Your Free Starbucks Birthday Drink: Everything You Need to Know
Ever wondered what's on the menu for your special day?
We've got the scoop on the complimentary Starbucks birthday drink and food items, the do's and don'ts of customization, and the trick to supersizing your birthday beverage.
In this article, we spill the beans on how to redeem this cherished reward, earn those all-important stars, and navigate the occasional hiccups along the way.
So, get ready to celebrate because your birthday just got a whole latte better with Starbucks!
What Is The Starbucks Birthday Reward Program?
The Starbucks free birthday drink is a special perk that Starbucks offers members of their Rewards Program on their birthday. It entitles members to a free drink or food item of their choice from the Starbucks menu, as a token of appreciation for their loyalty.
This birthday gift is a way for Starbucks to celebrate their customers' special day and enhance the overall Starbucks experience.
What Starbucks Drinks or Food Items Are Free on Your Birthday?
So, what exactly is your reward? As per Starbucks’ site, you can choose one of the following:
- Any handcrafted beverage (any cup size),
- Any ready-to-drink bottled beverage, or
- Any food item.
Basically, you have the freedom to select from a wide range of coffee, tea, and specialty drinks, as well as snacks, sandwiches, and pastries.
Whether you're craving a classic Caffè Latte, a refreshing iced tea, or a delicious pastry on your special day, Starbucks has you covered.
What Drinks or Food Items Are Not Included in The Starbucks Birthday Reward?
While the Starbucks birthday reward is quite generous, there are a few limitations to keep in mind. It does not cover any…
- Alcoholic beverages,
- “Multi-serve food or beverage items” (like a tray of Cranberry Bliss Bars or a Coffee Traveler),
- Merchandise, such as mugs or packaged coffee beans, and
- Items at Starbucks Roastery and Princi locations
Can You Customize Your Free Birthday Drink?
What would a Starbucks order be if it wasn’t perfectly customized to your liking? Yes, you can definitely customize your free drink.
The birthday reward allows you to choose any handcrafted beverage from their menu. You can adjust the type of milk, add extra espresso shots, choose your favorite syrup, or make any other customizations to create the perfect Starbucks birthday drink that suits your taste preferences or birthday mood.
If you're looking for inspiration for free Starbucks birthday drinks, then check out our Viral TikTok Starbucks Drinks post!
What Size Can You Get for Your Free Starbucks Birthday Drink?
You can get your free Starbucks birthday drink in any cup size! Like most decisions on your birthday, the choice is up to you! Go for a Tall (12 oz), Grande (16 oz), Venti (20 oz), or even the gargantuan Trenta (30 oz)… if you can stomach it.
Whether you want a compact and concentrated espresso or a jumbo-sized iced beverage, the choice is entirely yours.
Are Children Eligible for the Starbucks Birthday Drink?
No, anyone under the age of 13 may not participate in the Starbucks reward program, including the free birthday drink reward. However, minors between the ages of 13 and 18 may participate if they are accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Here are some Starbucks drink ideas for kids if you're looking to treat your children but don't want to caffeinate them and have to deal with the consequences later 😉
How Do You Redeem Your Free Starbucks Birthday Drink?
Now that you know what you can get as your free drink, you might be wondering how you can actually redeem that delicious coffee (or other beverage or food item). Let’s dive into it.
1. Join The Starbucks Reward Program
First, you need to be a member of the Starbucks Reward Program. To join, all you need to do is go to starbucks.com/rewards, app.starbucks.com, or use the Starbucks mobile app on your phone to create an account. Simply enter your first and last name, type in your email address, and decide on a password. That’s it!
Note: Don’t wait until your birthday to join the Starbucks Rewards Program! In order to qualify for your free birthday drink, you need to join the Rewards Program seven days before your birthday.
2. Populate The “Personal Info” Tab with Your Birthday
Next, you need to let Starbucks know when your birthday is, of course! Click the “Personal Info” tab and enter your date of birth.
3. Earn 1 Star
In order to qualify for that free birthday gift, you need to have at least 1 star before your special day rolls around. At Starbucks, you earn 1 star for every $1 you spend when you scan your member barcode or registered Starbucks card before paying.
Just make sure to spend at least $1 before your birthday to qualify for a free drink… and keep in mind that stars expire 6 months after they’re earned. (3)
4. Claim Your Starbucks Birthday Reward
If you completed the 3 steps above correctly your Starbucks Birthday Reward should automatically appear on your account. Don’t forget to use it on your actual birthday, since it’s only valid on that date.
Simply scan the member barcode at a participating Starbucks store when paying to redeem your Birthday Reward!
Starbucks Free Birthday Reward Tips
If you want to make the most out of your birthday reward, follow these tips…
Tip #1: Check Your App 2 Days Before Your Birthday
The Starbucks app notifies you about birthday rewards 2 days before the birthday. You could also receive an email. If you don’t see anything, don’t fret. Sometimes they only send out the notification on your actual birthday!
Tip #2: Get an Expensive Drink!
If you’ve been wanting to try that crazy-sounding drink with 3 shots of extra syrup but have been holding off because of the price, now’s the time to experiment. After all, it’s on the house!
Here are some ideas for some fancy Starbucks drinks:
- Starbucks Iced Coffees To Try
- Starbucks Matcha Drinks You Must Try!
- Outstanding Starbucks Almond Milk Drinks You Must Try
Tip #3: Get the Largest Drink (If You Can Stomach It)
On a similar note, max out your free drink by ordering the largest size possible. Hot drinks can be ordered as big as a Venti (20 oz), while cold drinks can be served in a whopping Trenta (31 oz).
Yeah… that’s almost a kilogram of coffee down your throat.
Tip #4: Don’t Forget the Free Refills
According to the terms and conditions on the Starbucks website, “a Starbucks Rewards member may receive free refills of hot or iced coffee or tea during the same store visit at participating Starbucks stores.”
While not all locations participate in the free refill program, it’s worth asking. You might be able to double your order for free!
Tip #5: Sign Up At Least 7 Days Before Your Birthday
One of the requirements to qualify for a free birthday reward is to create your Starbucks Rewards account at least 7 days before your birthday. I don’t know why this rule exists, but make sure you follow it if you want to enjoy your birthday drink on Starbucks’ dime!
Tip #6: Not for Delivery
One last, very important thing to remember is that you can not order any birthday rewards for delivery. You have to walk into a physical Starbucks location and redeem your drink in person.
Common Issues: Starbucks Free Birthday Reward
Are you having some problems redeeming your free birthday reward? Here are some common issues…
Issue #1: Your Birthday Drink Does Not Show Up in the App
Occasionally, the free birthday drink may not immediately appear in the Starbucks app on your special day. This can be due to technical glitches or delays. In such cases, we suggest that you contact Starbucks customer support to resolve the issue and ensure you receive your birthday reward.
Issue #2: I Got Charged Even Though It’s My Birthday
Some members might experience being charged for their birthday drink, even though it's supposed to be complimentary. This can happen if there's an issue with the payment method linked to the Starbucks Rewards account or if the barista accidentally charges you. You can request a refund or contact customer support to rectify the situation.
Make sure you always communicate clearly with the barista beforehand that you want to redeem your free birthday reward. They are usually very busy and may simply be on auto-pilot making everyone’s orders.
Issue #3: My Birthday is Incorrect!
You should be able to update this information in the “Personal Info” tab. For some users, this section becomes locked once created. If that’s the case, reach out the customer service or simply enjoy your free birthday reward on a day that’s not your birthday.
What Else Is The Starbucks Rewards Program For?
The Starbucks Rewards Program offers several benefits beyond the annual birthday reward:
- Free Drinks and Food: In addition to the birthday reward, members earn stars for every purchase, which can be redeemed for free drinks or food items. This provides lots of opportunities for complimentary treats.
- Order Ahead: Members can use the Starbucks app to order ahead, pay, and skip the line, saving time during their visits.
- Customization: The program allows for extensive customization of drinks, ensuring that members can create their perfect beverages.
- Free Refills: Enjoy free in-store refills on brewed coffee or tea during the same visit, regardless of the original beverage purchased.
- Exclusive Offers: Starbucks frequently offers exclusive promotions and discounts to reward program members.
- Convenience: The app keeps track of your rewards, transactions, and store locations, making it convenient for frequent Starbucks visits.
- Personalized Recommendations: The app provides personalized recommendations based on your previous orders and preferences, making it easier to explore new menu items.
What Are Some Tips for Earning Starbucks Stars?
Earning Starbucks stars efficiently can help you get more out of the Starbucks Rewards Program. Here are some tips:
- Double-Star Days: Keep an eye on special promotions like Double-Star Days. These events offer extra stars for every purchase and can significantly boost your star balance.
- Use the Starbucks Card: If you're comfortable using a credit card, you can get the Starbucks Rewards Visa Card, which accelerates star earnings by giving you stars for all your everyday spending, not just at Starbucks. (This is different from the physical registered Starbucks cards that members may have in addition to the app on their phones.)
- Participate in Challenges: Starbucks occasionally offers challenges or bonus star promotions. Participate in these to earn extra stars. Challenges might involve making a specific number of purchases or trying particular items.
- Connect a Payment Method in the App: When you add a payment method in the app and use the app to complete your purchase, participating Starbucks locations may give you an additional star for every $1 spent, doubling the number of stars you’d normally receive.
- Gift Cards: Buying Starbucks gift cards and reloading them through the app can earn you stars. This is a great way to accumulate stars without necessarily increasing your daily spending.
Related Reads:
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I redeem my free Starbucks Birthday Reward for delivery orders?
No, you cannot redeem your free drink for delivery orders. The reward is redeemable only in-store at participating Starbucks locations.
What size is the free birthday drink at Starbucks?
The size of the free birthday drink at Starbucks is your choice. You can select any size available on the Starbucks menu, such as Short, Tall, Grande, Venti, or Trenta, depending on availability.
Does Starbucks check ID for birthday?
Starbucks does not typically check ID for birthdays when redeeming the birthday reward. Your information is tied to your account. However, some locations may request verification if they suspect misuse or fraud.
Can you use your birthday reward on the Starbucks app?
Yes, you can use your birthday reward on the Starbucks app. Simply order and customize your free birthday drink through the app and pick it up in-store. Just remember, you can’t order it for delivery.
Can I get my free Starbucks drink after my birthday?
No, your free birthday reward is valid only on your birthday.
Bottom Line
Your Starbucks free birthday drink is a delightful treat, allowing you to choose from a range of drinks and food items to celebrate your special day.
You now understand exactly how Starbucks birthday rewards work and what you should do in order to get the best free drink ever. By following the tips laid out in this article, you are sure to enjoy your free Starbucks drink for many birthdays to come.
Happy Birthday (and happy sipping)!
