Internet Asks: "Can You Bring Your Own Cup to Starbucks?"

Wondering if you can bring your own cup to Starbucks? The answer is a big yes! Not only is it allowed — it’s encouraged. Starbucks has long supported reusable cups as part of its global sustainability goals, and customers who bring their own cup even get rewarded for doing so.

Here’s everything you need to know about bringing your own cup to Starbucks — including how it works, what kind of cups are accepted, and the perks that come with it.

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✅ Yes, Starbucks Allows Reusable Cups

Starbucks allows customers to bring their own clean, reusable cups or tumblers for in-store and drive-thru orders. This initiative is part of Starbucks’ goal to cut waste and single-use cup usage.

As of 2024, this applies to:

☕ In-store orders

🚗 Drive-thru orders

📱 Mobile orders via the Starbucks app (at participating locations)

 

💰 Get a Discount for Using Your Own Cup

Starbucks rewards eco-conscious customers with:

💸 $0.10 discount per drink in most U.S. and Canada locations

⭐ 25 Bonus Stars (if you're a Starbucks Rewards member and scan your app when ordering)

That’s a win for your wallet and the environment!

 

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🧼 What Kind of Cup Can You Bring?

Starbucks will accept:

✔️ Clean tumblers with or without lids
✔️ Reusable hot or cold cups
✔️ Any brand or material — not just Starbucks-branded mugs

Important: Your cup must be clean — baristas can refuse to fill dirty or unsanitary containers.

 

🛒 How It Works (Step-by-Step)

In-Store:

✅ Bring your clean cup to the register.

✅ Let the barista know you want to use your own cup.

✅ They’ll measure your drink using a standard-size cup before pouring it into your reusable one.

Drive-Thru:

✅ Let the team member know you brought your own cup.

✅ Hand your cup over at the window.

✅ They'll hand your drink back filled and ready to go.

Mobile Orders (Participating Stores):

✅ Choose the “Personal Cup” option during checkout in the app.

✅ Bring your cup to the pickup counter.

✅ A barista will pour your drink into your cup on-site.

 

❗ Limitations to Know

⚠️ Not available at some airport, grocery, or licensed locations

⚠️ Baristas can refuse unclean cups for hygiene reasons

⚠️ You may not get the exact “fill line” if your cup isn’t a Starbucks-standard size

 

🌎 Why Starbucks Supports Reusables

Starbucks has a sustainability goal to reduce single-use cup waste by 50% by 2030. Encouraging personal cup use is a big part of that plan.

They also offer in-store ceramic mugs and "borrow-a-cup" pilots in some regions to further cut waste.

 

☕ Final Thoughts

So, can you bring your own cup to Starbucks? Absolutely. It’s safe, easy, and comes with perks like discounts and reward stars. Just make sure your cup is clean and reusable, and enjoy your next Starbucks order more sustainably.

 

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References

1. Starbucks Official Website. (2024). Starbucks and Sustainability: Reusable Cups.
https://www.starbucks.com/responsibility/environment/reusable-cups

2. Starbucks Stories & News. (2024). Starbucks expands personal cup program to drive-thru and mobile orders.https://about.starbucks.com/press/2024/starbucks-becomes-first-national-coffee-retailer-to-accept-reusable-cups-for-drive-thru-and-mobile-orders/

3. Starbucks Rewards FAQ. (2024). Earning Stars With Reusable Cups. https://about.starbucks.com/planetpositive/