Caribou Coffee’s Caribou Perks® loyalty program has evolved since its 2014 debut into a robust rewards ecosystem that offers members points for every dollar spent, exclusive seasonal promotions, and app-only benefits designed to maximize both value and convenience. You can sign up in-store, online, via text, or through the Caribou Coffee® app, instantly earning a free medium beverage on your first visit. Whether you’re new to loyalty programs or looking to squeeze every ounce of value, this guide covers everything you need to know about the Caribou Rewards Program & Promotions.
History and Evolution of Caribou Perks
Caribou Coffee launched the Caribou Perks loyalty program in 2014 to show appreciation for its regular customers. The idea was simple: reward guests for coming back with free drinks, food upgrades, and other small surprises from their handcrafted menu. Over time, Caribou Perks has grown into much more than just a punch-card-style program. It now offers members exclusive perks through the Caribou Coffee app, such as personalized offers, birthday treats, and special rewards for inviting friends to join.
The program also keeps things fresh by offering limited-time promotions throughout the year, encouraging customers to come in during different seasons. Whether it’s a cozy winter drink or a cool summer iced coffee, there’s often a special perk to go along with it. Today, Caribou Perks is widely available at most U.S. Caribou Coffee locations, except for certain spots like franchise stores, airports, campuses, and other special venues. Members can also enjoy perks when ordering online through the official Caribou Coffee website, making it easier than ever to stay connected and rewarded.
What Is the Caribou Rewards Program?
Caribou Perks® is Caribou Coffee’s free rewards program designed to thank loyal guests with points every time they make a purchase. Whether you’re ordering in a café, through the Caribou Coffee® app, or online on the Caribou website, your qualifying purchases help you collect points that can be turned into tasty rewards. While points themselves don’t hold any cash value and can’t be stacked with other offers, the program still includes some fun extras, like “Share-a-Perk” options that let you gift a reward to a friend—available under certain conditions.
To keep things fresh and fair, points will expire after six months if your account is inactive (meaning no check-ins or reward redemptions). This way, active members continue to enjoy the best of what Caribou Perks has to offer.
Key Features of Caribou Perks:
1. Points System
Earn 2 points for every $1 spent when you order through the app or website. If you’re paying with cash or card in-store without using the app, you’ll still earn 1 point per dollar—just be sure to check in with your phone number.
2. Reward Milestones
Redeem your points for all kinds of treats. There are reward tiers at 25, 50, 100, 175, 200, 250, 300, and 400 points, giving you lots of chances to trade your points for things like drink upgrades, free handcrafted beverages, bakery favorites, or even fun Caribou merchandise.
3. Flexible Redemption
Use your rewards however you like—in the app, online, or in-store. There are no blackout dates, so you can treat yourself whenever it suits you.
4. App-Only Perks
Members who use the app get even more: free non-dairy milk options when ordering ahead, early access to special promotions, and double points on select purchases made through the app.
5. Birthday Rewards
Celebrate your special day with a medium-sized beverage of your choice during your birthday week. It’s fully customizable and completely on the house!
How to Join Caribou Perks
Joining Caribou Perks is easy, free, and only takes a minute. Once you’re signed up, you’ll start earning points right away—and you’ll even get a free medium drink on your next visit, no points needed!
Here are a few simple ways to get started:
1. In-Store
Just let your Barista know you’d like to join, or enter your phone number at the register. You’ll be enrolled on the spot and can start collecting points with your very first purchase.
2. Online
Head over Caribou Perks page. Fill out a short registration form, and you’re in!
3. By Text
Prefer a mobile option? Text “PERKS” to 762-CARIBOU (762-227-2486) to sign up through SMS. It’s quick, and you’ll get updates and reminders sent straight to your phone.
4. Through the App
Download the free Caribou Coffee® app from the App Store or Google Play. Once you create your account and check in, you’re officially a member. The app also makes it easy to track points, redeem rewards, order ahead, and more.
No matter which way you join, you’ll start off with a treat: a free medium beverage of your choice to enjoy on your next visit—no strings attached.
Earning Points: How to Maximize Your Rewards
Whether you’re brand new to Caribou Perks or already sipping like a seasoned rewards pro, there are some easy ways to make the most of every visit and watch your point total grow faster.
1. Use the App
For the best bang for your buck, always check in and pay through the Caribou Coffee® app. You’ll earn 2 points for every $1 spent this way—twice as many as you’d get by paying with cash or card without the app. Plus, it’s the easiest way to track your rewards and unlock surprise offers.
2. Order Ahead
Mobile ordering isn’t just convenient—it’s also a smart way to earn. Whether you’re picking up inside, using the drive-thru, or choosing curbside, ordering ahead through the app ensures product availability and gives you the full 2 points per dollar every time.
3. Referral Program
Share the love—and score bonus points. When you send your unique referral link to friends, you’ll earn 175 bonus points for every friend who signs up and makes a purchase. And they’ll thank you too: each new member gets a free drink after their first visit.
4. Seasonal Promotions
Some months are extra rewarding. For example, during April, Caribou rolls out daily specials like half-off drinks, bonus point days, and surprise goodies. To stay in the loop, check the Caribou Coffee newsroom or your app notifications so you don’t miss a thing.
5. Special Events & Giveaways
Keep an eye on social media for exclusive events like Social Giveaways, running from April 4–7, 2025 and similar dates throughout the year. You could win bonus points, free drinks, limited-edition merch, and more—just for joining in the fun.
The more you engage, the more you earn—so sip smart and treat yourself often!
Redeeming Points: Rewards and Milestones
Points unlock a variety of rewards at specific thresholds—here’s how to spend wisely:
- 25 Points: Add a flavor shot, extra espresso, or whipped cream.
- 50 Points: Get a free any-size brewed coffee or hot tea, or choose a bakery item.
- 100 Points: Enjoy a bagel & cream cheese combo.
- 175 Points: Redeem for any beverage, any size—including specialty drinks like the Turtle Mocha.
- 200 Points: Score $5 off an online order—perfect for stocking up on beans, merch, or gift cards.
- 250 Points: Upgrade to an XL beverage.
- 300 Points: Redeem for a lunch item (e.g., grilled cheese sandwich) or sweet treat.
- 400 Points: Unlock high-value rewards like a growler fill or deluxe bakery bundle (availability may vary).
Exclusive Member Benefits and Seasonal Promotions
Caribou Perks continually refreshes its promotional calendar to keep members engaged:
1. Birthday Drinks
Make your birthday extra sweet with a free medium beverage of your choice, available any time during your birthday week. It’s fully customizable and completely on the house—just our way of celebrating you.
2. App-Exclusive Perks
When you order ahead using the Caribou Coffee® app, you unlock hidden perks like free non-dairy milk—a major win for oat milk fans and plant-based sippers alike.
3. Sneak Peeks & Early Access
Be the first to know! Perks members get early notifications about upcoming drinks, seasonal menu launches, and special events—so you can sip the newest flavors before anyone else.
4. April Daily Offers
April is Perks Month, and every day comes with something exciting: half-off Cake Pops, triple points on Crafted Press, surprise giveaways, and more. Check the app or Caribou Coffee’s website daily to see what’s brewing.
5. Caribou Combos – Starting May 2
Save with curated combos designed for both flavor and value. Starting May 2, enjoy:
- A large Coffee of the Day or Cold Press + Glazed Donut for just $6
- A Crafted Press or Energy Drink + any all-day breakfast or lunch item for only $10
6. Spring Menu Bonuses
Try something new and get rewarded! Celebrate the launch of the new Cinnamon Sugar menu in March 2025 by purchasing a 16 oz bag of Amy’s Blend (or any specialty beans), and you’ll receive a free any-size Coffee of the Day with your purchase.
From surprise deals to member-only exclusives, Caribou Perks makes every season feel a little more special—and a lot more delicious.
Using the Caribou Coffee App to Enhance Your Experience
From skipping the line to tracking your rewards, the Caribou Coffee® app makes your coffee runs faster, easier, and more rewarding.
1. Order Ahead
Customize your favorite drink, add a bakery item, and pay—all before you even leave the house. With order-ahead and check-in features, you can grab your order from the to-go shelf, drive-thru, or curbside, without waiting in line. It’s the easiest way to enjoy a smooth, contactless experience.
2. Mobile Pay
Say goodbye to digging for your wallet. Load funds to your app, or link Apple Pay or Google Pay for quick, secure checkout. Just scan your app barcode in-store and you’re good to go—plus, you’ll automatically earn points with every purchase.
3. Reward Management
Tap the “My Rewards” section in the app to see what perks you’ve earned and how many points you’ve got. From there, you can add rewards to your next order, plan your next redemption, or check your progress toward your next free drink—all in real time.
4. Push Notifications
Don’t miss a deal! Turn on notifications to get instant updates about limited-time offers, new menu items, bonus point days, and app-only exclusives. You’ll always be first in line for the latest perks.
Whether you’re a daily coffee drinker or an occasional sipper, the app puts Caribou perks and convenience right at your fingertips.
Tips and Tricks to Get the Most from Caribou Rewards
Want to squeeze every last drop of value from your Caribou Perks membership? With just a few smart habits, you can earn more, save more, and never miss a reward. Here’s how to take your perks game to the next level:
1. Stack Promotions Strategically
Look for ways to combine offers. For example, refer a friend (and earn 175 points), then take advantage of April daily deals or a Caribou Combo to spend those points wisely. The more you layer, the more value you unlock with every visit.
2. Redeem Smarter, Not Sooner
While small rewards like a flavor shot (25 points) are fun, you’ll usually get better value per point by saving up for bigger redemptions. For instance, using 200 points to get $5 off an online order gives you a higher “cents-per-point” return—perfect for larger purchases or stocking up on beans.
3. Keep Your Account Active
To protect your points from expiring, make sure you either check in or redeem at least once every six months. It can be as simple as ordering a coffee or using a reward—even a small one counts!
4. Make the Most of Referrals
Send your referral link to friends and family—when they sign up and make their first purchase, they get a free drink, and you get 175 bonus points. That’s enough to cover multiple add-ons or even a free brewed coffee or bakery treat.
5. Follow Along on Social Media
Stay plugged in to Caribou Coffee’s Instagram and Facebook pages for flash deals, sneak peeks, and social-only giveaways. Some offers are posted without warning, so a quick follow could lead to surprise perks!
By following these simple strategies, you’ll keep your points growing and your coffee flowing—with extra treats along the way.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long do my Caribou Perks points last?
Points expire after six months of no account activity (check-ins or redemptions).
Can I transfer or share my points?
Points are non-transferable unless using the “Share-a-Perk” feature; rewards themselves are also non-transferable.
Is Caribou Perks available internationally?
No—Caribou Perks is valid only in the 50 U.S. states and D.C. at participating locations.
Do I need the app to redeem rewards?
Yes—for rewards like complimentary beverages or size upgrades, you must redeem via the app or at CaribouCoffee.com.