla latte, iced vanilla cream cold brew, and a regular cup of Joe. Opt into its Shmear Society rewards program to get your favorites from the restaurant for free when you earn enough points. The best part? You can earn points from its sister restaurants, Bruegger's Bagels and Noah's New York Bagels, too, and redeem them at any participating location (via Einstein Bros. Bagels). Therefore, this might be the best coffee rewards program for frequent travelers to destinations with these chains available.
Not only can you stash your rewards to save for free lattes and coffees, but you can also access exclusive deals as a member of the Shmear Society. For instance, one limited-time reward allowed members to get an $8 baker's dozen of bagels every Monday. And, don't forget to check the Einstein Bros. Bagels app frequently even if you aren't a rewards member, as the company often has deals for free coffee when you order ahead using the app.
7. Tim Hortons
Tim Hortons has had its Tims Rewards program for a while, offering free goodies, like doughnuts, Timbits, breakfast sandwiches, and coffee, when customers reach a certain number of reward points from purchases. Because loyalty members earn 10 points for every dollar they spend, they can quickly earn enough points for a free brewed coffee (via Tim Hortons).
Tim Hortons revamped its loyalty program to the 10-points-per-dollar model in August 2022 to apparently enable US customers to earn more points for their purchases. Previously, the company offered just 10 points per purchase. However, in December 2022, it was announced the reward tiers would change, effective February 2023 — and loyalty members aren't thrilled about it. The company announced a switch to the same model for the Canadian loyalty program, with free coffee costing 400 reward points (via Yahoo!). Under the previous system, the most expensive item was 220 points. Although the reward price for a free coffee is a bit steep, the system will still benefit frequent customers. Plus, free coffee is free coffee.
6. Panera Bread
Panera Bread provides its loyal customers with a couple of ways to save on coffee and coffee drinks. First is its MyPanera loyalty program that gives members points on purchases, free birthday treats, and bonus rewards for catering orders. The program received an update in September 2022, giving rewards members more options for choosing their rewards. Previously, the program offered a preselected reward, but the new one gives coffee lovers the opportunity to choose coffee rewards over food rewards (via Panera Bread).
Second, rewards members can access Panera Bread's Sip Club, a monthly subscription service that gives almost unlimited coffee and refills for one monthly or annual price. If you're a lover of Panera Bread's drinks, this works out as a great value option. Only rewards members can join the club, which allows for a coffee refill every two hours any day you'd like. The Sip Club is even available for iced coffees, coffee blends, teas, lemonades, and more (via Panera Sip Club).
5. Peet's Coffee
Join Peetnik Rewards by downloading the app if you plan to visit your local Peet's Coffee frequently so you don't miss out on earning free beans. After placing your first order, you'll earn an immediate 125 points to get you started, and continue earning one point per dollar on your favorite cold brew, dark roast, or mocha. Peetnik features several reward types that other coffee reward programs don't, like free packs of coffee beans and free substitutions in your coffee drinks to bypass regular upcharges, like milk substitutions.
Apparently, the program has some other perks that may not be as well known, so don't forget to check the app to maximize your benefits. For example, one Twitter user mentions that, as a rewards member, they get to try seasonal beverages before non-members. You'll also find a secret menu that non-members can't see, available on the Peet's Coffee mobile app.
4. Dunkin'
When it comes to coffee rewards, one of the first places that probably pops into your head is Dunkin', and for good reason. For years, Dunkin' has rewarded loyal members with points for their purchases and free reward redemptions through the Dunkin' Rewards program. Currently, reward members can earn 10 points for every dollar they spend, and those who visit frequently gain Boosted status, which raises rewards to 12 points per dollar. Earn 500 points for a free brewed coffee or 700 points for a free crafted drink, like a cold brew coffee. For 900 points, you can opt for a specialty frozen drink or latte of any size.
While this program may have typically ranked higher on our list, changes have knocked it down a few pegs. According to CNBC, Dunkin' increased its reward points earned per dollar in October 2022. However, with that change also came increased minimum point values for redemption. For instance, to earn that signature latte for 900 points, you'll need to spend $90. The changes haven't been received well by some, with one Twitter user saying, "I hate the new Dunkin' rewards so much I've stopped going to @dunkindonuts." Still, with all the perks the program offers, like gas discounts, birthday rewards, and celebrating the holidays with Free Coffee Mondays, we think it's a worthy contender to add to your loyalty program rotation.
3. Caribou Coffee
It's not often a coffee rewards program rewards you for purchasing food or beverages at your local store, but also lets you earn points on eligible online purchases. Caribou Coffee does just that, which is one reason it ranks so high on our list. The Caribou Perks program gives you two points for every dollar spent at one of its locations and items you buy from its online shop, including apparel, gift sets, mugs, and more.
We also love Caribou Perks because you only need 25 points to start getting coffee rewards. You'll earn that after spending as little as $12.50. At this reward level, you can get a free upgrade to a larger size coffee or an extra espresso shot to help you through the day. For a completely free coffee, you need just 50 points, and at 150 points, you can get any drink of your choice. That's pretty impressive, considering you need to make quite a few purchases with other rewards programs to earn the same amount of coffee. One Twitter user praises Caribou Perks for its any-size-coffee reward: "I now have a reward for a free any size coffee because of it. Really ... ANY size ... even XL? That's awesome!"
2. McDonald's
It might be hard to believe some people would rather grab a cup of coffee from a McDonald's drive-thru than a Starbucks, seeing as how the latter has built its whole business around coffee. However, taste tests have led consumers to choose McDonald's coffee over Starbucks, potentially making it the ultimate fast food coffee (via The Seattle Times). If you're a long-time McDonald's customer, you might notice the McCafe Rewards program which McDonald's first announced in 2016 is no longer a thing, but rest assured that free coffee is still available with the newer loyalty program, MyMcDonald's Rewards.
This program offers rewards for everything McDonald's customers love, from fries and ice cream cones, to burgers and Happy Meals. But at different point levels, you can earn free iced coffees or frappes. Even better: You still earn points on orders when you redeem your points for something free, as long as you purchase something in addition. Get 100 points per dollar spent, which can quickly add up to your first coffee reward requiring 3,000 points. Having done the math, one Redditor concluded that a free coffee is the best way to spend your MyMcDonald's Rewards points.
1. Starbucks
Topping our list of the best coffee rewards programs is the best coffee chain in America, Starbucks — but not for the reasons you might think. Sure, Starbucks Rewards lets customers do the usual spend-and-earn-points thing, which they can redeem for free drink customizations, a free brewed coffee, free at-home coffee bags, and more. But this program really stands out for the unique opportunities offered to loyal customers.
For instance, Starbucks opened up a blockchain-based loyalty program, which is in beta testing as of December 2022. With this program, members can earn Stars for purchases as usual in addition to completing other tasks that unlock one-of-a-kind experiences, like trips to Starbucks-owned places around the world (via TechCrunch). And, unlike other programs, rewards members can turn in their points for highly sought-after Starbucks cups, which sent the internet into a tizzy, with one Redditor claiming it's "definitely the best use of Stars."