How to Save Money on Fast Food: 10 Tips That Actually Work
Quick answer
- Use the chain’s app. That is where the best deals and free food rewards are.
- Order bundles and value menus instead of regular combos.
- Skip the soda and the delivery app. Those two choices alone can save $5 to $10 per order.
- Time your visit for happy hours, lunch specials and early dinner deals.
Fast food is not as cheap as it used to be, but you can still cut your bill a lot with a few habits. Here are ten tips that work at almost every chain.
10 ways to save money on fast food
1. Order in the app
Most chains keep their best prices in the app, from McDonald’s and Wendy’s deals to Burger King’s Royal Perks offers. You also earn points toward free food. See our rewards apps comparison.
2. Choose value bundles
Deals like the McDonald’s $5 Meal Deal, Burger King’s $5 Your Way Meal and Wendy’s Biggie Bag include a sandwich, a second item, fries and a drink for less than a regular combo.
3. Skip the drink
A fountain soda often costs $2 to $3.50. Water is free and has no calories.
4. Avoid delivery apps
Menu prices on delivery apps are often 10% to 30% higher than in the store, before service fees, delivery fees and a tip. Read more in our delivery apps guide.
5. Use timed deals
Sonic Happy Hour, Applebee’s half-price appetizers, Little Caesars’ Lunch Combo and Texas Roadhouse Early Dine all drop prices at set times. See our happy hour guide.
6. Size down smart
A Five Guys Little burger, a Whataburger Jr. or a Firehouse small sub costs a few dollars less and is often plenty.
7. Share sides
Fries and appetizers at many chains are big. A regular Five Guys fry or a Chili’s Triple Dipper is easy to share.
8. Buy family bundles for groups
Family meals and tailgates cost less per person than separate combos. Compare them in our family meal deals guide.
9. Claim your birthday rewards
Many apps give a free item on your birthday. Sign up a few days early so it loads in time.
10. Check prices before you go
Prices change by location. Our menu pages show typical prices so you can spot a good deal, or a markup, right away.
How much can these tips save?
A family of four that orders in the app, skips sodas and picks up instead of using delivery can easily save $15 to $25 on a single dinner order.
Savings by chain
| Chain | Best money saver |
|---|---|
| McDonald’s | $5 Meal Deal and app deals |
| Burger King | $5 Your Way Meal and Royal Perks offers |
| Wendy’s | Biggie Bag and Biggie Bites |
| Taco Bell | Value menu items from about $1.49 |
| Sonic | Half-price drinks 2 to 4 PM |
| Firehouse Subs | Sub del Día |
| Subway | $6.99 app footlong deals |
| Dunkin’ | Rewards offers on coffee |
Habits that add up over a year
If you eat fast food twice a week, skipping a $3 soda each time saves about $300 a year. Using pickup instead of delivery on one family order a week can save $500 or more. Small choices make a big difference over time.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest way to eat fast food?
Use value bundles, order in the chain’s app, choose water and pick up your order yourself.
Are fast food apps really cheaper?
Usually. App-only deals and reward points often make app orders cheaper than ordering at the counter.
How much more does delivery cost?
Menu prices on delivery apps are often 10% to 30% higher, plus service and delivery fees and a tip.
Which chains have the best value menus?
McDonald’s, Burger King, Wendy’s, Taco Bell and KFC all have value bundles around $5 to $6.
Prices are typical U.S. prices before tax and can vary by location. Menus Info is not affiliated with any restaurant mentioned. See how we check prices.
