This article outlines seven effective strategies to maximize your savings and legally and efficiently get discounts using the McDonald's app.
The global fast-food leader with over 13,000 restaurants in the U.S. alone offers a user-friendly mobile app with exclusive deals and rewards.
By leveraging the McDonald's app, you can access a variety of discounts, earn points toward free food, and enjoy a more personalized dining experience.
1. Download and Register to Get Discounts Using McDonald's App
Download the McDonald's app from the App Store or Google Play Store.
Once installed, create an account by providing your email address and setting up a password.
Registration is crucial as it grants you access to personalized deals and enables you to participate in the MyMcDonald's Rewards program.
Ensure you opt into the rewards program during registration to accumulate points immediately.
New User Perks: Up to $5 in Free Food
If you’re downloading the app for the first time, McDonald’s often offers free food just for signing up.
As of March 2025, the most common welcome reward is Free 10-piece Chicken McNuggets with any $1 purchase.
It’s important to:
- Create your account using a valid email and phone number.
- Activate the welcome deal within 7 days of sign-up.
- McDonald’s tracks accounts by device and phone number, so only one welcome deal is allowed per user.
2. Explore Daily and Weekly Deals: Consistent Opportunities to Save
The McDonald's app benefits include a dedicated "Deals" section, updated regularly with time-limited promotions.
These offers can range from discounted menu items to special combo deals.
- For instance, McDonald's has introduced the McValue platform, which includes the "$5 Meal Deal," comprising a McChicken or McDouble, four-piece Chicken McNuggets, small fries, and a small soft drink.
This deal is available nationwide and offers substantial savings compared to purchasing items separately.
3. Utilize the "Buy One, Add One for $1" Offer
A standout feature of the McValue menu is the "Buy One, Add One for $1" promotion to get a McDonald's discount on the app.
This deal allows you to purchase one menu item at regular price and add a second item for just $1.
Options include favorites like the McChicken, Double Cheeseburger, six-piece Chicken McNuggets, and small fries.
This offer provides flexibility and value, enabling you to mix and match items according to your preference.
4. Participate in MyMcDonald's Rewards: Earn Points Toward Free Food
By opting into MyMcDonald's Rewards through the app, you earn 100 points for every $1 spent on eligible purchases.
Accumulated points can be redeemed for free menu items.
For example, with 1,500 points, you can redeem a small fries, while 6,000 points can get you a Big Mac.
Regular participation in this program turns your everyday purchases into future savings.
| Points Required | Reward |
|---|---|
| 1,500 Points | Hash Browns or Vanilla Cone |
| 3,000 Points | Medium Fries or Cheeseburger |
| 4,500 Points | Filet-O-Fish or McChicken |
| 6,000 Points | Big Mac or Quarter Pounder |
You can easily earn a free sandwich after just two or three visits, especially if you order more than one person.
You’ll also get bonus points during special promotions.
To start earning:
- Open the app, go to “Rewards & Deals,” and tap “Start Earning.”
- Make sure you're logged in and scan your code or order directly through the app.
Stack Up to 3 Types of Savings in One Order
Here’s where it gets interesting: stacking savings.
While you can’t combine multiple “Deals” at once, you can do the following in a single order:
- Use one active deal from the “Deals” tab.
- Earn rewards points from the full transaction.
- Redeem points for a free item if you have enough saved up.
For example, let’s say you:
- Use a BOGO Quarter Pounder deal.
- Redeem 3,000 points for free fries.
- Pay for the rest and still earn rewards points for the full paid portion.
This creates a triple-layer of savings—all within one legal, app-based transaction.
5. Take Advantage of App-Exclusive Promotions: Special Deals at Your Fingertips
McDonald's frequently offers promotions exclusive to app users. For instance, new app users can receive a free McCrispy with a minimum purchase of $1.
Additionally, "Free Fries Friday" allows users to get McDonald's free medium fries with any $1 purchase every Friday.
These app-only deals provide additional avenues to save and enjoy more of your favorite items.
6. Enable Notifications: Stay Informed About the Latest Deals
Enable push notifications for the McDonald's app to ensure you never miss out on limited-time offers.
This setting allows you to receive alerts about new deals, special promotions, and bonus point opportunities.
Staying informed helps you take advantage of savings as soon as they become available.
7. Provide Feedback for Additional Discounts: Share Your Experience
How to get a McDonald's discount? The brand values customer feedback and often offers incentives for completing surveys.
By providing feedback through the app or on your receipt, you may receive discount codes or special offers as a token of appreciation.
This practice not only helps the company improve but also rewards you with additional savings.
- Incorporating these strategies into your routine can lead to significant savings and a more rewarding McDonald's experience.
- The McDonald's app is designed to enhance customer satisfaction by offering personalized deals, a straightforward rewards program, and exclusive promotions.
- By staying engaged with the app and utilizing its features, you can enjoy your favorite meals at a fraction of the cost.
Use Only the Official App—Avoid Third-Party Hacks
All of the methods listed above are completely legal and supported by McDonald’s USA.
While some users online may try to exploit promo codes or share “hacks,” these often violate McDonald’s terms and may get your account banned.
To stay safe and get discounts using the McDonald's app:
- Download the official app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
- Avoid using third-party apps or coupon extensions.
- Don’t attempt to create multiple accounts from the same device to abuse new user rewards.
In Summary: Real Savings, Every Week
If you're wondering how you can get discounts using the McDonald's app, the answer is right in your pocket.
Between daily deals, reward points, mobile-only prices, and new user perks, it's entirely possible to:
