4 Ways to Save Money on Your Next Fast Food Run

Three out of four Americans – or 75% of the entire country – eat fast food at least once a week. Many of these same people eat out up to 3 times per week, possibly even more. With the average cost of fast food rising to $11.56 per meal, this once-affordable food option is no longer as cost-effective as it used to be…unless you know how to track down the best food deals and use the system to your advantage. Follow these easy tips to save some money on your next fast food run.

Download Your Favorite Fast Food Apps

The first way to save money is to download the apps of your favorite fast food chains to your smartphone. Many franchises offer special discounts for signing up with an account or ordering online, while others hand out rewards points every time you purchase a meal. Here are just several of the top food chain apps and their benefits:

• McDonald’s has a MyMcDonald’s Rewards program that offers rewards points every time you use your 4-digit code in person or when you place an order in the app. These points can later be redeemed for free food off the menu.
• Burger King’s Royal Perks members earn 10 Crowns every time they spend $1 on eligible items, which can later be redeemed for free food from the menu.
• Chick-fil-A One doles out rewards points on “qualified purchases.” Accumulate enough points over time, and you can use them to buy free sides, desserts, and entrées.
• Taco Bell Rewards hands out points when you order in-store, place an order at a kiosk, or visit the drive-thru. Every 250 points will result in a free side, and earning 2,000 points in a single year will give you a free entrée.
• Wendy’s Rewards lets you use the app, or scan a QR code in the store and in the drive-thru, to earn points on purchases. First-time users get 200 bonus points with their first visit, plus a 10-piece nugget with purchase just for signing up. Rewards members also get access to “exclusive drops” that can earn even more bonus points, among other perks.
• Subway’s Sub Club gives out 10 points for every $1 spent on sandwiches, chips, drinks, and more. Get up to 400 points, and Subway will throw in a $2 Subway Cash to be redeemed on food or beverages.

Spring for a Kid’s Meal

When you’re low on cash, any food is better than no food at all. If you just need something to eat and don’t want to spend too much money, consider buying a kid’s meal at your next fast food stop. Kids’ meals are often smaller, more affordable, and much easier to manage on a budget. And if that doesn’t sound like enough, many franchises also offer value options designed to stretch your dollar as far as it will go. Add these to your kid’s meal for extra energy, or go all-in on value deals to stay full on a budget.

Don’t Do Delivery!

Food delivery services are convenient. You open an app, hit a button, and your order shows up on your doorstep in an hour or less. But while they may be exceptionally convenient, they’re also expensive. Between delivery fees, restaurant upcharges, and driver tips, most food delivery services add anywhere between 40%-70% additional costs to your final bill. If you’re looking to save money, you’re better off getting the food yourself than using a modern alternative.

Take Advantage of Limited-Time Offers

After all’s said and done, the best way to save on fast food is to find the latest limited-time offers and discounts that are currently available from your favorite restaurants. DealSeek’s refreshed calendar keeps a running tally of fast food offers as they roll out every week. You can also spot food deals in our blog from time to time. Finally, we include the best fast food offers in our Weekly Deals Forecast newsletter that goes out every Sunday, which you can subscribe to on our blog page.