Fast food loyalty programs have evolved far beyond punch cards and birthday freebies. Today’s top chains offer mobile-based programs that reward customers with points, exclusive deals, and early access to new menu items. Whether you’re a daily coffee drinker or a late-night taco fan, signing up for the right loyalty program can lead to big savings and surprise perks.
Here are the 10 best fast food rewards programs ranked by overall value, ease of use, and how quickly you earn free food.
- Starbucks Rewards
Starbucks Rewards is one of the most robust loyalty programs in the industry. Members earn Stars on every purchase, with extra bonuses for using a Starbucks card or app.
- Earn 1–2 Stars per $1
- Free birthday drink
- Redeem food, drinks, and merch
- Access to Double Star Days and targeted offers
- Chick-fil-A One
Chick-fil-A One uses a tiered system where the more you spend, the more points (and rewards) you earn. Higher tiers unlock better point values and exclusive treats.
- Earn 10–13 points per $1
- Free items throughout the year
- Surprise rewards and tier bonuses
- Redeem for full meals, not just snacks
- Taco Bell Rewards
Taco Bell Rewards is mobile-app exclusive and offers points, bonus challenges, and access to exclusive menu items before they’re officially released.
- 10 points per $1 spent
- Free Doritos Locos Taco on first eligible order
- Frequent bonus point challenges
- Access to build-your-own Cravings Box
- Wendy’s Rewards
Wendy’s rewards offers a simple, easy-to-understand system. You earn points on everything, and redemptions start at just 150 points.
- 10 points per $1
- Redeem for items like fries, nuggets, and sandwiches
- App frequently features freebie offers
- New users get bonus points on first order
- McDonald’s MyMcDonald’s Rewards
McDonalds Rewards allows you to earn points on all purchases and redeem them for classic items like fries, burgers, and drinks.
- Earn 100 points per $1
- Free medium fries with first app order
- Redeem at thresholds from 1500 to 6000 points
- Rotating app-exclusive deals
- Dunkin’ Rewards
The newly updated Dunkin’ Rewards program offers more redemption flexibility than ever, with points that can be used on drinks, food, or add-ons.
- 10 points per $1 spent
- Frequent bonus point promotions
- Free birthday drink
- Targeted offers based on order history
- Burger King Royal Perks
Royal perks from Burger King lets you earn Crowns with every order and redeem them for full menu items. Members also get free upsizes and BOGO deals.
- 10 Crowns per $1
- Free upsize on drinks and fries every day
- Early access to new items
- Daily app-only coupons
- Panera Bread MyPanera
MyPanera stands out for its personalized approach—rather than a points system, you receive free items based on visit frequency and ordering habits.
- Surprise rewards like free bakery items or drinks
- Bonus offers through email or app
- Optional Unlimited Sip Club for daily free drinks
- Del Taco Del Yeah! Rewards
Del Yeah! Rewards offers value for frequent taco lovers. Members earn points on every order and receive birthday rewards and bonus coupons.
- Earn 8 points per $1
- Redeem for tacos, burritos, and sides
- Bonus: New users get 2 free tacos
- App includes rotating limited-time offers
- Arby’s Rewards (via Offers)
While not a formal points program, Arby’s offers strong loyalty value through regular email promotions, app coupons, and occasional survey-based freebies.
- Offers include 2 for $7 deals, free sandwiches with purchase
- Join the email list for personalized coupons
How to get the most out of these programs
- Use the app: Most programs track points and unlock deals only through mobile ordering
- Stack with discounted gift cards: Platforms like Fluz let you earn cashback with a Taco Bell gift card, get rewards with a Wendy’s gift card, or save money with a Burger King gift card while earning loyalty points
- Turn on notifications: Many chains send push alerts for surprise deals and bonuses
- Take advantage of birthday rewards and referral bonuses
With just a few taps, you can earn free food, save money, and get VIP access to new menu items—all by ordering from the places you already love.
