10 Ways to Save Money at Starbucks

8. Keep those cards: Remember those Starbucks gift cards you bought to save money (Step 6)? When purchasing them, go for unusual patterns if possible, and don't throw them away after you use all the credit. There are quite a few people out there who collect Starbucks gift cards. Hold on to to them for a few years, and you may be able to sell each of them for a few bucks as a collectible.

9. Raid the change jar: If you are in the habit of changing your coins at a CoinStar(CSTR Quote) machine, choose a Starbucks gift card rather than a cash payout. The gift cards in the machines come at face value, while getting cash will take out an 8.9% fee. By going with the gift card, you save that 8.9%.

10. Buy McDonald's coffee: This alternative is not as crazy as it might first appear. McDonald's(MCD Quote) new premium coffees beat Starbucks coffees in head-to-head taste tests, they cost less, and you can get your coffee a lot quicker than at Starbucks. That makes switching to McDonald's coffee a financially sound alternative.