Most people visit McDonald’s for affordable burgers or a quick bite. But if you’re not using the McDonald’s app, you’re missing more than just convenience. You’re walking away from daily deals, free food rewards, and an edge that regular customers don’t even know exists.
The McDonald’s app can help you stretch your budget. And if you’re a regular, it can mean real savings fast.
Why You Should Download the McDonald’s App Right Now
The app isn’t just a digital menu. It unlocks free food, daily deals, and surprise offers. Most people ignore it. That’s how you stay ahead.
- Free food after your first order: Download the app and set up an account. Make any order through the app, and earn a free item like a Big Mac, McChicken, or 10-piece McNuggets on your next visit. Different restaurants may offer different items, but it’s always a full-value signature item — for free.
- Daily offers: Inside the app, under the “Deals” tab, you’ll see constant offers. Think “Buy One Get One Free” or “$1 large fries” types of promotions. They change often, some daily. Use one per order.
- Loyalty rewards: Every $1 you spend earns you 100 points. At just 1,500 points, you can already claim something free. We’ll break that down further below.
Here’s How the McDonald’s Points System Works
McDonald’s has a simple reward system. Every $1 you spend through the app earns 100 points. Points build up fast — the more you use the app, the more you earn.
Here are the reward tiers:
- 1,500 points: Bag of fries, a hash brown, or small coffee
- 3,000 points: Medium fries, 6-piece McNuggets, or sausage burrito
- 4,500 points: Cheeseburger, McChicken, or filet-o-fish
- 6,000 points: Big Mac, Quarter Pounder with Cheese, or breakfast sandwich
You’re not locked into collecting points forever. You can cash them out any time. If you always order through the app, especially for family meals, these rewards stack up fast.
How to Maximize Savings With the App
You’re not just using the app — you’re stacking offers.
- Use a daily deal + loyalty reward: Claim a free fries deal AND use points for a free sandwich. Only one deal is allowed per transaction, but loyalty rewards are applied separately.
- Set your favorite store: Having a default location speeds up order and shows store-specific deals — some items are exclusive to certain franchises.
- Order ahead via mobile: Bypass lines, get your food quicker, and skip errors. You’ll also get the opportunity to apply deals easily before placing the order.
Can You Only Earn Points with App Orders?
No. If you’re ordering in person or via a drive-thru, you can still earn points. Just open the app and scan your unique code at the counter or drive-thru speaker before paying. Your points will be credited automatically.
Pro tip: Don’t forget to scan. No scan, no points. And there’s no way to add them afterward.
Why McDonald’s Offers These Discounts
It’s not just about generosity. By using the app, McDonald’s gets useful info about customer habits. You get free food. They better understand what sells and when. Everyone wins, but only if you actually use the app.
Plus, ordering through the app reduces time spent in lines, decreases errors, and softens pressure during peak hours.
The Catch? Just One Deal Per Order
The deals are great, but you can’t stack them. You can only apply one daily offer per order. Still, if you have a big group, you could break orders up to use more than one deal per visit — if time allows.
My Personal Deal Hack
I go to McDonald’s 3-4 times a week for coffee or fries. Every visit earns me points. After about two weeks, I have enough points for a free Big Mac. Add that to one of the daily offers, and I’ve often grabbed an entire meal for just a few bucks.
Best combo? $1 fries + free Big Mac from points. That’s dinner for $1 and change.
Do You Need to Load Money into the App?
No. You can link a card, use Apple Pay, or Google Pay to complete purchases. The app is about ease, not committing money upfront. It’s not like a Starbucks card.
No balance to maintain. Just order and pay like normal — digitally.
Off-Peak Times = Surprise Offers
Sometimes, the app will throw out random one-day or off-hour deals. I’ve seen pop-ups like “Free Sundae from 2-5 PM” or “$2 Cheeseburger after 9 PM.” McDonald’s uses these to bring in users during slow periods.
That’s why checking the app before every visit makes a difference. These flash deals often disappear in hours.
Zero Coupons, Zero Paper, Zero Guilt
You don’t need to clip anything or remember code words. Everything is in the app. It takes two to three taps — and you’ve saved money. It’s easy. Consistent savings beats the occasional extravaganza.
Best Surprise Deals Seen Recently
Some users have scored major value lately through app-only promotions. Here’s what people report seeing recently:
- Buy one, get one free Big Macs
- Free 6-piece McNuggets with any purchase over $1
- $0.99 any sized coffee
- Free soft drink with mobile order
- Earn double points Tuesdays
These always rotate. And while not all stores offer the same deals, it’s usually worth checking.
Do Points Expire?
Yes, but slowly. Your points expire 6 months after earning them. If you only visit occasionally, your points might vanish. Make it a monthly treat to use them.
Limited-Time Menus Come With Perks
When McDonald’s launches a limited item — like a McRib or new crispy chicken sandwich — the app will often have matching deals. These may be:
- “Try for $2” offers
- Free side with new main item
- Bonus points if purchased
They reward you for being curious. You try new items. McDonald’s gets more data. And your budget benefits.
Cons to Be Aware Of
- One deal per order: As mentioned, no combining multiple daily deals
- Not all stores match deals: Each location might offer unique offers, branded under the same app. If you travel, you may see different items or prices.
- App glitches happen: While rare, sometimes the app crashes or loads slowly at drive-thru windows. It helps to prepare your deal screen before you get in line.
Stack Even More: Use Cash Back and Rewards Cards
If you’re paying through your card linked to a rewards program or using a cash back credit card, you can stack even more value:
- Pay with a 2% cash back card → Save while earning points and getting daily deals
- Use rewards from your bank’s debit card system → Some banks offer fast food category bonuses
If your card offers mobile wallet deals (like 5% off when using Google Pay), and you pay through the McDonald’s app with that wallet, you might save extra beyond what McDonald’s offers you.
Start Small: Try the Coffee Deal
If you’re hesitant, start with something simple. Open the app. Look under “Deals.” You’ll likely see something like:
- 99¢ for any size hot or iced coffee
Instead of paying $3 at a coffee chain, test your luck for under a buck, and earn 300 points if the drink costs $3 normally. That alone gets you close to your first reward tier.
Should You Use the App Every Single Visit?
Yes. There’s no reason to skip it. Even if it’s just a $2 coffee, you’re earning points, possibly enjoying a freebie, and tracking spending easier. It takes less time than standing in line in most stores.
If you use it three times a week with basic $5 orders, that’s 1,500 points by week’s end — good for free fries or hash browns. The longer you delay using it, the more rewards slip past you.
How to Get Started Right Now
- Download the McDonald’s app (iOS or Android)
- Create a free account
- Set your default location
- Enable notifications to never miss a flash deal
- Claim the first offer after making your first app order
Make it a habit to check the app before placing an order. It becomes automatic — and it keeps money in your pocket.
Final Tip: Check During Holidays
Earlier this year, app users saw offers like:
- Free breakfast sandwich on Valentine’s Day
- 25% off entire orders on Independence Day
- Buy one get one festive pies in December
Holidays and weekends are when surprises show up. If you’re ever about to stop at McDonald’s, open the app first. You might score something free — just by tapping a button.
