Starbucks Partner Discount & Markout Guide
Starbucks employees, called partners, get a 30% discount on drinks, food, and merchandise at most stores. They also enjoy free drinks during their shift, plus one before and after. It’s a nice daily perk that helps save money on the go.
Each week, partners also get a “markout” benefit—one free item like a bag of coffee, a box of tea, or a pack of K-Cups. It resets weekly, so many partners treat it like a regular grocery bonus. Discounts even apply at some Reserve and international locations, with a few exceptions.
What is the Starbucks Partner Discount
Starbucks offers all eligible employees called partners a 30% discount on most food, drinks, and retail items at company-operated stores. This discount applies whether you’re working that day or just grabbing a coffee off-shift. You can use it for in-store purchases, including snacks, tumblers, coffee beans, and even select merchandise.
Eligibility & How It Works
To qualify, you must be an active partner working at a company-operated Starbucks store. Simply show your partner barcode (in the app or printed ID) at checkout to apply the discount. The benefit is available to both part-time and full-time employees.
30% Off Food, Drinks & Merchandise
All eligible partners get 30% off most menu items and retail products at company-operated Starbucks stores. That includes:
- Handcrafted beverages
- Packaged food and pastries
- Whole bean coffee and tea
- Tumblers, mugs, accessories
Complimentary Coffee & Tea on the Job
While working a shift, partners are entitled to free beverages and one food item per shift. Drinks can be hot, cold, or customized.
- Unlimited drinks during your shift
- 1 free food item per shift (sandwich, pastry, etc.)
- Beverages must be made in-store and consumed on site
Weekly Markout
- Each week, Starbucks gives partners one free retail item of their choice:
- One pound of whole bean coffee
- A box of Starbucks VIA instant coffee
- A box of Teavana tea sachets
Spotify Premium Subscription
Every active U.S. partner is eligible for a free Spotify Premium membership — normally a $10.99/month cost — giving you ad-free access to music and Starbucks-curated playlists.
- Requires sign-up through the Partner Hub
- Available to both part-time and full-time employees
Exclusive Affiliate Discounts
Starbucks employees also have access to national affiliate discounts across a variety of categories:
- Financial wellness tools
- Gym memberships (e.g., ClassPass deals
- Tech & electronics (Apple, Dell, etc.)
- Clothing & lifestyle brands
Occasional Friends & Family Perks
Throughout the year, Starbucks runs seasonal promotions that allow partners to extend perks to friends and family. These may include:
- Buy-one-get-one free drinks
- Discounted merchandise sales
- Holiday-specific deals
Additional Partner Perks & Programs
- Bean Stock (stock options and equity grants)
- Tuition assistance through the Starbucks College Achievement Plan
- Mental health support (free Headspace subscription, Lyra counseling)
- Emergency financial support through CUP Fund
- Paid vacation, sick time, and parental leave
Understanding the Weekly Partner Markout
The Starbucks Partner Markout is one of the most popular benefits among employees. It gives you one free retail item every week — perfect for trying new blends or stocking up on your favorite beans.
What’s Included in the Weekly Markout
- Each week, partners can choose one of the following retail items at no cost:
- 1 lb bag of whole bean coffee (any core or seasonal blend)
- 1 box of Starbucks VIA instant coffee
- 1 box of Teavana tea sachets
This allows partners to explore products they can recommend to customers, and it helps Starbucks maintain a knowledgeable team behind the bar.
Where & When You Can Use It
- Available once per week, and the benefit resets every Sunday
- Only valid at company-operated Starbucks stores
- You must redeem it in-store by presenting your partner barcode
Not valid at:
- Licensed stores (Target, airport, grocery)
- Starbucks Reserve or international locations (with some exceptions)
How to Redeem Your Markout
- Choose your eligible item (beans, VIA, or tea)
- Go to a company-operated store
- Show your partner barcode at the register
- Inform the barista you’re using your weekly markout
Pro Tip: If your store runs low on a specific blend, you can request it to be ordered for the following week.
Track It in the Partner Hub
Want to know if you’ve already used your markout for the week? Log into the Partner Hub or ask a manager to check your markout status.
Starbucks Employee Discount Rules
To keep your Starbucks partner perks and avoid policy violations, it’s essential to follow the company’s discount rules. These are strictly enforced and apply to all U.S. company-operated stores.
What You Can Do
- Use your 30% discount on food, drinks, and merchandise at company-operated Starbucks stores
- Use the discount off-shift or on break — it’s not limited to work hours
- Redeem your weekly markout in person at any eligible store (1 lb of coffee, VIA, or Teavana)
- Get free drinks and one food item per shift
- Use your Partner Hub barcode or physical partner ID to apply the discount
What You Can’t Do
- Don’t use your discount at licensed stores (e.g., Target, grocery stores, airport locations)
- Don’t apply your discount to anyone else’s order — this includes family and friends
- Don’t place mobile orders with a discount — it must be done in person
- Don’t try to combine your discount with other promotions unless explicitly allowed
- Don’t share your partner number or barcode — it’s considered a breach of policy
How to Access Your Starbucks Employee Discount
Getting your Starbucks partner discount is easy — as long as you follow the right steps and know where to find your barcode. Here’s exactly how to use it, whether you’re on or off shift.
Step 1: Open the Starbucks Partner Hub
Log into the Partner Hub on your phone or store computer. This internal portal gives you access to your:
- Digital Partner Card (your discount barcode)
- Weekly markout status
- Partner-exclusive news and updates
Step 2: Locate Your Partner Barcode
You can find your discount barcode in one of two places:
- Starbucks Partner App (U.S. only)
- Printed partner card (provided at onboarding or by your store manager)
Tip: Save your barcode as a screenshot or set it as a favorite in your app for quick access.
Step 3: Shop at a Company-Operated Store
Your discount only works at company-operated Starbucks stores — not licensed locations like:
- Target
- Airport Starbucks
- Grocery store kiosks
If you’re unsure whether a store is eligible, ask a supervisor or check in the Partner Hub.
Step 4: Show Your Barcode at Checkout
Before paying, simply:
- Tell the barista you’re a partner
- Show your barcode on your phone or printed card
- Wait for the discount to apply before completing the purchase
Reminder: You cannot apply the discount after the transaction is processed.
Step 5: Redeem Your Weekly Markout
For your weekly free item:
- Choose your eligible coffee or tea product
- Tell the barista you’re using your weekly markout
- Scan your barcode like normal
- Your markout status resets every Sunday, so be sure to use it before then.
Quick Access Checklist
| What You Need | Where to Find It |
| Partner Barcode | Partner Hub or app |
| Discount Eligibility | Company-operated stores only |
| Markout Tracking | Partner Hub dashboard |
| Support or Issues | Store manager or Partner Contact Center |
FAQs About the Starbucks Employee Discount
Final Thoughts
Being a Starbucks partner comes with a lot more than free drinks. The employee discount program is a powerful set of benefits designed to reward your work, connect you to the brand, and help you save every single week.
With 30% off purchases, a weekly markout, free on-shift drinks and food, plus extras like Spotify Premium, you’re getting perks that many other companies don’t even offer.
