Waitrose is giving out free coffee and you don't need to buy anything

Waitrose has reintroduced its free coffee for all loyalty scheme, regardless of whether they've made a purchase or not.

Who doesn’t love a free hot drink during the winter time (and anytime)? Whether you’re a new or existing member of the My Waitrose loyalty scheme, you’ll soon be able to claim a free hot drink every day without no longer having to make a purchase.

Originally launched in 2014, the retailer changed its terms in 2017, requiring members to make a purchase in order to claim their free hot drink. Then, during the Coronavirus pandemic, Waitrose temporarily stopped the scheme, before reintroducing it again in 2022. Still, a purchase had to be made before claiming the free drink. From January 27, new and existing members of My Waitrose loyalty scheme will be able to get any hot drink. The only catch is that you’ll need to bring your own reusable cup. However, in some cases, the store may be able to provide you a takeaway cup, subject to availability.

Waitrose emailed customers with the good news, saying it was changing the My Waitrose terms and conditions from next week. The message said: “You’ll be able to get your free hot drink without buying anything in store first. Don’t forget your reusable cup!”

This now means that Waitrose is now allowing shoppers to get their free coffee at any time, whether it’s before, during or after their shopping experience. And even if they just want to grab a free drink before heading off to work, this will now be possible.

How to get a free hot drink at Waitrose

To claim your free drink, you can get it from the Waitrose-branded self-serve coffee machine at any stand-alone Waitrose and Little Waitrose stores - not from the Waitrose cafés. By simply scanning the barcode from either your digital or physical card at the coffee machine, you select the chosen drink (americano, cappuccino, latte or tea). The amazing offer includes dairy and non-dairy alternatives.

The free hot drink doesn’t apply to Waitrose petrol stations, including Shell garages or Welcome Break branches with a Waitrose store inside.

How to sign up for My Waitrose loyalty scheme

By signing up online for free, you’ll receive a digital card that you can use straight away. Alternatively, you can order a physical card, which will take up to three days to arrive. For this, you will need to select ‘Order plastic card’ in your online account.