Everyone loves McDonald‘s, but let‘s be real – we love it even more when we can get our hands on those delicious burgers, fries and McNuggets for free! Luckily, there are plenty of tried-and-true methods for scoring complimentary eats from the Golden Arches. As a veteran cheapskate and diehard McD‘s fan, I‘ve put together this ultimate guide on how to get free food at McDonald‘s with minimal effort and expense.
But first, let‘s talk about why it‘s worth going the extra mile for these freebies. Did you know the average American spends about $1,200 per year on fast food? And according to a recent survey, McDonald‘s is the most visited fast food chain in the world, with 68 million customers served daily. So if you can shave a few bucks off your McDonald‘s tab each time by snagging some free grub, those savings can really add up! Plus, it‘s just a good feeling to get something for nothing.
Without further ado, here are nine of the best hacks for getting free and cheap food at McDonald‘s:
1. Download the McDonald‘s mobile app for exclusive deals
The number one way to score McDonald‘s freebies is by downloading their official mobile app. Available for both iOS and Android, the app grants you access to a constantly rotating selection of coupons and special offers, many of which can‘t be found anywhere else. Common deals include:
- Free fries, soft drink, or cookie with any purchase
- Buy-one-get-one-free (BOGO) deals on sandwiches, breakfast items, and more
- $1 or $2 menu items
- Exclusive app-only combos and limited-time offers
Some insider tips for maximizing the app:
- Allow push notifications so you never miss out on a juicy deal or promotion
- Link your debit/credit card for contactless mobile ordering and payment
- Scan the deals tab regularly, as offers change daily and weekly
- If you see an offer you like, clip it right away as they can disappear quickly!
The app also lets you place mobile orders for pickup, so you can make sure your food is hot and ready when you arrive. Plus, you‘ll rack up reward points on every purchase (more on that later). It‘s really a no-brainer!
2. Sign up for MyMcDonald‘s Rewards to earn free food
Speaking of rewards, the MyMcDonald‘s Rewards program is one of the best ways to get free Mickey D‘s on a regular basis. It‘s completely free to join – just sign up through the app or online.
Here‘s how it works: For every dollar you spend on eligible McDonald‘s purchases, you‘ll earn 100 points. As you rack up points, you can redeem them for free menu items at the following tiers:
- 1,500 points: Choice of hash browns, vanilla cone, McChicken, or cheeseburger
- 3,000 points: Choice of medium fries, sausage burrito, 6-piece Chicken McNuggets, or large iced coffee
- 4,500 points: Choice of large fries, Filet-O-Fish, large Frappé, or Sausage McMuffin with Egg
- 6,000 points: Choice of Big Mac, Quarter Pounder with Cheese, Happy Meal, or Bacon, Egg & Cheese Biscuit
To put that in perspective, if you spent $15 per week at McDonald‘s, you‘d earn enough points for a free cheeseburger or ice cream cone every single week. Not too shabby!
The key to earning points quickly is to be strategic with your purchases. For example, buying several lower cost items will net you more points than one big ticket item. You can also keep an eye out for bonus point promotions in the app.
Protip: Always scan the "Earn Points" QR code in the app BEFORE placing your order, or else your purchase won‘t count. Trust me, there‘s nothing more tragic than realizing you forgot to scan after scarfing down a 20 piece McNugget!
3. Always fill out the survey on your receipt
You know that survey they‘re always begging you to take at the bottom of your receipt? Turns out it‘s actually worth doing, because you‘ll be rewarded with a coupon for a free or discounted menu item on your next visit! All you have to do is:
- Visit the URL listed on your receipt (usually something like McDonalds.com/Survey) within 7 days of your original purchase
- Enter the 26-digit survey code listed on the receipt
- Answer a few quick questions about your experience (be honest but generous if you want that freebie!)
- Receive a validation code good for a free or discounted item, usually something like a complimentary Quarter Pounder with purchase of fries and drink
While it does take a few minutes, it‘s an easy way to guaranteeYour next Micky-D‘s run will come with a free bonus item. And you can rinse and repeat the survey after each visit to keep the free food train rolling! Just make sure to hold onto those receipts.
4. Cash in on BOGO sandwiches when you bring a friend
The McDonald‘s app is always serving up enticing buy-one-get-one-free sandwich deals, which can be a great way to snag a free meal. The only catch is, you‘ll need a dining companion to take advantage.
My suggestion? Become the hero of the office by offering to do a McDonald‘s run and use one of these BOGO deals to score free lunches for you and a lucky coworker. You could say something like: "I noticed we both usually get the Quarter Pounder combo – want to go halfsies today? McDonald‘s has a buy-one-get-one coupon in the app this week, so we can basically both eat for the price of one meal."
Boom, you just made a work bestie AND got a free lunch. That‘s what we call a win-win!
These BOGO sandwich offers tend to change frequently, but some popular ones I‘ve seen include:
- Buy one Quarter Pounder with Cheese, get one free
- Buy one Big Mac, get one free
- Buy one Filet-O-Fish, get one free
- Buy one Crispy Chicken Sandwich, get one free
Protip: If you and your meal mate have similar tastes, go for the pricier sandwiches like the Quarter Pounder or Crispy Chicken to max out your savings.
Alternatively, if you have a big family or friend group, you can even throw a budget-friendly McDonald‘s party by stocking up on several BOGO sandwiches at once. Just make sure everyone chips in for fries and drinks!
5. Get a free treat on your birthday
Treat yo‘ self on your special day with a complimentary birthday goodie from McDonald‘s! All you have to do is download the app and register your birthday at least seven days in advance.
Once the big day rolls around, you‘ll find a special offer in the deals section of the app, good for one free menu item of your choice. In my experience, this is often something along the lines of a free sundae, apple pie, or baked good. But hey, we‘re not complaining – free dessert is free dessert!
Even better, the birthday offer is valid for the entire week of your bday, so you have some flexibility on when to redeem it. Just one more reason to celebrate all week long.
Protip: Make sure to set your app notifications to "on" so you don‘t forget to claim your birthday freebie before it expires. Nothing‘s more of a bummer than a missed opportunity for complimentary cake.
6. Keep an eye out for coupons in local mailers and newspapers
In addition to in-app deals, McDonald‘s frequently sends out paper coupons in local newspapers, mailers, coupon books, and even school fundraiser packets. While it may feel a bit old school in the digital age, clipping these coupons can lead to major savings.
Common coupon offers include:
- Free menu item with purchase, like a free sandwich with the purchase of fries and a drink
- Heavy discounts, like $2 off any regular menu Extra Value Meal or 2 for $5 mix-and-match deal
- Coupons for limited-time menu items, like the Shamrock Shake or McRib
The key is to keep your eyes peeled anytime you‘re flipping through your snail mail or local publications. If you spot a McDonald‘s coupon, clip it right away and stash it in your wallet so it‘s handy the next time a craving strikes.
Bonus tip: If you have kiddos in school, always opt into those annual coupon book fundraisers – they almost always include some great BOGO deals for Mickey D‘s! Plus, you‘re supporting a good cause while scoring cheap eats.
7. Time your visit during a national food holiday for special promos
Did you know there‘s a National Hamburger Day? How about a National French Fry Day? Or even a National Ice Cream Day? Yep, these are all real things – and McDonald‘s often celebrates with special one-day deals and giveaways.
For example, on National French Fry Day (July 13), McDonald‘s has been known to give out free medium fries with no purchase necessary. On National Egg McMuffin Day (March 2), they‘ve offered free Egg McMuffins during breakfast hours. And on National Ice Cream Day (third Sunday in July), I‘ve seen promos for free soft serve cones.
Of course, the specific promotions change from year to year, but it‘s always worth checking the app or McDonald‘s social media pages whenever a relevant food holiday rolls around. You just might stumble on a can‘t-miss freebie!
Some key dates for your calendar:
- January 21: National Pie Day
- March 2: National Egg McMuffin Day
- May 15: National Chocolate Chip Day
- June 7: National Chocolate Ice Cream Day
- July 13: National French Fry Day
- August 24: National Waffle Day
- September 18: National Cheeseburger Day
- November 3: National Sandwich Day
- December 4: National Cookie Day
Protip: Set reminders in your phone for the food holidays that correspond with your go-to McDonald‘s order. For example, if you‘re a fiend for their famous fries, make sure July 13 is always on your radar!
8. Don‘t be afraid to ask for extras
Here‘s a little secret: McDonald‘s will give you extras of almost anything if you just ask nicely. I‘m talking extra condiments, dipping sauces, napkins, cutlery, ice – you name it.
While it may not seem like much, those little freebies can really come in handy and save you money over time. Grabbed too few ketchup packets for your 10 piece nugget meal? Don‘t buy more – ask for extras! Need dessert but can‘t bring yourself to pay extra for an Oreo McFlurry? Ask for an extra cup to split your best friend‘s with.
Some of my favorite free extras to request:
- Additional buffalo, sweet and sour, honey mustard, or sriracha dipping sauces for McNuggets and fries
- Extra syrup for hotcakes
- Side of Mac Sauce to slather on your burger
- Spare plastic cutlery to stash in your glove box for drive-thru emergencies
- To-go drink carrier to prevent unfortunate car spillage
- Bonus napkins to keep on hand as tissues or wet wipes (no shame)
While I wouldn‘t make a huge fuss of it – restaurant items do cost money, after all – requesting a few small extras is a great way to get more bang for your buck. And in my experience, McDonald‘s employees are almost always happy to oblige with a smile.
9. Never underestimate the power of being nice
Last but certainly not least, one of the most underrated ways to get free McDonald‘s is simply by being kind to your servers and cashiers. I know, it sounds too easy – but you‘d be amazed by how far a bright smile, friendly chit chat, and sincere "please" and "thank you" will get you in this world.
Especially in the fast-paced world of fast food, a little kindness and patience can really make a McDonald‘s employee‘s day. And when you brighten someone‘s day, they‘re much more likely to throw a little extra your way.
I can‘t tell you how many times I‘ve scored a free size upgrade, complimentary cookie, or extra nugget or two, just by taking a moment to look my cashier in the eye, ask how their day is going, and express genuine appreciation for their hard work. At the end of the day, it never hurts to be nice! And you may just be rewarded with free Mickey D‘s for your sunny disposition.
So there you have it – 9 tried and true methods to get free and discounted food at McDonald‘s. With a little bit of know-how and minimal effort, you can seriously stretch your dining budget by taking advantage of all the freebies Mickey D‘s has to offer.
From downloading the app and joining the rewards program to filling out surveys and timing your visits around food holidays, there‘s no shortage of ways to get more for less. And when all else fails, just remember that a smile and a little kindness can be the best McDonald‘s hack of all. Now go forth and get your freebie fix on, savvy savers!
