Costa App: How to Download, Order Ahead & Earn Rewards

The Costa app (officially named Costa Coffee Club) has become the main way many people in the UK manage their coffee visits. It lets you order ahead, collect rewards, and avoid queues. If you buy Costa drinks regularly, the app can save both time and money. This guide walks through everything you need to know, from downloading it to getting the most out of the rewards system.

How to Download the Costa App

The app is free and available on both major phone systems.

On an iPhone, open the App Store and search for “Costa Coffee Club”. Tap the Get button and wait for it to install. On Android phones, open the Google Play Store, search for the same name, and install it from there.

Once the app is on your phone, open it. You will see options to create a new account or sign in if you already have one. New users can register with an email address and password. The process is quick and usually takes less than two minutes. After registration, many people receive a welcome Bean straight away.

One point worth knowing: the app does not currently work in Northern Ireland. If you live or travel there often, you will not be able to collect or redeem rewards in that region.

Setting Up Your Account Properly

After downloading, take a few minutes to finish the set-up. You can link an old physical Costa Club card if you still have one. This transfers any existing Beans or rewards into the app. Adding your date of birth is optional but useful, because it unlocks a birthday treat (usually a free cake or sweet item from the counter).

Once set up, the app becomes your membership card. You no longer need to carry a plastic card. The digital version lives on your phone and can also be added to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet for even faster access at the till.

How to Order Ahead with Click & Collect

Click & Collect is one of the strongest reasons to use the Costa app. It allows you to place an order from your phone and collect it in store without standing in the main queue.

Here is how it works in practice:

1. Open the app and select a nearby Costa store.

2. Browse the full menu of drinks and food.

3. Add the items you want and customise them as usual (milk type, syrups, extra shots, etc.).

4. Choose a collection time that suits you.

5. Pay through the app using a debit or credit card.

6. Head to the store at the chosen time and collect your order from the designated collection point.

Most stores prepare the order so it is ready when you arrive. You still earn Beans on every handcrafted drink ordered this way. Many people use Click & Collect on busy mornings, during lunch breaks, or when they are short of time. It removes the frustration of waiting behind a long line of customers.

Not every menu item appears in the app at every store, but the core range of coffees, hot chocolates, and popular food items is usually available.

How the Rewards System Works

The rewards system is based on Beans. It is simple once you understand the basic rules.

Every time you buy a handcrafted drink (any size, hot or cold) in a Costa store or at a Costa Express machine, you earn 1 Bean. After you collect 10 Beans, the app automatically gives you a free handcrafted drink of any size. That free drink reward is normally valid for three months.

There is a useful bonus: if you bring a reusable cup, you earn an extra Bean on that purchase. This means regular customers who always use their own cup can reach a free drink after only five visits instead of ten.

You can also use a feature called Swaps. With Swaps, you exchange 2 Beans for a single customisation such as an extra espresso shot, a pump of syrup, or a dairy alternative milk. This is handy when you want a small upgrade without spending extra cash.

How to Collect Beans in Different Situations

In a Costa store: Open the app, go to the Shop section, and a QR code will appear. Show this code to the barista at the till when you pay. The Beans are added to your account immediately.

At a Costa Express machine: Open the app and select the Machine option. While your drink is being prepared, choose “Collect beans only” and scan the QR code shown on the machine screen. This works at the large number of Express machines found in petrol stations, offices, and retail parks across Great Britain.

When using Click & Collect: Beans are added automatically when you order a handcrafted drink through the app. You do not need to scan anything extra.

Food items, packaged snacks, and some other products do not earn Beans. Only handcrafted drinks count.

Extra Features Worth Using

The app includes a store finder that shows nearby Costa locations, opening times, and available facilities. This is useful when you are in an unfamiliar area. You can also check your current Bean balance and see any rewards waiting to be used.

From time to time the app shows personalised offers or “Treat Drops”. These can include discounts on drinks, cheaper pastries, or limited-time free items. Turning on notifications helps you catch these offers when they appear.

Some users also like the ability to gift a reward to a friend, although this depends on current app features.

Practical Tips to Get Better Value

– Always scan the app, even if you are paying with a bank card. Missing a scan means missing Beans.

– Carry a reusable cup. The extra Bean makes a noticeable difference over a month.

– Check the Rewards section before you order. You may already have a free drink waiting.

– Use Click & Collect during peak times (morning rush or lunch) to avoid queues.

– Keep an eye on the expiry date of free drink rewards. They last three months, so use them before they disappear.

– If you visit Costa Express machines often, get into the habit of collecting Beans there as well. Many people forget this step.

Common Questions People Ask

Do I need the app to collect Beans?

Yes, in practice. While physical cards still exist, almost everyone now uses the app.

Can I earn Beans on delivery orders?

No. Orders placed through third-party delivery platforms do not earn Beans. Use Click & Collect instead if rewards matter to you.

What happens if I lose my free drink reward?

Rewards are stored in the app. As long as you stay logged in, they remain visible until they expire.

Is the free drink restricted by size?

No. Once you have a free drink reward, you can choose any size of handcrafted drink.

Final Thoughts

The Costa app is straightforward and genuinely useful for regular customers. Download it, register, and start scanning on your next visit. Within a few weeks most people notice the free drinks adding up, especially if they use a reusable cup. Order ahead when the store is busy, keep an eye on your Bean balance, and the app quickly becomes part of the routine. For anyone who buys Costa drinks more than a couple of times a week, it is worth having on your phone.