Buzz
Guess what I scored today? A toasted bagel, hash browns, and a medium iced coffee (with almond milk)—all for just $3.03. How? Because I use the best coffee rewards program out there. Many lists claim to rank the top coffee programs, but they often get it wrong. Here’s the definitive ranking, with the spot that got me that $3 breakfast taking the crown.
#5: Pret
Pret’s monthly coffee subscription is a great deal for those who frequent their locations. For $24.99 a month, you can grab any organic coffee blend or tea—any size, hot or iced, with a flavored syrup—up to five times daily. Just wait 30 minutes between refills. Upgrade for $10 more a month, and you’ll unlock espresso, barista-crafted drinks like chai lattes and hot chocolate, plus cold brew. If syrups aren’t your thing, swap for an extra espresso shot. While the price is a bit steep—hence its #5 ranking—Pret reminds you that it’s about the same as buying two drinks per week for a month.
#4: Panera
Panera Bread caters to coffee and snack lovers with two programs: the MyPanera loyalty program, which grants points for purchases and birthday perks, and the Unlimited Sip Club. The latter is the real standout—unlimited drinks. For $11.99 per month or $119.99 annually, enjoy unlimited charged lemonades, hot and iced teas, and of course, hot and iced coffees. You can grab any size every two hours, and if you’re hanging out in the café, refills are endless.
#3: Starbucks
Starbucks often tops loyalty program rankings, but that might just reflect brand dominance rather than actual value. The rewards program is fairly standard—it mainly helps soften the blow of their famously high prices. You earn one star per dollar spent (or two stars if you preload funds into their app), which can be redeemed for freebies and upgrades. The upside? It’s free to join. The downside? You need to spend $25 just to get a free dairy alternative or syrup. A salad or sandwich? That’ll cost you $200 ($100 with preloaded funds). Bonus Star challenges and Double Star Days can speed things up, and you do get free refills on coffee and tea.
#2: Caribou Coffee
Caribou Coffee’s Perks program is free to join and gives you two points per dollar spent—whether in-store or online. That means every mug or gift set you grab contributes to your rewards. Just 25 points let you upsize your drink, and 50 points score you any size brewed coffee or hot tea. A crafted beverage or sandwich? 150 points. Plus, answer a daily trivia question in the app for a shot at saving 10 cents on your order.
#1: Dunkin’
Dunkin’ overhauled its rewards program last year, and while some complained about needing more points for coffee, they’re simply resistant to change. Here’s why they’re wrong: Every $1 spent earns 10 points—or 12 if you’re a “boosted” member, which just requires 12 visits a month. Simple. Right now, I’m so boosted my status is locked in until March 31, and just five more January visits will extend that to April. With 4,514 points, I have options—150 points get me an espresso shot, hash browns, or 3 Munchkins. A donut costs 250. Coffee? 500. Bagels and small breakfast items run 600, while crafted espresso drinks go for 700. Compared to other programs, it’s an easy climb, especially with bonus points for ordering ahead on Mondays or snagging weekly special deals.
And then, there are the coupons. Right now, I can grab a free medium iced coffee with any purchase, a free bacon avocado tomato sandwich, or a $2 medium latte—just because. The deals keep rolling in. Dunkin’ reigns supreme in the loyalty program game.
