Drink Deals UK

Looking to still get your coffee fix without spending loads of money? Here’s the best loyalty schemes for free coffee and the most efficient way of getting discounts on your drinks.

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Written by My Side Gig team

How to Save Money on Drinks:

Love a daily caffeine fix but hate the cost? Good news — many coffee shops offer loyalty schemes, discounts, and freebies that can keep your coffee habit going without draining your wallet. Here’s how to sip smart and save big.

Weekly Offers & Bonus Perks:

In addition to standard loyalty schemes, there are some excellent weekly freebies and discounts you can take advantage of just by being signed up with certain services:

  • Vitality Health Rewards – If you're a Vitality customer and meet your weekly activity goals, you can claim a free hot drink from Caffè Nero every week. It’s a great way to stay active and caffeinated.

  • Octopus Energy Rewards – As part of their customer perks, Octopus offer a free weekly drink at either Caffè Nero or Greggs.

  • Compare the Market – While this is mostly known for meals and cinema discounts, members can also get 25% off barista-made drinks and pastries at Caffè Nero.

Loyalty Cards & App Rewards:

Most major coffee chains offer loyalty programs through their apps. You collect points with each purchase, which add up to free drinks, discounts, or exclusive offers.

Reward Apps

Coffee Shop Reward Apps

Coffee Shop Loyalty Perks Download
Costa Coffee
Earn 1 bean per drink, 10 beans for free drink. Join
Starbucks
Earn 3 stars every £1 spent, 150 stars is a free drink. Join
Caffè Nero
Free coffee after sign up. Buy 9 drinks, get 1 free. Join
Greggs
Free hot drink when you join. Join
Black Sheep Coffee
Earn 3,000 points after first order Join
Pret
Free perk every 10 stars collected Join
Coffee #1
Make a purchase, get a free drink. Free drink every 10 stamps. Join
Bean Coffee
Free coffee every 30 points (£30). Join
Gails
Free drink after sign-up. Free drink every 9 stamps Join
Paul
Every 10th coffee free, 1 point for every penny spent Join
Muffin Break
Buy 5 coffees, get the 6th free. Join

Some apps reward you for inviting friends — and both of you benefit.

For example: Costa will give you 5 beans per referral, and Caffè Nero will give you a free drink per referral.

Birthday Freebies:

Most coffee loyalty programs offer a free drink or snack around your birthday — a nice little treat for being a loyal customer!

For more birthday freebies, check out our blog here.

Mobile Network Perks:

Your mobile provider might offer coffee discounts through their rewards programs:

Supermarket & Café Freebies:

Some retailers offer free drinks with loyalty memberships:

  • IKEA Family Card: Free tea or filter coffee in-store Monday to Friday with an Ikea family card.

  • Waitrose myWaitrose Card: Free regular-sized tea or coffee with any purchase when you bring a reusable cup.

  • Morrisons Café: Unlimited refills on hot drinks when you buy a £1.85 drink.

  • Wetherspoon: Unlimited refills on hot drinks costing £1.56.

Extra Savings Tips:

  • Surveys: Some receipts include a survey link that rewards you with a free or discounted drink.

  • Student Discounts: Chains like Black Sheep Coffee offer 20% discount on UNiDAYS.

  • Email Signups: Register for email newsletters or push notifications to unlock exclusive offers and alerts on limited-time deals.

By taking advantage of these loyalty programs, birthday freebies, and exclusive deals, you can enjoy your favourite drinks without breaking the bank. Keep this page bookmarked for updates on new offers and promotions!

FAQ’s

  • Join their loyalty schemes (Costa Club or Starbucks Rewards) via their apps. You’ll earn points with every purchase, and can redeem them for free drinks. Costa gives a free cake on your birthday too!

  • Yes – if you buy coffee even semi-regularly, the rewards add up. Many also offer sign-up bonuses, birthday treats, and extra perks for using reusable cups.

  • Absolutely! For example, you can claim a free Caffè Nero drink via Vitality and still collect loyalty stamps in the Nero app when you scan it.

  • Not usually. Most coffee apps (like Greggs and Costa) send birthday treats without requiring a purchase—but you do need to have your birthday entered in the app in advance.

  • Some do. Starbucks Stars expire after 6 months, for example. Always check each app’s expiry terms to make the most of your rewards.

  • Yes! Greggs and Caffè Nero offer a free drink just for registering, and others like Pret give perks through subscriptions and surprise rewards.