4 Hacks To Save Money at Your Favorite Fast-Food Chains
Written by
Heather Altamirano
Edited by
Zuri Anderson
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Grabbing fast food used to mean you’re getting a quick, cheap bite, but those days are gone. Like the cost of everything else, restaurant prices have increased.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, eating out prices are predicted to rise 3.3% in 2026. Meanwhile, tariffs are also making food more expensive. About 75% of food that’s imported into the U.S. already faces import duties, with many rates in the 10% to 30% range, according to the Tax Foundation.
With the cost of living soaring, it’s even more important to watch every dollar to help avoid sticker shock at the drive-thru. Here are four hacks to save money.
Buy Discounted Gift Cards To Save at Fast Food Chains
Sam’s Club and Costco sell packs of gift cards to various restaurants at discounted prices that you can purchase for yourself and use to save money eating out. For example, at Sam’s Club, you can buy four $25 gift cards to Domino’s for $75, which is a savings of $25. At Costco, you can buy a pack of four gift cards to Carl’s Jr. valued at $25 each for $79.99 — that’s a savings of $20.
Sign Up for Fast-Food Loyalty Programs and Get Freebies
Many fast-food chains like McDonald’s, Starbucks, Dunkin’, Burger King and more have loyalty programs that offer discounts and freebies. Each one is set up a bit differently, but the result is the same-customers can save on orders.
For instance, MyMcDonald’s — the reward program from McDonald’s is free to join and easy to use. You download the app, order and save on food when you dine in, pick up or order for delivery. For every $1 you spend, you earn 100 points, and you can redeem them for great free food and huge discounts.
Look for Limited-Time Deals and Weekly Specials at Fast-Food Chains
To attract more customers, many chains offer limited-time deals or weekly specials, which can be worth taking advantage of. We all know pizza joints regularly advertise deals on sizes and toppings, but other places like Wendy’s have a special where you can add six-piece chicken nuggets to your $5 purchase on Wednesdays. Popeye’s also has a slew of deals like a free apple pie with a $5 purchase and more.
Download Fast-Food Apps for Exclusive Coupons and Discounts
Nearly every fast-food chain has an app that features coupons, app-only discounts and welcome specials. Taco Bell will give you a free Cantina Chicken Crispy Taco, a Beefy Five-Layer Burrito, or a soft taco when you sign up. Checkers offers a buy-one-get-one-free sandwich. Almost every restaurant offers freebies when you first download their app.
With these simple hacks, your fast-food order doesn’t have to break the bank.
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