The Easiest Way to Save Money at McDonald’s, Burger King, Wendy’s, and More

Fast food restaurants love to entice customers with free items. Wendy’s offers free Frostys all year round, McDonald’s is always good for a $1 deal, and when we need a BOGO Footlong, we know we can stop at Subway.

But there’s usually a catch with all these freebies beyond the usual “with purchase” requirement. Only customers who place orders through the fast food restaurants’ own mobile apps or websites and sign up for the rewards program are eligible for the offers.

By offering app- or website-only deals, chains attract consumers to use off-premise ordering instead of in-person ordering. Why? There are several reasons. Studies have noted that 25 percent of customers who order on mobile devices spend more money than those who order using other methods. Digital ordering also increases order accuracy and saves time and money on labor costs. Additionally, restaurants can capture helpful marketing data through the use of apps and website sales that they can’t through walk-in or drive-thru orders.

To encourage online ordering, restaurants offer us deals we can only get online. By not using an app to order directly from your favorite chain, you could be losing money on your order.

How to Save Money on Fast Food by Using Apps

Many brands also offer loyalty rewards. Some apps keep track of what you spend and give credit for each dollar spent. That credit adds up to free products. Additionally, chains often offer free products on your birthday or simply alert you that a good deal is happening. 

These are just a few restaurants with apps and rewards that will save you money:

• Arby’s: Not only does the app keep track of meal deals and freebies, but signing up for Arby’s Rewards gets you $5 off after you spend $25.
• Burger King: “Save like a king” with the chain’s app that holds secret deals and coupons or order online for “digital exclusives.” Either way, sign up for Royal Perks, which tracks points customers can cash in for free food.
• Chick-fil-A: The chain’s tiered membership program, easily accessible from the app, tracks points that can be redeemed for free food and benefits. At 10 points for every dollar spent, these add up quickly.
• Chipotle: Members bank points automatically for in-app orders. Points add up to free menu favorites.
• Dunkin’: Order ahead on the app to “skip the wait” and collect rewards (aka free goodies) as you go.
• Firehouse Subs: Get mobile exclusive rewards and stay in the loop on the app that offers “rapid rescue to go.”
• Jersey Mike’s: Sign up for MyMike’s, download the app, and collect and redeem Shore Points easily. This is a no-brainer for those of us with go-to Jersey Mike’s orders.
• KFC: Unlock free KFC by earning points on orders through your Rewards Account via the app. You can also access exclusive deals and save favorites.
• Krispy Kreme: Keep this app handy and score free doughnuts just for signing up. Plus, get birthday rewards in addition to accumulated points for purchases.
• McDonald’s: Get the Golden Arches app for access to deals and points toward free menu favorites.
• Popeyes: Gain access to the best mobile-only deals with the app and earn 10 points for every dollar spent through its rewards program.
• Starbucks: Earn Star Rewards, which are tracked in the app. Unlock personalized perks (i.e., birthday treats) and earn Bonus Stars through challenges and games. Plus, order ahead to save time in the drive-thru, of course.
• Subway: Rapid Re-Order in the app lets you “find your favorites in a snap.” Plus, cash in on Subway MVP Rewards.
• Taco Bell: Let “your tacos earn you more tacos:” Redeem exclusive rewards and special offers only available on the app.
• Wendy’s: Track offers and rewards in the app and order ahead to get your (fresh, never frozen) food faster.

The common theme here? Beyond money saving, ordering ahead through chains’ apps or websites can save you time, even if you drive to the restaurant to pick up your order. Your food will often be waiting for you to grab and take home—no lines involved.

So, all this to say, if you don’t already have your fave fast food apps at the ready on your smartphone, now is the time. Download and tap away to rack up the points. Your wallet (and your watch) will thank you.