For many Aussies, a morning coffee isn’t a luxury, it’s an essential. But with the rising cost of living, it’s a daily habit that can quickly add up.
Many of us are feeling the pinch. Canstar Blue research shows that while more than half of Australians feel they need a coffee to get going, over a third have cut back on their spending at cafes.
The good news is, you might not have to give it up completely. If your daily caffeine fix is straining your budget, we’ve found several ways you can get one for free.
1. Spend and scan for a free Woolies coffee
If you’re an Everyday Rewards member and shop at Woolworths Metro stores, you can score a free coffee every time you scan your rewards card when you spend $30 or more in a single shop. You can redeem your coffee (or any hot drink on the menu) at any Metro store that has a Woolies cafe inside. To sweeten the deal, Woolies doesn’t put limits on the size you can order, so even those who can’t start the day without an extra-large, extra-shot almond milk mocha can cash in. While you can save money with Woolies, be careful not to buy unnecessary items just to reach the $30 threshold.
2. Win a free coffee with Up Bank
On weekday mornings, Up Bank gives customers the chance to win a free coffee.
Here’s how it works:
- When to buy: Use your Up card between 7am and 11am on a weekday.
- How to enter: Make a purchase of up to $6.50 at an eligible cafe or restaurant. You can check if a cafe is eligible in the Up app.
- If you win: You will get a notification from the app saying your coffee is free.
Someone paid for my coffee yesterday morning, so I paid it back to the person behind me- but @up_banking covered the coffee instead!#perkup pic.twitter.com/NVlA47ojHO
— Moccona Coffee (@ImMoccona) August 27, 2025
3. Scan Flybuys for Reddy Express coffee
With a Flybuys membership, you can get your sixth coffee free after buying five from Reddy Express petrol stations. Simply scan your Flybuys card with each purchase and the credits will be added to your account automatically. Your free drink can be any size hot or iced coffee, tea, hot chocolate or chai latte.
Hot tip: If multiple people are on your Flybuys account, their purchases will also count towards your next free coffee.
4. Honourable mention: Origin coffee deal
Origin is offering its customers a free weekly coffee at 7-Eleven but anyone who wants to take advantage of the limited-time offer should act fast as it expires on Sunday, September 7.
The deal is available for Origin’s residential and small business customers in NSW, Victoria, QLD, WA and the ACT.
How to get your free coffee:
- Log in to your ‘My Account’ on the Origin app or website.
- Go to the ‘Origin Rewards’ section to generate your coffee barcode.
- Scan the barcode at a 7-Eleven store to redeem your drink.
Hot tip: The barcode is only valid for one hour. If you don’t use it within that time, you will need to generate a new one.
Coffee loyalty programs
If you’re looking for more ways to score a free coffee, there are several loyalty and membership programs that can help.
1. Starbucks
The Starbucks Rewards app uses a points-based system where you earn ‘stars’ on purchases, which you can then redeem for rewards.
- How it works: Join the rewards program for free through the Starbucks Australia app and use it to place your order.
- How to get your free coffee: Every time you order a drink through the app, you earn a star. Get nine stars and your next drink will be free.
2. Muffin Break
Muffin Break’s Muffin Mates offers a simple loyalty program that works like a digital stamp card.
- How it works: You can join for free with the Muffin Mates app or a physical card. Every time you buy something from Muffin Break, you get your card or app scanned.
- How to get your free coffee: The system is straightforward: Earn one point per $1 spent and get a $5 reward when you reach 50 points. You also receive a free coffee just for registering.
3. The Coffee Club
The Coffee Club’s VIP Club is a paid membership that gives you access to an ongoing reward, rather than making you collect points.
- How it works: You pay an annual fee to become a VIP member.
- How to get your free coffee: There’s a small catch with The Coffee Club’s VIP program in that you only get a free coffee when you sign up for your membership. After that, the benefits come from earning points to redeem on rewards.
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