How to Get 25% off at Starbucks

Like most people, I need coffee in the morning.  Like most people, I get a significant percentage of that coffee from Starbucks.  Since our new office is a 4 minute walk instead of a 2 minute walk, I've reduced the frequency of my trips but I still go quite a bit.  It can definitely get expensive so here's a quick overview of how to easily save 25% on your coffee this quarter.  This might seem complicated at first but it's really pretty simple...

• If you haven't already, sign-up for the Starbucks Rewards program.  You can download the app on  your phone, reload your card on the fly, and even pay with your phone.  It is awesome.  You can even keep track of your "points" within AwardWallet.  When you get to 30 purchases within a year, you get "Gold" status.  Many of you probably have already achieved this level of addiction  

Starbucks has a great rewards program

• Make sure you have an Ultimate Rewards earning card like the Chase Sapphire(R) Preferred Card   
• Get the Chase Freedom(R) Card.  Many of you probably already have this card.   I actually don't have this card but Emily does so I will be taking full advantage of this opportunity. 
• Activate the 5x quarterly bonus which for Q1 2014 is Starbucks (also gas and movie theaters). 

5x points on gas, movies, and Starbucks this quarter

• Load your Starbucks card with your Chase Freedom card and go get some coffee!
• As long as you are Starbucks gold, for every 12 purchases, you get a free one.
• Redeem your free Starbucks reward for something better...like an Evolution Juice which is $5
• Transfer your 5x "cashback" from your Freedom card to your Ultimate Rewards account

Here's how the math works:

• 5 points per dollar x 2 (two cents per point) = 10% back
• Spend $3 per coffee x 12 = $36...get a free drink worth $5 = 13.9% back

Total rebate = 23.9%

Obviously this depends on the price of the coffee you purchase and what you get with your free reward but it's a nice discount on something you all likely purchase several times per week.  Let me know if you have any questions!