How Long is Starbucks $3 Thursday? Your Complete Guide to Scoring $3 Drinks at Starbucks

If you’ve been scrolling through social media lately, you’ve probably seen friends posting about their $3 Starbucks drinks and wondered what the buzz is all about. The Starbucks $3 drinks promotion has become one of the most popular deals among coffee lovers, and for good reason—who doesn’t want to save money on their favorite handcrafted beverages?

Let me break down everything you need to know about this amazing deal, so you never miss out on your chance to grab a discounted drink.

What is Starbucks $3 Thursday?

Starbucks $3 Thursday is a promotional event where Starbucks Rewards members can purchase select Grande-sized handcrafted drinks for just $3. This deal typically runs from 12 PM to 6 PM on select Thursdays throughout the year. Instead of paying the regular price of $5 to $7 for your favorite latte, Frappuccino, or cold brew, you can snag it for a fraction of the cost.

The promotion is exclusively available through the Starbucks app or website, which means you’ll need to be a registered Starbucks Rewards member to participate. Don’t worry though—signing up is completely free and takes just a few minutes.

How Long Does Starbucks $3 Thursday Last?

Here’s where things get interesting. The Starbucks $3 drinks promotion isn’t a permanent fixture on the calendar. Starbucks typically runs these special Thursdays during specific promotional periods throughout the year. In the past, we’ve seen these deals appear monthly or during seasonal campaigns.

For Starbucks $3 drinks 2025, the promotion schedule varies based on Starbucks’ marketing calendar. Some months might have multiple $3 Thursdays, while others might skip the deal entirely. The best way to stay informed is by checking the Starbucks app regularly, signing up for email notifications, or following Starbucks on social media.

Each individual $3 Thursday event runs for a limited six-hour window—from noon until 6 PM local time. This means you’ve got a decent chunk of your afternoon to place your order, but you definitely don’t want to wait until the last minute in case the app gets overwhelmed with orders.

How to Get Your Starbucks $3 Drinks Today

Ready to score your discounted drink? Here’s your step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Download the Starbucks App If you haven’t already, download the official Starbucks mobile app from the App Store or Google Play. This is your gateway to all Starbucks promotions and rewards.

Step 2: Create or Log Into Your Account Sign up for a free Starbucks Rewards account or log in if you already have one. You’ll need to provide basic information like your name, email, and create a password.

Step 3: Check for Active Promotions Open the app and look for banners or notifications about the $3 Thursday deal. Starbucks usually promotes these events prominently on the home screen.

Step 4: Add Your Drink to Cart Between 12 PM and 6 PM on promotion days, browse the eligible drinks (usually marked with special pricing in the app), choose your Grande-sized favorite, and add it to your cart. The discount should automatically apply at checkout.

Step 5: Place Your Order You can either order ahead for pickup or use mobile order and pay at your nearest participating Starbucks location. Some people prefer ordering ahead to skip any lines, especially during peak hours when everyone’s trying to grab the deal.

What Drinks Are Included in the Starbucks Deal Today?

The Starbucks deal today typically includes a wide selection of handcrafted beverages in Grande size. This usually means:

• Hot and iced lattes (vanilla, caramel, mocha, and more)
• Frappuccinos (yes, even the fancy seasonal ones)
• Cold brews and nitro cold brews
• Refreshers
• Macchiatos
• Shaken espressos
• Seasonal specialty drinks

However, the deal typically excludes plain brewed coffee, espresso shots, and some reserve bar beverages. The specific eligible drinks may vary by promotion, so always check the app for the current list.

Can You Use a Starbucks $3 Drinks Coupon?

You might be wondering if there’s a Starbucks $3 drinks coupon you can clip or print. The truth is, this promotion works differently than traditional coupons. The deal is automatically activated in your Starbucks app when you’re logged into your Rewards account during the promotional window.

There’s no physical coupon to present or digital code to enter. As long as you’re ordering through the app during the designated time frame, the promotional pricing will appear automatically. This makes it super convenient—no fumbling with codes or worrying about forgetting your coupon at home.

What If Starbucks $3 Drinks Tomorrow?

Planning ahead? If you’re curious about Starbucks $3 drinks tomorrow, your best bet is to check the app the night before. Starbucks typically announces these promotions with at least a day or two of advance notice through push notifications, emails, or in-app banners.

You can also check Starbucks’ official social media accounts or sign up for their promotional emails to get alerts about upcoming deals. Some savvy Starbucks fans have noticed patterns—like deals running on the first or third Thursday of the month—but there’s no guaranteed schedule.

Troubleshooting: Starbucks $3 Drinks Not Working

Frustrated because the Starbucks $3 drinks are not working for you? Here are the most common issues and how to fix them:

Problem 1: Wrong Time Window Remember, the promotion only runs from 12 PM to 6 PM. If you’re trying to order at 11:55 AM or 6:05 PM, you’ll miss the window.

Problem 2: Not Logged Into Rewards Account Make sure you’re signed into your Starbucks Rewards account in the app. Guest checkout won’t work for this promotion.

Problem 3: App Needs Updating Check if your Starbucks app needs an update. Outdated versions might not display current promotions correctly.

Problem 4: Location Not Participating While most corporate Starbucks locations participate, some licensed stores (like those inside grocery stores or airports) might be excluded.

Problem 5: Server Overload During popular promotions, the app can get overwhelmed. If you’re experiencing glitches, try closing and reopening the app, or wait a few minutes before trying again.

Problem 6: Wrong Drink Size The promotion is specifically for Grande-sized drinks. If you’re trying to order a Venti or Tall, the discount won’t apply.

Maximizing Your Savings on Starbucks $3 Drinks

Want to make the most of this deal? Here are some insider tips:

Choose Complex Drinks: Since you’re paying a flat $3, go for drinks that normally cost more. That fancy caramel macchiato with extra shots? Perfect choice. Simple iced coffee? Maybe save that for a regular day.

Customize Freely: Most customizations are included in the deal, so don’t be shy about adding extra pumps of syrup, switching milk types, or adding cold foam.

Time Your Visit Strategically: Ordering around 1-2 PM or 4-5 PM usually means fewer people and faster service compared to the lunch rush at noon.

Order for Friends: There’s typically no limit on how many drinks you can order per account, so you can grab drinks for coworkers or family members.

Combine with Rewards: You’ll still earn Stars on your $3 purchase, which means you’re working toward free drinks even while saving money.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often does Starbucks run $3 Thursday?

Starbucks doesn’t have a fixed schedule, but these promotions typically appear monthly or during special promotional periods. The frequency can vary throughout the year depending on Starbucks’ marketing campaigns.

Do I need to be a Starbucks Rewards member?

Yes, absolutely. The $3 Thursday promotion is exclusively for Starbucks Rewards members. The good news is that membership is completely free and comes with other perks like birthday rewards and free refills.

Can I use my stars or rewards on $3 Thursday?

While you can’t combine the $3 discount with redeeming stars for a free drink, you will earn stars on your $3 purchase that count toward future free drinks.

Are all Starbucks locations participating?

Most corporate-owned Starbucks stores participate in $3 Thursday. However, licensed locations (like those inside Target, grocery stores, or airports) may not honor the promotion. Check the app to confirm your nearest participating location.

What time zone does the 12 PM – 6 PM window follow?

The promotional window follows your local time zone, so you don’t need to worry about converting times if you’re traveling.

Can I order multiple drinks during one $3 Thursday?

Yes! You can place multiple orders or include multiple drinks in a single order. There’s typically no restriction on how many discounted drinks you can purchase during the promotional window.

What happens if I mobile order but arrive after 6 PM?

As long as you place your order through the app before 6 PM, you’ll get the promotional price even if you pick it up after the window closes.

Will Starbucks $3 Thursday continue in 2025?

While Starbucks hasn’t officially announced the full 2025 schedule, the popularity of this promotion makes it likely to continue. Keep your app notifications turned on to stay updated.

The Bottom Line

Starbucks $3 drinks are one of the best ways to enjoy your favorite handcrafted beverages without breaking the bank. While the Starbucks $3 Thursday promotion doesn’t run every week, it appears frequently enough that dedicated fans can score serious savings throughout the year.

The key to never missing out is staying connected—download the app, join Starbucks Rewards for free, and enable notifications so you’re always in the loop. Set a reminder on your phone for Thursday afternoons, and you’ll be sipping your favorite latte for less in no time.

Whether you’re a daily Starbucks visitor or an occasional treat-yourself kind of person, this promotion is worth planning around. After all, who can resist a handcrafted Frappuccino for the price of a basic coffee?

So next time you see that notification pop up, don’t hesitate. Mark your calendar, set your alarm, and get ready to enjoy premium Starbucks drinks at an unbeatable price. Your wallet (and your taste buds) will thank you.