7 ways to save at Dunkin' Donuts

Who is America's favorite coffee seller? It's not Starbucks, Caribou or even McDonald's. Dunkin' Donuts is the nation's "largest retailer of coffee by the cup," and the chain sells 1.7 billion cups of java each year around the globe.

Of course, Dunkin' is just as well-known for its delicious doughnuts and — my personal favorite — Munchkins.

If you are among the millions who "run on Dunkin'," you'll probably appreciate some tips for cutting the costs of your coffee and Boston Kreme runs. Following are six ways to trim your bill at Dunkin' Donuts.

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1. Sign up for the DD Perks rewards program

If a stop at Dunkin' Donuts is part of your morning routine, it makes sense to sign up for the DD Perks rewards program. You earn five points for every dollar you spend. After every 200 points you earn, you get a free beverage. In addition, you'll score a complimentary drink on your birthday. You'll also be eligible for bonuses and special offers.

2. Use the survey code on your Dunkin' Donuts receipt

Want to tell the folks at corporate just how much you love DD? Or perhaps you've had a bad experience and want to vent to the powers that be.

You can do both by completing a short survey at the Dunkin' Donuts website. Just look on your most recent receipt for the survey code, and use your computer or mobile device to fill out the survey at the company site. Offer your honest opinion, and you will score a free doughnut with the purchase a medium or larger beverage.

Compare the price of a cup of coffee at your favorite chains:

3. Put your AARP membership to work

Those who have loved doughnuts for a while can use their AARP membership to land a free doughnut at Dunkin'. Simply purchase a large or extra-large beverage, and that complimentary doughnut is yours. Please note that the offer excludes croissant doughnuts, squares and fancies.

4. Search for Dunkin' Donuts coupons and promo codes

Your Sunday newspaper often has Dunkin' Donuts coupons that can save you cash. Examples include $1 off any bakery sandwich with the purchase of a beverage, or a medium mint hot chocolate drink for only 99 cents.

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You can also find coupon codes by searching sites such as Coupons.com. Recently, Coupons.com highlighted promo codes that netted you 10 percent off your next order when purchasing online at the Dunkin' Donuts Shop.

5. Purchase discount gift cards online

Finally, regular Dunkin' Donuts patrons can save cash by purchasing gift cards at sites such as Raise and Cardpool.

However, you'll need to check back frequently, as Dunkin' gift cards are seemingly as popular as the chain itself. Recently, cards were sold out at both Raise and Cardpool. But they are likely to be available again soon.

6. Answer surveys to earn free gift cards

If discounted gift cards are not good enough, how about freebies? Sites such as Swagbucks allow you to earn points for answering surveys and engaging in other activities. Pile up those points and trade them in for free Dunkin' Donuts gift cards. You can get denominations from $3 to $50.

7. Mark your calendar — and wait patiently

The next National Doughnut Day is set for Friday, June 2, 2017. In 2016, Dunkin' offered customers a free classic doughnut of their choice. So, hang in there — the coming winter is sure to fly by just knowing that a free doughnut awaits you early next summer.

Do you have more tips for saving at Dunkin' Donuts? Share them by commenting below or on our Facebook page.

RELATED: Gourmet doughnuts from around the US:

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