How do you think most college students make up for their lack of sleep? Coffee, of course! And where do you think the majority of them go to get their coffee fix? Starbucks! With multiple locations on and near campus, Starbucks is always at hand. There’s an awesome app available for iPods, iPhones, and the BlackBerry to help you the next time you go to get your coffee. The app is called “Starbucks Card Mobile” and is free.

After you create an account you have the option to upload all of your Starbucks gift cards. This was very helpful for me because the wristlet I carry around does not have room for all those gift cards! When you go to Starbucks and place your order, instead of handing them a gift card you simply hold up your iPod/iPhone when you are on the gift card part of the app. There will be a barcode that the cashier can scan, along with a total of how much you have left of gift cards.

There are bonuses for using this app. Not only is it convenient, but you don’t have to worry about losing all your gift cards. There is also a “Starbucks Club” when you make an account. For your birthday, you will receive a free drink and every time you make a purchase it’s recorded. Certain number of purchases gets you to certain levels. Each level has bonuses, and the higher the level, the better the bonuses. For instance, after 5 purchases you get complimentary syrups and milk options in your drink, free refills on coffee and tea, and free beverage with a whole bean purchase. At the last level, (after 30 purchases) you get a free drink every 15 drinks, a special Gold Card, and special offers and coupons.  All of this is in the palm of your hands; it is so easy! You can check out all the details about a Starbucks account here.