What's the best burger to grab on the go? It might be Sonic's new premium burger.
Fast and casual dining restaurants have struggled to keep customers dining regularly in the face of ever-rising prices, but many chains are adding new and affordable options back to the menu to see if that will win folks back to the drive-through lines by allowing them to stretch their fast-food budget.
Sonic has launched a new "Sonic Smasher" premium burger packed with delicious flavor, with two seasoned Angus beef patties smashed for crispy edges with a juicy center.
Premium burgers are a step above typical fast food, so they tend to cost a few dollars more, but Sonic's option keeps the price low. See how it compares to other fast-food burgers.
Earn $200 cash rewards bonus with this incredible card
There's a credit card that's making waves with its amazing bonus and benefits. The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card(Rates and fees) has no annual fee and you can earn $200 after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
The Active Cash Card puts cash back into your wallet. Cardholders can earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases — easy! That's one of the best cash rewards options available.
This card also offers an intro APR of 0% for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers (then 19.74%, 24.74%, or 29.74% Variable). Which is great for someone who wants a break from high interest rates, while still earning rewards.
The best part? There's no annual fee.
Sonic Smasher
Price: $6.49 (may vary by location)
Two seasoned Angus beef patties smashed for crispy edges with a juicy center, layered with melted American cheese, the creamy and tangy Smasher sauce, and pickles and onions served over a potato bun — this is the new Sonic Smasher double cheeseburger you'll need to try.
Make it a combo meal with a side of tots or fries and a medium drink for $11. (Prices may vary by location.)
McDonald's Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese
Price: $9.29
Grabbing a classic Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese has a higher price tag than the new Sonic Smasher, but nobody is going to think of this menu staple as a "premium burger."
Making it a combo doesn't bring the price down to match Sonic, either, as it's $13.69 and adds on fries and a drink.
Burger King Double Whopper with Cheese
Price: $10.19
Burger King's famous double burger is priced higher than the new Sonic Smasher, too. It can be upgraded to a meal with fries and a soda for $14.39, but that's still not going to compare to handcrafted Sonic Smashers.
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!1
Shake Shack Double ShackBurger
Price: $9.79
Double ShackBurgers might be the closest comparison to the new Sonic Smasher, coming on a potato bun and everything. Despite the slight price difference, they're known for their better quality burgers than McD's or Burger King.
Adding fries is $4.29, and a drink is even more because there is no value-meal option.
Bottom line
The new Sonic Smasher is priced to win, coming in lower than any competition. It'll officially be hitting the menu on Aug. 5; however, those who order through the app will have early access already, meaning they could be among the first to taste-test the Smasher and see how it holds up in the flavor department.
Sonic understands that high pricing has been keeping customers away from fast-food and fast-casual dining, and they are targeting their new menu products and pricing with that in mind.
Most people don't want to have to search for hidden restaurant discounts to grab a quality burger and fries through the drive-through; they just want reasonably priced food all the time, quick and easy.
More from FinanceBuzz:
- 7 things to do if you’re barely scraping by financially.
- Are you a homeowner? Get a protection plan on all your appliances.
- 6 genius hacks Costco shoppers should know.
- Learn how you can escape the paycheck-to-paycheck grind.
Trending Stories
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.