This Is The Best Way To Save Big Money At McDonald's
Fast food prices are not what they used to be, and customers aren't lovin' it. Americans spend a juicy portion of their income on fast food every month, and some drive-through bills feel like getting the charge all at once. Rising fast food prices might force fiends for McDonald's into finding new ways to save. While cravers can save by never ordering a Big Mac in a certain way, an easier (if complicated) way to score a McDonald's deal might just be through using the McDonald's app.
Fast food chain leadership have blamed everything from inflation to paying employees fair wages for fast food price hikes since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Even Taco Bell is suddenly charging for some items that used to be free. However, customers and consumer watchdog groups are quick to point out supersized corporate greedflation. McDonald's has been charged as one of the worst offenders of price gouging in the court of public opinion (and Reddit.)
McDonald's has tried to rehabilitate its image as a provider of good values, rather than just $18 Big Macs. Some of these efforts have been concentrated in providing great deals exclusive to the McDonald's app. Using the app is at the very least a consistent way to get free (or cheaper) add-ons to orders, or exclusive tie-in products. However, buyer beware: just as the McDonald's app can be a golden fry in the cardboard box of meal life, it might also be a thorn in your side.
In-app values
The McDonald's mobile app functions a bit like a value meal menu club with a built-in bouncer. Local app-exclusive deals (and prices) are determined by geographical area of the app user, and some special tie-in products are only available to order via the app, like the Special Grade Garlic Sauce. McDonald's encourages new app downloads by promising a free order of large fries with a minimum $1 purchase for new app users. Old pro app users can also score a free order of medium fries with a minimum $1 purchase on Free Fries Fridays, when mobile ordering via the app. App users can also get 10 chicken nuggets for $1 via the app, once a week.
The McDonald's app also links up with the McDonald's rewards program. While some unhappy app customers are frustrated that the deals and rewards aren't as robust as they once were, the new year may change their tune. McDonald's announced that January 7, 2025 will see the launch of a "McValue" menu. This value platform promises more of the same in-app deals that currently exist, as well as promises more "in-app exclusive deals" based on store, as well as app user. By setting preferences on favorite orders and items, the McValue app will allow users special deals on those items, says a McDonald's press release. One such deal will allow customers to add a "fave" item of their choosing to qualifying orders for only a $1.
App metrics, tricks, and tips
Using the McDonald's app also means allowing McDonald's to track and collect your data even only while using the app. While this isn't a new concept, it still may not go down like a McFlurry for everyone. Be sure to check out the terms and conditions for the app before agreeing to both.
Technology, while a gift, can be a glitchy one. From time to time, the McDonald's app can go on the fritz, which can immensely frustrate hungry diners looking to save, and fast. Of course, sometimes McDonald's app glitches work in favor of fry fiends, so just keep your eyes peeled.
One app reward hiccup isn't a glitch at all, but a drag all the same. If you're collecting rewards for purchases in the MyMcDonald's Rewards program, you will only be allowed to claim one reward per visit. Spend some time, along with your rewards points, if you want to maximize a larger free order. Go through the entire mobile app redemption and pickup process per reward, and process each as separate transactions. Leave between these orders if you must, but enjoy a fully-coursed McDonald's meal for the price of your rewards points and slower fast food. Save your own sanity and that of your friendly neighborhood McDonald's employees by doing this only for in-person pickup lobby orders, rather than tying up a drive-through or curbside order.