McDonald’s is known worldwide as a great place to stop for a quick and cheap bite.
Surprisingly, though, many frequent customers do not take advantage of tips and tools that make eating at the fast-food joint even cheaper.
Below are 10 common ways people waste money at McDonald’s — and how to avoid them so you keep more money in your bank account.
Earn cash back on everyday purchases with this rare account
Want to earn cash back on your everyday purchases without using a credit card? With the Discover®️ Cashback Debit Checking account (member FDIC), you can earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month!1
With no credit check to apply and no monthly fees to worry about, you can earn nearly passive income on purchases you’re making anyway — up to an extra $360 a year!
This rare checking account has other great perks too, like access to your paycheck up to 2 days early with Early Pay, no minimum deposit or monthly balance requirements, over 60K fee-free ATMs, and the ability to add cash to your account at Walmart stores nationwide.
Don’t leave money on the table — it only takes minutes to apply and it won’t impact your credit score.
Apply for a Discover Cashback Checking account today
Not downloading the app
Even if you only hit up McDonald’s for a rare treat, downloading the free app can save you money.
The app can be used to place pickup or delivery orders, and it also gives customers access to all the current coupons being offered at the restaurant. Users can expect deals like free fries with their purchase, “buy-one, get-one” specials, and more.
App users can also earn points through the MyMcDonald’s reward program every time they order through the app.
Missing out on in-app deals
Speaking of MyMcDonald’s, those points add up fast and can translate to free food. For every $15 spent (which is equivalent to 1,500 points), members can get a free item, such as a McChicken or vanilla cone.
Once you get to higher levels in the rewards system, you can nab pricier items for free.
Overpaying for a McFlurry
Springing for a sundae with toppings instead of a McFlurry can save you money at McDonald’s.
When ordering a sundae, simply ask for the toppings that you would normally get on a McFlurry, such as M&Ms, or Oreos. Then, do the mixing yourself.
Get a protection plan on all your appliances
Did you know if your air conditioner stops working, your homeowner’s insurance won’t cover it? Same with plumbing, electrical issues, appliances, and more.
Whether or not you’re a new homeowner, a home warranty from Choice Home Warranty could pick up the slack where insurance falls short and protect you against surprise expenses. If a covered system in your home breaks, you can call their hotline 24/7 to get it repaired.
For a limited time, you can get your first month free with a Single Payment home warranty plan.
Not taking advantage of the $1, $2, $3 menu
McDonald’s $1, $2, $3 Dollar Menu contains a series of items that cost between $1 and $3.
The menu also contains combo deals for $3, which is where customers can find real bargains, such as a McDouble and small fries combo or a six-piece McNugget and small fries combo.
By springing for these combo deals, customers should pay less than they would by buying the items separately.
Missing out on McNugget deals
McNugget fans who keep the concept of “the bigger, the better” in mind can rack up more savings. The price per nugget goes down with the larger boxes.
That means the per-nugget price is significantly higher for a four-piece box than it is for a 20-piece box.
If 20 McNuggets seems a bit too ambitious, nab a six-piece or 10-piece instead.
Trending Stories
Not taking advantage of senior discounts
McDonald’s does not have a company-wide senior discount, but many locations do offer discounted prices on coffee and other beverages to customers ages 55 and over.
Some McDonald’s may even offer 10% discounts. If you’re unsure if your local McDonald’s offers any sort of discount, call the restaurant or show up in person to ask.
Missing out on teacher/veteran discounts
McDonald’s also does not have set company-wide discounts for teachers or veterans, but many franchise locations across the country may offer deals during specific times of the year.
For example, discounts might be available during Teacher Appreciation Week in May or on or around Veteran’s Day in November. Check with your local McDonald’s to make sure you’re not missing out on savings.
Forgetting to include your rewards number
When you sign up for the MyMcDonald’s rewards program through the restaurant’s app, you can also earn points towards free food when ordering at the counter or at the drive-thru.
However, before you order, you need to hit “earn points.” You'll get a four-digit code to give to the cashier so you can earn credit.
Orders placed through the app will automatically add these points.
Forgetting about free fry days
Another perk of the McDonald’s app is free fries every Friday. Customers can nab a free medium fry with any Mobile Order & Pay purchase of at least $1. The purchase must be made through the app for the deal.
Stop overpaying when you shop online
Shopping online has its perks. It's super convenient, but it can be time consuming to find the best deals. Instead of hunting for coupon codes (that don't always work!) and opening tons of browser tabs comparing prices, you can try Capital One Shopping.
Capital One Shopping makes saving money effortless. Just add the browser extension and when you check out, it'll scour the internet for coupon codes to help you save cash. And before you check out at 25+ major retailers, Capital One Shopping will notify you with a friendly pop-up if the item you're buying is available cheaper somewhere else.
Capital One Shopping is free to use and won't show you ads. Add it today and stop overpaying!2
Failing to give feedback
If you have a few free minutes to fill out a survey, you can stop throwing money away by getting discounted food from McDonald’s.
The next time you order from the restaurant, save your receipt and head over to the McDonald’s customer satisfaction survey website. Your receipt will have a survey code on it that you can enter and then fill out a questionnaire.
Once you finish, you’ll receive a discount code that can be redeemed during your next visit.
Bottom line
There are a lot of ways to score free or discounted food at McDonald’s. Simply downloading the app and using it can save you a lot of cash in the long run.
So don’t throw away cash needlessly. Instead, use these tips to save money the next time you go to McDonald’s.
Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards
FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Current Offer
$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
Benefits
- Low spend threshold for its welcome offer — $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
- Cell phone protection benefit (subject to a $25 deductible)
- Can redeem rewards at an ATM for literal cash
Drawbacks
- Foreign transaction fee of 3%
- No bonus categories
- Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
- Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
- 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 19.74%, 24.74%, or 29.74% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
- $0 annual fee.
- No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
- Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
Subscribe Today
Want extra-cash moves to come right to you?
Stop browsing endlessly. Get proven ways to earn pocket money, help cover rent, and crush your debt — sent to your inbox daily.