PersonalCupOver the years, I’ve been asked about the cup discount at Starbucks many times.  I have had people ask me whether the cup discount should be applied to beverages in for-here ware.

The cup discount is simply this:  It is ten cents off your beverage if you are getting your beverage inside your own cup, mug, or tumbler.

If you happen to be using a paper cup, you will always be given a new paper cup in the event you have a competitor’s paper coffee cup.  If you happen to be using a paper cup, and it’s a Starbucks paper cup, depending on local ordinance and health codes, you may or may not receive a new paper cup.

You do not receive a cup discount when getting your beverage in a for-here (ceramic) in-store cup.

Here’s the official Starbucks link with all the details:  How do I qualify for a cup discount?

The official Starbucks page says the following:

How do I qualify for a cup discount?

Published 08/07/2013 05:38 PM | Updated 08/07/2013 05:49 PM

You can get $.10 off any beverage (except bottled and ready-to-drink) when you bring in a personal cup.

Any personal cup qualifies for the discount. If you bring in a competitor’s paper cup, we’ll offer to replace it and apply the discount when we pour your drink in a new Starbucks paper cup.

There is no discount if using our “for here” cups. The $.10 discount applies to all beverage sizes (from Small to Venti).

Keep in mind, as with every single Starbucks policy, Starbucks reserves the right to update or change it.  But at least with the cup discount, the policy as listed as above, has been that way for years and years.  Please note, if you have a tumbler that is from a competitor, there is no requirement to buy a Starbucks tumbler to receive the cup discount.

The idea is to encourage personal cup use, and reduce the consumption of Starbucks paper cups and plastic throw-away cold cups.

That’s it.  This is just a quick message about what the cup discount is.  (And, a good reminder to myself to use a personal cup more often – it’s good for the environment.  I do remember sometimes, but I need to improve in this area.)

Thanks!