What did I do today? I bought a toasted bagel, hashbrowns, and a medium coffee (with almond milk) for $3.03. Why? The coffee shop rewards program that I use is the most effective. Many lists of the best coffee reward programs need to be corrected. Here is a ranking of the top places, starting with the one that gave me the $3 breakfast.
#5: Pret
Pret has a monthly subscription for coffee lovers who work or live near one. You can choose any organic blend of coffee or tea in any size and flavor for $24.99 a month. The only catch is that you must wait 30 minutes before getting another refill. The subscription costs $10 extra per month and includes barista drinks like chai lattes, hot chocolate, or cold brew, along with espresso. You can choose to add an espresso shot in place of a flavor. It’s pricey. Hence it’s ranking at #5. However, the company points out that the cost is the same as purchasing two monthly drinks per week.
Last year, people hated that it raised the points needed to get a cup of coffee. These people are mistaken. They are afraid of change. Spending $1 will get you 10 points, and if your account is “boosted,” you’ll receive 12. You must visit Dunkin’ 12 Dunkin’s in one month to become a booster member. Easy. I’m boosted right now and can extend my status until March 31. I also have five visits in January left to make it through April. I have 4,514 reward points that can be used to purchase a variety of goodies: 150 points is enough for espresso, 3 Munchkins donuts, or hash browns. Donuts are 250 points. A donut is 250 points, a coffee 500, bagels 600, and espresso drinks 700. These are easy to reach compared to other loyalty programs. They’re even easier if you factor in the bonus points you receive for things like ordering on Mondays ahead or buying a special offer that week.
You also get tons of coupons. You can get a free medium iced coffee with any purchase. Or a free bacon, avocado, and tomato sandwich. There are coupons everywhere! The loyalty program at Dunkin’ is superior.
#4: Panera
Panera Bread offers two options to coffee and snack lovers: a MyPanera loyalty program that works like any other, awarding points for purchases and freebies on your birthday. There’s also an unlimited sip club. We’re focusing on the latter. This one’s name says it all: unlimited sips. You can get unlimited drinks for either $11.99 per month or $119.99 per year. This includes charged lemonades and iced teas, and coffee. Every two hours, you can choose any size, and if you remain in the restaurant, you get unlimited refills.
#3: Starbucks
Starbucks is usually at the top of the list of loyalty programs for coffee, but this only reflects its popularity. This rewards program offers a very average reward system. Its main benefit is that it allows you to save money on Starbucks’ notoriously expensive drinks. Spending money at Starbucks earns you one “star.” If you use preloaded cash in the app, you get two stars. You can then redeem these stars for freebies and upgrades. It’s completely free to sign up. You must pay $25 to get a dairy substitute or flavoring syrup. Spending $200 or $100 in preloaded money is required to earn a sandwich or salad. You can get there quicker by participating in “Bonus Star Challenges” or “Double Star Days.” Plus, you’ll get free coffee and tea.
#2: Caribou Coffee
Caribou Coffee’s Perks program is free to join and awards two points for every dollar spent. However, those dollars can also be used in its store or the online shop. Any mugs, gift sets, or other items you purchase online will contribute towards your point fund. You can upgrade the size of your beverage for 25 points and get any size of brewed coffee or tea for 50. You need 150 points to get a crafted drink or sandwich. You can also answer a trivial question in the app daily for a chance to receive 10 cents off your order.
#1: Dunkin’
Last year, Dunkin’ revamped its loyalty program, and the people hated it. The points required to get a coffee were increased. These people are mistaken. They are afraid of change. Spending $1 will get you 10 points, and if your account is “boosted,” you will receive 12. You must visit Dunkin’ 12 Dunkin’s in one month to become boosted. Easy. I am so excited that my status will be secure until March 31. I also have five visits in January left to extend that status through April. I have 4,514 reward points that can be used to purchase a variety of goodies: 150 points is enough for espresso, 3 Munchkins donuts, or hash browns. Donuts are 250 points. A donut is 250 points, a coffee 500 points, bagels 600, and small breakfast items 600. Crafted espresso drinks 700. These are easy to reach compared to other loyalty programs. They’re even easier if you factor in the bonus points you receive for things like ordering on Mondays ahead or buying the special of that week.
You also get tons of coupons. You can get free medium iced coffees with purchases, free bacon avocado tomatoes with purchases, or even a $2 medium latte. There are coupons everywhere! The loyalty program at Dunkin’ is superior.
