Last updated: June 2026
Loyalty doesn’t usually pay, but it does with coffee. Caffè Nero’s new (ish) free app (launched in 2017) rewards loyalty with free coffee. In this article, I review the Caffè Nero App & promo code – including what the App can do, how you sign up for the App, What is good about the Caffè Nero App, What is bad about the Caffè Nero App, how to find your nearest Caffè Nero store, a Caffè Nero free coffee promo code and my final verdict of the Caffè Nero App. I’m a coffee active, if you like a cup of the strong stuff, check out my newest article.
What does the Caffè Nero app do?
Nero’s loyalty app rewards your loyalty with your 10th coffee as a freebie. The new Caffe Nero app allows you to find local Caffè Nero branches and lets you pay for your coffee using pre-loaded funds (which can be managing your coffee finances). Using their LevelUp technology: you can quickly pay for your coffee or tea and food items, just by scanning your phone.
The app is mainly focused on loyalty stamps for buying coffee – to entice you to be loyal to Caffè Nero. You can be rewarded for buying their vegan food, breakfasts, taking coffee home and using your own cup. N.B. The paper loyalty card is available for customers who can’t or don’t want to download the app. Download the Caffè Nero app now and get fresh barista-made drinks.
How do you sign up for the Caffè Nero App?
Firstly download the App via the Apple or the Google Play store. Then use my Caffè Nero App Promo code to get a free coffee in your local coffee shop.
How do you get a free coffee with the Caffè Nero app?
Download the app, register an account, use a referral code (if available), make your first qualifying purchase, and you’ll receive a free drink voucher. After that, every qualifying purchase earns rewards towards future free drinks. Offers can change over time, so check the app for the latest promotion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Caffè Nero still offer a free coffee for new users?
Yes, Caffè Nero regularly runs promotions that allow new customers to earn a free drink after signing up and meeting the offer requirements. At times this includes using a referral code before making your first qualifying purchase. As promotions can change, it’s always worth checking the app for the latest welcome offer before signing up.
How do I use a Caffè Nero referral code?
After downloading the Caffè Nero app and creating an account, you’ll usually find a section where you can enter a referral code. Enter the code before making your first qualifying purchase to ensure you receive any eligible referral reward. If the app doesn’t display a referral option, the promotion may not currently be available.
How do I get a free coffee with the Caffè Nero app?
The easiest way is to download the app, register an account and take advantage of any current welcome or referral offer. After that, you’ll earn rewards by scanning the app whenever you buy eligible drinks or food. Once you’ve collected enough qualifying purchases, you’ll receive a free drink reward.
Can I use the Caffè Nero app in every store?
Most company-owned Caffè Nero stores in the UK accept the app, but some franchise, airport, motorway service and railway station locations may have different participation rules. If you’re unsure, ask a member of staff before ordering.
Do I earn rewards on food as well as coffee?
Many food and drink purchases qualify for rewards, although some exclusions may apply. Seasonal products, gift cards or promotional items may not always be eligible. The app and in-store staff can confirm whether a purchase qualifies.
Can I collect rewards if I use a reusable cup?
Yes. Using a reusable cup gives you an extra stamp (after 9 stamps, you get a free hot drink). This means you can save money while still working towards your next free coffee.
Do my Caffè Nero rewards expire?
Reward vouchers and promotional offers may have expiry dates, so it’s worth checking the “Rewards” section of the app regularly. If you don’t use a voucher before it expires, you may lose it. It is often around a year to use it.
Can I use more than one promo code?
No. You can normally only apply one referral or promotional code to a new account. Once a code has been used, it usually can’t be replaced with another one.
Can I use my free coffee reward with other offers?
In most cases, free drink rewards can’t be combined with other promotional offers or discounts. If you’re unsure, ask in-store before paying.
Is the Caffè Nero app worth downloading?
If you buy coffee from Caffè Nero even occasionally, I’d say yes. The app is free, easy to use and rewards regular customers with free drinks and occasional exclusive offers. If you visit several coffee chains, it’s worth comparing Caffè Nero with Costa, Starbucks and Pret to see which loyalty scheme offers the best value for your spending.
How does the Caffè Nero App work?
1). Once you’ve downloaded the app here. Use the Caffè Nero App 2022 Promo code.
2). Want to use the App to buy drinks? – Link your debit or credit card for secure and speedy payment via your mobile phone
3). Tell your Barista, that you are using the app, then Tap on your wallet and scan the QR code
4). Buy the first drink – After your first drink, we will both get the next one for free via a free voucher on the Caffe Nero App
5). Collect stamps – Your loyalty card will be automatically stamped each time you buy a barista-made drink. – After 9 drinks, get a freebie (after step 4’s free drink)
6). Claim your rewards – Any reward you’ve earned will appear in your wallet. Just scan your free voucher and get a free drink
7). Review treats – under the home section, you can see extra treats and promos, from extra stamps for buying certain food or hot drinks
Caffè Nero UK Locations
Is there Nero Coffee near you? To find out you can find your nearest Caffè Nero UK location, click here and just add your postcode. There are over 600 stores in the UK.
How Does the Caffè Nero App Compare to Other Coffee Loyalty Schemes?
If you’re looking for the best value from your daily coffee, it’s worth comparing Caffè Nero with the UK’s other major loyalty apps. While all three reward regular customers, they work in different ways and each has its own strengths.
| Coffee Chain | Best For | Welcome Offer | Loyalty Rewards |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caffè Nero | Free drinks and referral rewards | Often available | Regular free drinks after qualifying purchases |
| Costa Coffee | Frequent promotions and personalised offers | Varies throughout the year | Rewards based on spending rather than stamps |
| Starbucks | People who regularly customise drinks | Occasionally available | Earn Stars that can be redeemed for drinks, food and extras |
| Pret A Manger | Unlimited barista-made drinks | Trial offers sometimes available | Monthly subscription rather than a traditional loyalty scheme |
Caffè Nero vs Costa Coffee
Both apps reward loyal customers, but they take very different approaches.
The Caffè Nero app focuses on rewarding regular purchases with free drinks and often includes referral promotions for new users. It’s a simple system that’s easy to understand if you mainly buy coffee. You also get a free drink if you refer someone, Costa gives you half a hot drink worth of beans (5 beans)
Costa’s app is 9 drinks to get a free one. Costa also runs frequent personalised offers and seasonal promotions through the app.
If you regularly visit both chains, it’s worth downloading both apps so you never miss out on rewards.
Get the Costa Coffee Rewards App here → here.
Caffè Nero vs Starbucks Rewards
Starbucks uses a points-based system called Stars, allowing members to redeem rewards on drinks, food and extras. The app also includes mobile ordering at many locations, which is useful if you’re short on time.The star system is based on amount you spend instead of number of drinks. 10 stars per £1 spent, but it is 130 stars for a filter coffee, meaning £13 spent before you get a filter, 500 to get a Latte (£50).
Caffè Nero’s rewards are simpler and more generous. Scan the app when you buy eligible items and work towards your next free drink without worrying about different redemption levels (10th drink free).
If you mainly drink coffee and want an easy-to-follow loyalty scheme, I find Caffè Nero easier to understand. If you like customising drinks and visiting Starbucks regularly, the Stars programme offers more flexibility.
Caffè Nero vs Pret Club
Pret works very differently from both Caffè Nero, Starbucks and Costa.
Instead of collecting rewards for individual purchases, Pret has focused on subscription-style offers and member-exclusive promotions. This can provide excellent value if you buy several coffees each week but may not suit occasional visitors. It is currently £5 per month and you get half price discounts on up to 5 hot or iced drinks per day.
Caffè Nero is generally the better option if you only buy coffee once or twice a week, as you can still earn free drinks without paying a monthly fee.
If you’re a daily commuter who visits Pret most mornings, the subscription model could work out cheaper depending on your drinking habits. If you drinking 3 coffees a day at Pret, I’d recommend it, as opposed to Nero.
Which Coffee Loyalty App Offers the Best Value?
For most people, I’d recommend downloading the app for whichever coffee shop you visit most often. However:
- Choose Caffè Nero if you want a simple loyalty scheme with regular free drinks and occasional referral offers.
- Choose Costa if you shop there more than Caffè Nero, also the same 9 drinks are needed to get a free one.
- Choose Starbucks if you like earning flexible rewards that can be redeemed on a wider range of menu items.
- Choose Pret if you buy coffee almost every day and can benefit from its subscription-style offers.
Whichever app you choose, scanning it every time you order is an easy way to earn rewards that many customers would otherwise miss.
What is good about Caffè Nero’s App?
1). It is one of the most generous coffee loyalty Apps around – Starbucks and Gails take quite a few months of regular coffee visits to get that free large coffee.
2). Win prizes during the seasonal periods – From free stamps to up to a year’s worth of Nero coffee. You can play fun casino roulette games, which is exciting (I’ve never won more than a free drink, but here’s to luck) and also Stampede (Pac man retro gaming) with the Caffè Nero app
3). You are rewarded for being eco-friendly – If you bring your reusable cup, you get an extra stamp as a bonus stamp (plus one for the drink you buy). Essentially after 5 visits, you’ve bagged yourself a free coffee.
4). It is rated 4.6/5 on the App Store– Proving app users believe it is a well-functioning App. The app works very well and there’s constantly free stuff to be had. Mobile Marketing interviewed Caffè Nero’s marketing manager and he revealed “The whole thing about our app is, you walk into the store, you make your order, you pay with the app, it’s just one scan and the payment and the loyalty happens seamlessly” Myself and other App users agree it is a seamless App.
5). You don’t lose your existing stamps – You can use old stamps and vouchers you collected on to the Caffè Nero loyalty card, even after registering for an app account. Simply select “Add a Loyalty Card” in the settings menu. Win prizes during seasonal promotional periods – ranging from a free stamp to a year’s worth of coffee
6). The Caffe Nero app is innovative and easy to use, with lots of features (from loyalty quiz games) and even a digital receipt after you buy a coffee
7). Generous expiry dates – Once your Caffe Nero loyalty app gives you a free drink you have 1 year to use it.
8). Use yourNectar points – Nectar and Caffè Nero have got together to give your day a boost. Spend 350 points at Caffè Nero and treat yourself to a delicious hot or iced drink. Use your QR code voucher in over 600 Caffè Nero locations.
9). App functionality: Collect stamps via Apple Wallet, add your loyalty card, you student ID and even your debit card to speed up payment.
What is bad about Caffè Nero’s App?
It is a very well organised App and there are very few negatives. The app does have access issues over a weak mobile data internet connection (if so, use the free Caffè Nero store Wi-fi). Loyalty stamps aren’t valid for cold drinks, only hot drinks. If you are a Diet Coke, Orange Juice or sparkling water addict, you will not get any loyalty stamps.
Got the 02 App? – grab a free Caffè Nero coffee each week
If you are with the O2 network and have the App guess what? You can get a free Caffè Nero hot or cold drink* from midday on Tuesdays or Wednesdays only via the O2 Priority app. You just show the code from the app to Barista at the checkout. Open the app, search for ‘Caffè Nero’ and the offer should appear. Redeem the offer, it’ll give you a unique code that you need to show to the server. *Available drinks are Iced Latte, Iced Americano, Caffè Latte, Cappuccino, Americano, Espresso, Flat White, Cortado, Hot Chocolate or Tea.
Caffè Nero Free Coffee with Promo code
If you have not downloaded the Caffè Nero App before, I have good news you can get a free Caffè Nero coffee. Use this Caffè Nero App referral code ExFqdelc83b and you will receive one free coffee after your first purchase (Disclaimer: I will get 1 free coffee too). Use the Caffè Nero 2026 referral link ExFqdelc83b and Download the Caffè Nero app now.
| Feature | Caffè Nero | Costa | Starbucks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free welcome drink | ✓ | ✗ | Sometimes |
| Referral rewards | ✓ | ✓ | Limited |
| Free drink after | 9 purchases (less with own cup) | 9 purchases (less with own cup) | Stars |
The Verdict of the Caffè Nero- Free Coffee App
Overall, this is an excellent app for those who regularly go to Caffè Nero and like hot drinks. There is no hassle in terms of paper cards to stamp or credit cards to present, just the Caffè Nero app. I’ve rated it 4.5 out of 5. If you are a hot drink buyer and like great coffee or tea, this easy-to-use app is a seamless way to earn free coffee and reward your loyalty to Caffè Nero. It can take months to get close to getting a free coffee at Starbucks or Costa, so this is by far the most generous App. Download it now and get a free hot drink.
Other worthwhile referral links
*Free Costa coffee – Read my Costa coffee app review here and get a referral code.
*Enjoy almost a free pizza on me!
*Earn an impressive £50 joining bonus with ethical energy company Octopus Energy in the review article
*Rent out your spare space (from a garage to a parking space) with Stashbee and get £50
