5 Ways To Save More at McDonald’s
Written by
Chris Adam
Edited by
Jenna Klaverweiden
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As inflation rose in the U.S., many restaurants were impacted as more people chose to eat at home. As the National Restaurant Association reported, menu prices increased by an average of 27.2% between February 2020 and June 2024.
According to TheStreet, McDonald’s was one of those restaurants that raised prices amid high inflation. And as it reported in a recent earnings report, it has seen a dip in sales as customers are spending less at the fast-food chain.
The burger giant has been trying new ways to lure back customers who want to spend less. Here’s a look at some simple ways to save more money when you eat at McDonald’s.
Use the Mobile App
Let’s start with probably the easiest way to save more money at McDonald’s. The mobile app is full of deals. Many of these are app-exclusive offers. You can score buy one, get one (BOGO) deals and offers on drinks, fries and more.
With other offers giving you discounts on your entire order, you could be spending too much if you’re not at least checking the app before going to McDonald’s to eat.
Cash In on Rewards
If you think restaurant rewards are sometimes too much of a hassle to be worthwhile, that’s another reason to use the McDonald’s mobile app. If you download the app and sign up for MyMcDonald’s Rewards, you’ll be able to easily track, earn and redeem your rewards.
For 1,500 points, you could get an ice cream cone, hashbrowns, a McChicken or a regular cheeseburger. Make it all the way to 6,000 points, and you could redeem them for a BigMac, a Quarter Pounder with cheese, a Happy Meal, or a bacon, egg and cheese biscuit.
Check on the McValue Menu
The McValue menu is one of the first places it makes sense to look at when you order at McDonald’s. You might find deals to buy something and then get another for $1.
Meal deals are also usually available for about $5 in many cities for limited times.
Plan Your Trip
If there’s a disadvantage to using the McDonald’s app, it might be the temptation to try all the new items it brings out. These may be among the most expensive items you can order.
If you want to save more money, think about what you really want before you order on the app or head to the restaurant. Doing so can also allow you to plan out your rewards and any discounts ahead of time.
Eat With a Friend
If you’re going to plan a trip to McDonald’s, perhaps take a friend with you. It can be cheaper to share something — especially with McDonald’s meal deals and BOGO offers. Perhaps you order fries to share or splurge together on something sweet.
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