Buzz
If you’re after free fast food, loyalty apps are a great option, as they often feature the best deals. The use of digital coupons has now outpaced paper ones (as reported by Inmar Intelligence), especially with the rise of mobile rewards programs. As brands pour resources into app development, expect these platforms to be your primary source for exclusive offers and bonuses. Here’s a breakdown of the current app offerings, including free food.
Starbucks
Starbucks Rewards lets you earn 2 Stars for every dollar spent, which can be redeemed for drinks and food. For instance, spending $75 earns you a hand-crafted beverage or a hot breakfast item. You can also boost your Stars by pre-loading funds into the app. Other special promotions, such as double Star days and in-app games, provide additional opportunities to earn.
Order options: Pick-up or delivery
Sign-up requirements: Your name and email address
Free offer: Complimentary coffee on your birthday
McDonald’s
McDonald’s app offers exclusive (and often their best) deals, including a virtual McCafé card that rewards you with a free McCafé drink after your fifth purchase. You can regularly find great offers, like $1 large fries, and sometimes even free items on the app.
Order options: Pick-up or delivery
Free food: Complimentary Cheeseburger, McChicken, or Sausage McMuffin for new users
Burger King
Similar to McDonald’s, Burger King’s app offers a variety of deals rather than relying on reward points. These offers usually provide discounts on items or meals, such as a $3 Double Whopper. There’s no mention of using the elusive Crown Card, which is rumored to grant free food for life.
Order options: Pick-up or Delivery (available in select regions)
Sign-up details: Provide your name and email address
Free offer: A complimentary Whopper for new users
Wendy’s
For every dollar you spend on the Wendy’s mobile app, you earn 10 points, which can be redeemed in the in-app Rewards Store. The rewards are decent (for example, $35 earns a 350-point Junior Bacon Cheeseburger), and Wendy’s also has special deals. Much like McDonald’s and Burger King, using the app can save you a few dollars on your meal.
Order options: Pick-up or delivery (available in select regions)
Sign-up details: Provide your name and email address
Free food or drink: None
Taco Bell
On Taco Bell’s mobile app, you earn 10 reward points for every dollar spent. Once you reach 250 points, you can redeem them for select items like a Crunchy Taco or Bean Burrito. After accumulating 2,000 points, you’ll earn 11 points per dollar spent, and there are more menu options available when you redeem 250 points (such as Chalupa Supreme or Doritos Locos Tacos). No special deals are offered, except for prize draws, but this is somewhat balanced by the affordable prices of their menu items.
Order options: Pick-up only
Free offer: A 'surprise' item can be redeemed on your birthday.
Subway
With Subway MyWay Rewards, you earn tokens with every purchase, and for every 200 tokens, you can claim a reward. The reward system is a bit unclear—it's not obvious how many tokens you earn per purchase, so I had to check the fine print on the website to find out it’s four tokens per dollar. The app does provide exclusive deals, though when I signed up, only one was available: a 2-for-1 footlong deal, which offers great value.
Order options: Pick-up only
Sign-up details: Name, email, and phone number are required
Free offer: None
Chipotle
Chipotle’s rewards program gives you 10 points for every dollar spent. Once you reach 1,250 points, you can redeem them for a free entree. A unique feature is that trying new menu items earns you more points, and you’ll also receive a birthday gift. The app also offers 'bonuses' that function like deals, though when I signed up, the only deal available was free Chips & Guac with any purchase.
Order options: Pick-up or delivery
Sign-up details: Name, email, and phone number required (birthday optional)
Free reward: A birthday surprise gift
Domino’s
With Domino’s, earn 10 reward points for every $10 spent. When you reach 60 points, you’ll be rewarded with a free medium 2-topping pizza. The app also offers a variety of coupons, both local and national, often providing discounts. It's a straightforward and easy-to-use app with reliable digital coupons.
Order options: Pick-up or delivery
Sign-up requirements: Name, email, and phone number
No free food or drink offered
