Starbucks’ Return & Refund Policies for Drinks, Food, & Merchandise

If your drink order is incorrect, Starbucks will remake it for free — but only at the same location where you placed the order. For more on the Starbucks return and refund policies, see below.

Starbucks Return Policy & Refund Policy

There are two main types of returns at Starbucks: merchandise returns and food and beverage returns. Store policies vary depending on the type of return.

Merchandise Returns

Merchandise returns typically include ground or whole-bean coffee, tea, coffee mugs, and tumblers. These types of items are returnable within 30 days of purchase. Items must be in new, unused condition and you’ll need to bring your original receipt to make a return, a Starbucks corporate customer service representative said. If the item is defective, you should still bring the receipt and any tags that were on the item.

Without a receipt, the corporate policy is to not accept the item(s) for return. However, during our research, we contacted several Starbucks locations across the country and found that some stores may be willing to offer an exchange or store credit if you don’t have the receipt; non-receipted return decisions are made that the discretion of the store manager.

We also found that Starbucks stores are unable to look up receipts and returns are typically refunded to the original form of payment or issued as store credit.

Starbucks corporate customer service representatives and store associates said it’s best to make a return at the same location where you made the purchase. Returns typically be made at the register any time the Starbucks is open.

Clearance Items & Gift Purchases

Clearance items are returnable as long as they are not marked final sale. Final sale items will be marked with a sticker or a “final sale” notation on the tag.

If you received an item as a gift, you’ll need the original receipt or a gift receipt to make a return.

Starbucks Gift Cards

Starbucks gift cards can be returned if you have the original receipt and they are unused. Gift card returns can be initiated over the phone by calling Starbucks’ customer service department at (800) 782-7282.

Food and Beverage Returns

If your drink was made incorrectly, you can request that it be remade at the Starbucks location where you ordered it. A barista will make you a new drink free of charge. Similarly, if you received the wrong food item, a barista should be able to resolve the issue by providing the correct item.

Note that you cannot leave the Starbucks where you placed your order and make a change request at a different Starbucks location. Customer service representatives recommend you take a sip of your drink and check your food order before leaving the cafe or drive-thru.

If your food or beverage item still does not meet your standards, representatives said it’s best to contact Starbucks’ customer service department at (800) 782-7282.