What Happened to Starbucks’ Refill Tumbler? (And New Reusable Cup Program)

Does anyone remember that Starbucks Refill Tumbler from 2023? It was $64.95 for the cup and you could use it to get a free coffee every day. At first glance, it seemed like a pretty good Starbucks deal for frequent customers, but looking back, there’s a reason the cups didn’t stick around longer.

While I’m pretty positive the Starbucks Refill Tumbler will not return, Starbucks has (in my opinion) an even better offer for customers using reusable cups. And it won’t cost you $64.95. In fact, the coffee chain’s new reusable cup program costs nothing and earns you free Starbucks coffee.

I’ll refresh your memory about the Starbucks Refill Tumbler and explain why the new — and super convenient — reusable cup policy is a better value for customers. Did I mention you earn free coffee?

And if you’ve forgotten to bring your reusable cup, you can still get free refills at Starbucks for select drinks. Or score BOGO free drinks and Triple Star Days with current Starbucks offers and promotions.

For more smart shopping tips and Starbucks hacks, text HACKS to 57299, and be sure to download the Krazy Coupon Lady app.

What was the Starbucks Refill Tumbler?

The Starbucks Refill Tumbler was a 16-ounce (that’s Grande in Starbucks sizes) cup that was your ticket to free coffee every day in January 2023. It was released in Starbucks stores on Nov. 15, 2023, and cost $64.95.

Customers who purchased the cup could visit once per day and receive a free iced coffee, hot coffee, iced tea, or hot tea. That gave customers a total of 31 days they could grab a free coffee with this mug.

Is the Starbucks Refill Tumbler Coming Back?

Unfortunately, it’s unlikely that the Starbucks Refill Tumbler will return. The $65 cup did not return in January 2024 and there have been no updates about it coming back as a Starbucks offer. 

Instead, Starbucks has taken other steps toward their sustainability goals and waste reduction in 2024. More on that below.

Starbuck's New Reusable Cup Program (Spoiler: It’s GOOD)

As of January 2024, Starbucks allows customers to get any drink on the Starbucks menu in any personal cup from home to score a $0.10 discount and 25 bonus Stars. Better yet, you can even use a personal cup (and earn the rewards) on mobile and drive-thru orders. This is an excellent incentive for customers to bring in a reusable cup. Why so great? The 25 bonus Stars.

Free hot or iced coffee or tea requires 100 Stars. That means just by bringing your cup, you’ll get free Starbucks coffee every fourth visit. Do you know how many visits you had to make to recoup the cost of the $64.95 refill tumbler? It was 17 visits. 

This is one of those Starbucks Rewards perks that makes me wonder, “What’s the catch?” But really, there isn’t one. Bring any cup you have from home — costing you $0 out of pocket — and earn 100 Stars within four visits with your cup. And 100 Stars = free coffee. That’s it!

No other coffee retailers are making it this easy — and rewarding — to bring in your personal cup. This is, quite honestly, one of the best perks you’ll get as a Starbucks Rewards member. 

How to use a personal cup on Starbucks mobile orders and drive-thru. 

To get the personal cup discount on your mobile order, select Customize for your drink and scroll to the bottom of the customization list. Check the box that says Personal Cup and bring your cup to the pick-up area at your local Starbucks. 

If you’re visiting in the drive-thru, let the barista taking your order know that you have a personal cup and the size of the drink. Be sure to scan your Starbucks Rewards app when you pay to collect your bonus Stars.