Let’s be honest: whether it’s a classic Big Mac, those golden fries, or a seasonal McFlurry, McDonald’s rarely fails to hit the spot. But did you know the McDonald’s app is actually a goldmine for saving money, stacking up rewards, and scoring surprise freebies?
For regulars and casual fans alike, learning how to use the McDonald’s app for discounts does more than cut your check at the drive-thru — it can make every order a little more rewarding (sometimes literally!).
This guide is for anyone who wants to eat at McDonald’s for less, rack up rewards toward free food, and learn a few inside tricks most people overlook. We’ll cover exactly how the McDonald’s app works, which discounts and perks you can unlock, and a handful of honest tips from real users. If you want your next meal to cost less (or nothing at all), keep scrolling.
Why Use the McDonald’s App for Discounts?
First things first: why bother downloading another restaurant app? The McDonald’s app stands out because it actually rewards you for spending. The more you buy, the more you earn — and the discounts really add up.
- Access instant app-only deals and coupons
- Join the MyMcDonald’s Rewards program
- Order ahead for pickup or delivery
- Track your favorites and re-order in a tap
- Get notified about limited-time offers
Frankly, I didn’t expect to use the app often, but once I saw how quickly the points accumulate and how frequent the deals were (especially on fries and drinks), I became a convert. It almost feels strange to pay full price now.
What is the McDonald’s App?
The McDonald’s app is a free mobile app available on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. It combines online ordering, a digital loyalty card, and a never-ending flow of exclusive app offers. You’ll also find a restaurant locator, menu browsing, and delivery integration all in one place.
Quick Look: McDonald’s App vs. Website vs. Kiosk
Curious about the fastest and most rewarding way to order McDonald’s? Here’s a quick comparison between the app, website, and in-store kiosk.
| Feature | McDonald’s App | Website | In-Store Kiosk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Order Ahead | ✔️ | ✔️ | ❌ |
| Exclusive Deals | ✔️ (app-only) | Limited | Limited |
| Rewards Points | ✔️ (auto-applies) | ✔️ (if logged in) | Manual scan/code needed |
| Contactless Payment | ✔️ (Apple/Google Pay) | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Delivery Integration | ✔️ | ✔️ | ❌ |
How to Order and Get Discounts via the McDonald’s App
The ordering process is really straightforward. Here’s a quick walkthrough:
- Download and Install: Grab the app on your device and set up a free account. (You’ll need to allow location to see local offers.)
- Browse Menu & Deals: Tap “Deals” or “Rewards” on the home screen. Usually, you’ll find at least 3–5 active discounts for items like breakfast entries, combo meals, fries, or drinks.
- Select a Deal or Reward: Tap any offer to view terms and tap “Add to Mobile Order” or “Use at Restaurant.” Some are for pickup, some for delivery.
- Build Your Order: Add your items, customize, and select your pickup or delivery method (delivery fees vary—see below).
- Checkout & Earn Points: Pay via Apple Pay, Google Pay, or linked card. Each eligible order earns MyMcDonald’s Rewards points.
Pro Tip: Stack Offers Strategically
Want to save even more? This simple trick shows how to combine rewards and deals for maximum value.
- Most deals limit you to redeeming one offer per order—but points also accrue, so you’re stacking discounts and rewards over time.
- Special promotions (like free fries with any $1+ purchase on Fridays) often appear for limited periods. Have notifications ON.
How Does McDelivery Work with the App?
Ordering delivery is baked right into the McDonald’s app, powered by partners like Uber Eats and DoorDash. The delivery menu is usually identical to your local store’s, except for a few items (like ice cream cones or shakes) due to transit issues. You’ll see delivery fees, ETA, and payment options during checkout.
Note: To maximize discounts, use exclusive app offers for pickup. Delivery generally doesn’t apply promo codes, but you CAN earn rewards points.
Understanding MyMcDonald’s Rewards: The Key to Free Food
The real star of the app is the MyMcDonald’s Rewards program. Every $1 spent = 100 points, and these stack up surprisingly fast.
| Points | Reward Example |
|---|---|
| 1,500 | Free Fries, Hash Browns, or Cheeseburger |
| 3,000 | Free McChicken, Breakfast Sandwich, or Medium Fries |
| 4,500 | Free Double Cheeseburger, Filet-O-Fish, or 6pc McNuggets |
| 6,000 | Free Big Mac, Quarter Pounder, Happy Meal, or McMuffin Meal |
Frankly, I find the leap from 1,500 to 3,000 points to be right in the ‘sweet spot’—getting a breakfast sandwich or medium fries for free after only a few visits feels generous. But maybe it could be even better? Anyway, the math works out in your favor, especially if you redeem points during a promo when certain rewards are discounted.
How Do You Earn Points?
- Order ahead in the app (autoapplies)
- Show your 4-digit code or scan at the counter/kiosk before paying
- First-time card linking gives a 1,500 point bonus
- Special days/holidays may give x2 or x3 points
Note: You don’t earn points on taxes, fees, or gift card purchases. Delivery via third-party partners sometimes won’t accrue points (double-check in the app), but pickup always does.
How Do You Redeem Rewards?
- Open the “Rewards & Deals” section in the app
- Choose an eligible reward
- Add to your mobile order, or select “Use at Restaurant” to get your 4-digit code
- Show the code at the counter or drive-thru before paying
Easy, and honestly, a little bit fun. Seeing that free fries unlock after a couple of coffee runs feels oddly satisfying.
How to Find and Use McDonald’s App-Only Deals
Scroll to the ‘Deals’ tab—this is where the app really shines. You might see things like:
- BOGO (Buy One, Get One) sandwiches
- $1 Large Fries with any purchase
- Free McFlurry with a $10 order
- Discounted combo meals only through the app
- Surprise free item when you order a certain dollar amount
Each deal has rules. Some are valid once per week, others refresh each day or after use. Occasionally, regional or local deals pop up—try toggling your location to see what’s offered.
Good to Know:
- You must tap “Add to Mobile Order” in the app to activate the discount.
- Stack your reward points on top of deals for double-dipping savings.
- If a deal doesn’t apply, try removing conflicting items from your cart.
Extra Tips for Maximizing McDonald’s App Savings
Looking to squeeze every possible deal out of the McDonald’s app? These expert tips will help you unlock the biggest savings.
- Turn on notifications. Get pinged when new deals launch (often on Mondays and Fridays).
- Reinstall the app if you stop getting deals. Some users report offers get “stuck”—reinstalling resets everything.
- Order during breakfast hours. More deals often apply to breakfast items, and many rewards are cheaper before 10:30am.
- Have a backup payment method. Sometimes Apple Pay or Google Pay has temporary issues.
- Refer a Friend: Some regions/test markets offer referral points when friends sign up using your code.
- Watch for app-wide events. (McDonald’s Monopoly, “Free Fries Friday,” or limited-time birthday offers always come with bonus points or exclusive discounts.)
Are There Limitations? (And Caveats…)
Not everything is perfect. Delivery orders sometimes cost more than dine-in, and not all deals are available for third-party delivery like Uber Eats or DoorDash (sometimes, surprisingly, the app will still let you apply one—other times, not). To maximize points and discounts, always start your order in the McDonald’s app and choose “Pickup.”
Also, some users mention that the app occasionally “runs out” of codes or puts certain deals on temporary pause. If you don’t see expected offers, check your location settings or try the next day.
Comparing McDonald’s App Rewards to Other Fast-Food Apps
Curious how McDonald’s stacks up against other giants? Here’s a quick, honest ranking table based on frequency and value of discounts (opinion, based on real use):
| App | Deal Frequency | Best Value | Ease of Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| McDonald’s | High | Fries, BOGO Sandwiches | Excellent |
| Chick-fil-A | Medium | Birthday Reward, Monthly Freebies | Great |
| Wendy’s | Very High | 2-for-$5 Offers, Drink Deals | Good |
| Starbucks | Low–Medium | Stars/Redeem for Drinks | Very Good |
Honestly, I’d say McDonald’s is top-tier for regulars. If you visit more than twice a month, the points and app-only deals really do pay for themselves.
Conclusion: Should You Try the McDonald’s App?
If you’re eating at McDonald’s anyway, there’s basically no downside to using the app—unless, of course, you genuinely prefer paying more! The deals are instant, the process is seamless, and there are always ways to save or earn free food (sometimes, you’ll even get a welcome offer just for signing up).
Ready to start? Download the McDonald’s app, sign up for rewards, and check out today’s deals before your next order. For more ways to cut your fast-food costs, browse our Budget Food Hacks section and see how much you can save in a month. Bon appétit!
