April 24, 2025

Starbucks Canada: 2025 Deals, Discounts & Your Loyalty Guide

Clara Maple

For many Canadians, going to Starbucks isn’t just about coffee—it’s part of their routine. Whether it’s a morning pick-me-up, a chat with a friend, or a quiet study break, that familiar green logo feels like a little comfort.

But let’s be honest, those drinks and snacks can start to cost a lot over time. The good news is, you don’t have to give up your favorite Frappuccino® or latte to save money. You just need to be a little smarter with how you order. Starbucks Canada offers several ways to help you save. The Starbucks Rewards program lets you collect points for free drinks and food. Their mobile app often features exclusive offers and seasonal discounts. Using a Starbucks Card can also unlock extra perks.

While all these options may seem a bit confusing at first, this guide is here to make it easy. We’ll explain how the rewards system works, show you where to find deals, and share tips that help you spend less without missing out. It’s time to enjoy your Starbucks favorites while keeping your budget in check.

Starbucks Rewards Program

The Starbucks Rewards program is the cornerstone of saving at Starbucks Canada. It’s free, easy to join, and packed with benefits that make every sip more rewarding. Here’s how it works:

How to Join Starbucks Rewards

  • Sign Up: Download the Starbucks app or visit starbucks.ca/rewards to create a free account.
  • Get Started: New members may receive a welcome offer, like a free handcrafted beverage (up to $8 value) within 7 days of signing up (valid until June 29, 2025).
  • No Fees: There are no membership or participation fees, making it accessible to everyone.

Earning Stars

Stars are the currency of Starbucks Rewards. You earn them with every purchase at participating stores:

  • 1 Star per $1 CAD: Scan your member barcode in the app and pay with cash, credit/debit card, or mobile wallet.
  • 2 Stars per $1 CAD: Use a registered Starbucks Card (physical or digital) for payment.
  • Bonus Stars: Look out for promotional “challenges” or Double Star Days to earn extra Stars.

Note: You won’t earn Stars on purchases of alcohol, Starbucks Card eGifts, or physical gift cards. Taxes, tips, and fees (e.g., delivery, gift wrapping) are also excluded.

Redeeming Stars

Stars can be redeemed for free items at participating Starbucks stores in Canada, the U.S., and Puerto Rico. The redemption tiers are:

  • 25 Stars: Add an extra shot, syrup, or customization to your drink.
  • 100 Stars: Get a hot or iced coffee, tea, or bakery item.
  • 200 Stars: Enjoy a handcrafted beverage (e.g., latte, Frappuccino) or a breakfast sandwich.
  • 400 Stars: Score select merchandise (e.g., tumblers) or prepackaged coffee.

Pro Tip: The 200-Star tier offers the most flexibility and value, especially for pricier drinks like a Venti Pumpkin Spice Latte. Save up for this tier if you want the best bang for your Stars

Additional Benefits

  • Free Refills: Get free refills on hot or iced brewed coffee or tea during the same store visit (excludes Cold Brew, Refreshers, or flavored teas).
  • Birthday Reward: Enjoy a free drink or food item on your birthday after making at least one qualifying purchase.
  • Personalized Offers: Check the app for tailored “challenges” (e.g., buy a cold brew and bakery item for 90 bonus Stars).
  • Skip the Line: Order ahead via the app and pick up at the counter or curbside (select locations).

Star Expiration and Fine Print

  • Stars expire six months after the calendar month they were earned. For example, Stars earned on April 15, 2025, expire on November 1, 2025.
  • Always scan your app barcode or pay with a registered Starbucks Card to ensure Stars are credited (takes ~24 hours).
  • Stars have no cash value and can’t be combined with other discounts unless specified.

Promotional Offers and Deals in 2025

Starbucks Canada keeps things exciting with seasonal and limited-time promotions. Here are the top offers to watch for in 2025:

Star Days (April 7–27, 2025)

  • What It Is: A three-week event with exclusive offers for Starbucks Rewards members, including chances to win 10,000 Bonus Stars.
  • How to Participate: Check the app for weekly challenges, like buying specific items to earn bonus Stars.
  • Why It’s Great: Perfect for boosting your Star balance quickly.

Double and Triple Star Days

  • What It Is: Sporadic days where you earn double or triple Stars on purchases (e.g., every Tuesday in September 2024).
  • How to Activate: Opt-in via the app before purchasing. Look under the “Offers” tab.
  • Tip: Combine with a registered Starbucks Card for maximum Stars (up to 6 Stars/$1 on Triple Star Days).

Limited-Time Offers

  • ThursYays: 50% off one handcrafted drink every Thursday (limit one per member, weekly).
  • Buy One, Get One Free: Popular during holidays (e.g., November 2020 offer, expected again in 2025). Check @StarbucksCanada on X for codes.
  • Free Small Coffee: On February 10, 2025, Rewards members got a free small hot or iced coffee via the app. More “Starbucks Monday” deals may pop up.

Seasonal Campaigns

  • Starbucks for Life: A sweepstakes game (visit starbucksforlife.ca) where you can win bonus Stars or prizes by making purchases.
  • Holiday eGift Promotion: From December 10, 2024, the first 20,000 customers buying a $25 eGift received a $5 Promotional Gift. Similar deals are likely in 2025.

Discounts and Coupons

Beyond Rewards, you can save with third-party coupons, student discounts, and eco-friendly perks:

Third-Party Coupon Sites

  • Groupon: Offers like 10% off Starbucks Store purchases or discounted gift cards.
  • Rakuten Canada: Earn 1.5% cashback on Starbucks Store purchases.
  • RetailMeNot: Lists verified promo codes, like free drinks with Rewards sign-up.
  • Smart Canucks: Canadian coupon database with occasional Starbucks deals (e.g., gift card discounts).

Student Discounts

  • Student Beans: Sign up for exclusive Starbucks offers, like free coffee for new Rewards members. Always check the app for student-specific promo codes.
  • How to Use: Enter the code at online checkout or show it in-store via the app.

Bring-Your-Own-Cup Discount

  • What It Is: Get a discount (varies by location, typically $0.10–$0.50) when you bring a reusable cup. Some stores offer bonus Stars.
  • How to Check: Call your local Starbucks or visit starbucks.ca/store-locator look for “Redeem Rewards” under store amenities.

First-Order Discounts

  • New Customers: Get $5 off your first Starbucks gift card purchase or 8% off your next order via the app.
  • How to Claim: Sign up for the Starbucks mailing list or check the app’s “Offers” tab.

Warning: Avoid fake promo codes from unofficial sources. Always verify offers on starbucks.ca or the app to prevent scams.

Starbucks Cards and eGifts

Starbucks Cards (physical or digital) are your ticket to faster payments and higher Star earnings. Here’s what you need to know:

Types of Cards

  • Physical Starbucks Card: Available in-store or online, reloadable via the app or website.
  • eGift Cards: Digital cards sent via email or iMessage, perfect for gifting.
  • Starbucks App: Add any card to your app for contactless payments and mobile ordering.

Why Use Them?

  • Earn More Stars: Get 2 Stars/$1 when paying with a registered card (vs. 1 Star/$1 with other methods).
  • Convenience: Reload funds anytime, anywhere via the app.
  • Promotions: Past offers include a $15 digital card for $50 coffee purchases (May 6–June 16, 2024). Check for 2025 deals.

Managing Your Card

  • Check Balance: View your balance in the app or at starbucks.ca.
  • Reload Strategically: Use a high-reward credit card (e.g., American Express Cobalt for 5x points) to reload your Starbucks Card.
  • Gifting Tip: Buy eGifts in bulk during holiday promotions for extra perks like Promotional Gifts.

Partnerships for Extra Rewards

Starbucks Canada partners with brands to boost your rewards. Here are the top programs:

TD Canada Linked Loyalty Program

  • What It Is: Link an eligible TD credit or debit card (e.g., TD Rewards Visa, TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite) to your Starbucks Rewards account for 50% more Stars on eligible purchases.
  • Eligible Purchases: Food, beverages, merchandise, and Starbucks Card reloads (excludes alcohol, eGifts, and taxes).
  • How to Join: Visit starbucks.ca/rewards and link your card.

Aeroplan Partnership

  • What It Is: Link your Aeroplan and Starbucks Rewards accounts to earn and redeem points.
  • Benefits:
    • 500 bonus Aeroplan points after your first purchase within 7 days of linking.
    • Convert 400 Aeroplan points for Starbucks rewards (e.g., brewed coffee, pastries).
  • How to Link: Visit aircanada.com or the Starbucks app.

Delta SkyMiles (Travelers)

  • What It Is: Link your Delta SkyMiles and Starbucks Rewards accounts for bonus miles.
  • Earnings:
    • 1 mile/$1 spent at Starbucks.
    • 2 miles/$1 on Starbucks Card reloads.
    • Double Stars on Starbucks purchases when flying with Delta.
  • Bonus: First 500,000 members reloading $25 get 50 bonus SkyMiles.

Tip: If you’re a frequent traveler, stack Aeroplan and Delta rewards with TD-linked Stars for maximum value.

Maximizing Savings: Tips and Tricks

Want to make the most of Starbucks Canada’s offers? Try these strategies:

  • Use the App: Always scan your barcode or pay via the app to earn Stars and access personalized offers.
  • Stack Rewards: Combine TD, Aeroplan, or Delta partnerships with Double Star Days for exponential earnings.
  • Check Regularly: New offers drop weekly in the app’s “Offers” tab. Activate them before purchasing.
  • Reload Smart: Use a rewards credit card for Starbucks Card reloads to earn extra points (e.g., 5x with American Express Cobalt).
  • Avoid Scams: Stick to official sources (starbucks.ca, app, or trusted partners like Groupon) for promo codes. Fake social media posts may steal your info.
  • Plan Redemptions: Save for 200 or 400 Stars for high-value items like handcrafted drinks or merchandise.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Don’t let these mistakes cost you Stars or savings:

  • Missing Star Expiration: Check your Star balance in the app to use them before they expire (6 months after earning month).
  • Forgetting to Activate Offers: Always opt-in to Double Star Days or challenges via the app before buying.
  • Non-Participating Stores: Some locations (e.g., inside grocery stores) may not award Stars or accept mobile orders. Use the store locator to confirm “Redeem Rewards” availability.
  • Guest Checkout: Paying without scanning your app barcode means no Stars. Always scan first.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I join Starbucks Rewards?

Download the Starbucks app or visit starbucks.ca/rewards to sign up for free. You’ll need an email address and may get a welcome offer like a free drink.

What’s the best way to earn Stars quickly?

Use a registered Starbucks Card for 2 Stars/$1, participate in Double/Triple Star Days, and complete app challenges. Linking TD or Aeroplan accounts also boosts earnings.

Can I combine multiple coupons at Starbucks?

Generally, no. Most offers (e.g., ThursYays) can’t be combined with other discounts, but some can stack with Rewards benefits. Check the terms in the app.

How do I avoid fake promo code scams?

Only use promo codes from starbucks.ca, the Starbucks app, or trusted partners like Groupon or Rakuten. Avoid social media posts asking for personal info.

What’s the value of 400 Stars?

400 Stars can be redeemed for select merchandise (e.g., tumblers) or prepackaged coffee, typically worth ~$20 CAD. The exact value depends on the item.

Are there student or senior discounts at Starbucks Canada?

Students can get exclusive offers via Student Beans, like free coffee for new Rewards members. There are no specific senior discounts, but anyone can join Rewards for savings.

Conclusion

So, that’s a full look at how to get more value from your Starbucks visits in Canada—without stretching your budget. Whether you’re grabbing your usual drink or trying something new, you don’t have to overspend. As we’ve seen, Starbucks gives you tools to help you save.

The Starbucks Rewards program is one of the best ways to start. By collecting Stars with each purchase and using them wisely, you can unlock free drinks and food over time. Keep an eye on the Starbucks app too—it often features special deals, offers made just for you, and Bonus Star challenges that help you earn more. You can also save with small steps, like bringing your own reusable cup or using Starbucks Cards when there are active promotions.

Being smart about your spending at Starbucks doesn’t take much effort. Just download the app, register your card, watch for deals, and take full advantage of the Rewards program. Now that you know how it all works, you can enjoy every visit knowing you’re getting the best value. Enjoy your next coffee—and the savings that come with it!

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