Fast food receipts aren’t just trash—they’re free food vouchers in disguise. Many fast food chains include a link to a short customer satisfaction survey at the bottom of your receipt, and completing it often scores you a free menu item or a discounted combo on your next visit. Whether you’re a regular at McDonald’s or trying a new place, receipt surveys are one of the easiest and most overlooked ways to save money.

Here’s how to use receipt surveys to your advantage—and how to stack them with rewards programs and digital gift cards for even more value.

How receipt surveys work

When you make a purchase at many fast food chains, you’ll notice a message at the bottom of the receipt inviting you to take a survey. These surveys typically take 2–5 minutes to complete and include questions about service quality, cleanliness, and food accuracy.

In return, you’ll often receive:

• A code for a free item (like fries, a drink, or a sandwich)
  
• A discount on your next purchase (e.g., $1 off or BOGO offers)
  
• An entry into a sweepstakes or prize draw
  

Most surveys must be completed within a set number of days (often 7 days) and are valid only once per month or visit.

Fast food chains that offer receipt survey deals

Here are some popular chains that currently offer survey rewards (always check the latest terms):

• McDonald’s: Visit McDVoice for a free Quarter Pounder with purchase
  
• Burger King: Take the MyBKExperience survey for a free Whopper
  
• Taco Bell: Use TellTheBell to earn sweepstakes entries and discounts

Each brand has different validation processes—some give you a code to write on your receipt, others issue a digital voucher for your next order.

How to stack survey rewards with gift cards and loyalty points

You can get even more out of survey deals by pairing them with digital gift cards and mobile rewards apps. For instance, if you’re grabbing a qualifying item to unlock a survey, consider using a discounted gift card purchased through Fluz. That way, you’re already saving money upfront.

Examples include:

• Earn cashback with a Burger King gift card when you complete the survey and get a free Whopper
  
• Get rewards with a Wendy’s gift card while scoring a free sandwich via survey
  
• Save money with a Taco Bell gift card and use TellTheBell to stack deals
  

Also, be sure to link your order to the brand’s loyalty app so you earn points with your purchase. You’ll be collecting rewards even on discounted or survey-based items.

Best practices for maximizing receipt surveys

• Keep the receipt: Don’t throw it away—store it in your wallet or snap a quick photo
  
• Act quickly: Many surveys expire within 3 to 7 days of the transaction
  
• Use the reward fast: Most offers are valid for a limited time
  
• Check the fine print: Some require a minimum purchase to redeem the free item
  
• Combine with other deals: Use apps, gift cards, and reward points for added savings
  

Using receipt surveys takes almost no time and costs nothing—but can easily save you a few dollars every week. Combine them with other fast food savings strategies, and your quick meals start feeling a lot more like smart money moves.