Food Culture

29 Best Fast Food Apps in 2024

Last Updated on September 20, 2024 | 0 Comments
These are the best fast food apps to start using today

Looking for the best fast food apps to satisfy your cravings? The instant gratification of using an app to order your favorite fast foods without the hassle of waiting in line is hard to beat. If you can claim rewards and special deals just for ordering what you already love, that’s even better.

With so many options available, finding the best fast food rewards apps can be overwhelming. But don’t worry, you don’t have to spend hours testing them all yourself — here are the 29 best fast food apps.

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What Fast Food Apps Give Free Food?

Many of the best fast food apps are packed with perks, including complimentary items. For instance, McDonald’s offers a free 10-piece nuggets box when you download the app. Similarly, Taco Bell is easily one of the best fast food apps for deals. You’ll find daily in-app discounts like one-dollar Crunchwrap Supremes. 

The fast food apps that give free food for signing up have become increasingly popular because they offer a lot of value to customers. It’s easy to order in advance, which helps you skip the busy lines and gives you exclusive promotions you can’t find elsewhere. 

The 29 Best Fast Food Rewards Apps

1. McDonald's

We all know McDonald's for some of the world's most classic fast-food items, including some of the best fast food burgers. The menu is both familiar and comforting, and who could say no to free golden-arch goodies? McDonald's earns its spot on our list of the best fast food apps thanks to its unbeatable deals. 

Download the app, and you’re instantly rewarded with a 10-piece nuggets box with just a one-dollar purchase. After your first visit, you can choose between a free vanilla cone, McChicken sandwich, cheeseburger or hash browns. Plus, there’s almost always a Buy One Get One (BOGO) offer or a one-dollar large fries deal available. If you want the best fast food app deals, McDonald's is the way to go. 

McDonald's has one of the best fast food apps
via McDonald's

2. Starbucks

Everybody knows Starbucks, and it's easy to see why the Starbucks app ranks near the top of the list of best fast food apps. With just a few taps, you can order your favorite drinks or snacks to pick up for the drive-thru or at the counter. 

Plus, you can get free birthday food like a breakfast sandwich or cake pop, so long as you sign up at least seven days before your special day. With 34.3 million mobile app users, Starbucks can stake a claim as one of the best fast food apps — and if you’re not using it already, you’re in the minority. 

3. Subway

Subway is easily one of the healthiest fast food chains out there; it’s much easier to make low-calorie choices, like veggies and lean meats, than at other outlets. However, the Subway app also stands among the best fast food apps for customization and rewards. 

The app offers a smooth interface for ordering pre-set sandwiches and tweaking them to your taste. In terms of rewards, new users kick off with 250 points and can earn double points during their first week. 

Subway's app is great for earning extra rewards
via Subway

4. Panera Bread

If you've not heard of Panera Bread before, this chain is famous for its hearty and satisfying meals. This includes a lot of vegetarian fast food options, such as soups and salads. But it also has one of the best fast food apps. Panera Bread's app lets you customize the order to your heart’s content and save your order for next time. While the app doesn’t have a traditional points system, rewards accumulate based on your visit frequency.

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5. Chick-fil-A

Chick-fil-A takes the cake when it comes to the best fast food chicken sandwiches. If you’re a regular here, then the Chick-fil-A app is one of the best fast food apps for you to download. 

There’s a loyalty program with a four-tier system — Basic, Silver, Red and Signature. Each level comes with extra perks, like point multipliers. You earn 10 points for every dollar you spend, and with just 200 points, you can start redeeming rewards like small waffle fries or hash browns.

Chick-fil-A has one of the best fast food apps
via Chick-fil-A

6. Dunkin’

Dunkin’ is where you arguably get the most bang for your buck, which is why Dunkin's app is one of the best fast food apps on the market. The rewards system is especially generous, offering 10 points for every dollar spent. Spend just $15, and you can start redeeming freebies like three-count Munchkins or six-piece hash browns. 

7. Taco Bell

For years,  this chain has been the go-to for late-night cravings. As you might expect, the Taco Bell app makes it even easier to satisfy those hunger pangs at any time. 

Filled with perks, it earns its place on our best fast food apps list. When you sign up, you're instantly rewarded with a free Doritos Locos Taco, and on your birthday, a free Mountain Dew Baja Blast Freeze is thrown in, too. 

Taco Bell has one of the best fast food apps
via Taco Bell

8. Wendy’s 

When it comes to the best fast food apps, very few actually deliver the value that the Wendy’s app delivers. Signing up gets you an immediate offer for free 10-piece nuggets with your purchase and 150 bonus points. Those 150 points are already enough for a free Frosty or an extra 4-piece nugget order; with deals like this, you’ll be saving money in no time. 

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9. Burger King 

The Burger King app is all about having it your way. Unlike other apps that focus heavily on combo meals, BK keeps it simple by letting you build your meal starting with à la carte options. 

What makes this one of the best fast food apps is the rewards and deals. New users will land a free Whopper and Royal Perk members earn 10 “Crowns” for every dollar spent. 

Burger King can be ordered any time via their app
via Burger King

10. Domino’s 

As far as customization goes, the Dominos helps you build your perfect pizza. If you're feeling indecisive, the AI assistant is there to help with recommendations or answer any questions you have. What really puts Domino’s app on our best fast food apps list is its deals and rewards. 

With the Piece of the Pie Rewards program, every $5 spent earns you 10 points. Rack up 60 points, and you’ve got yourself a free medium two-topping pizza! 

11. Chipotle 

Another chain that most of you will know and love. But did you know that Chipotle has one of the best fast food apps thanks to its ease of use? You can easily customize your cravings with swipe options to choose portion sizes like normal, extra or light for each ingredient. The app even offers exclusive items you won’t find in-store, like the quesadilla and Lifestyle Bowls. 

Chipotle has one of the best fast food apps for deals
via Chipotle

12. Jimmy John’s 

The Jimmy John's app is one of the best fast food apps for sub-lovers. As soon as you place your first order and join the Freaky Fast Rewards program, you’ll get a free eight-inch sub. 

Instead of a traditional points-based approach, Jimmy John’s hands out random rewards at unpredictable times. One order might get you a free sandwich, while another could land you a bag of chips — the randomness of these deals sure keeps things exciting. 

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13. Jersey Mike’s

If you're team Jersey Mike’s over Subway, then you need to download the Jersey Mike's app. The rewards structure is simple — 48 points get you a free mini-sub, 72 points land you a regular sub and 144 points score you a giant. While you’ll need to spend a fair bit to hit these milestones, the app’s exclusive offers and reliable performance make it one of the best fast food apps out there. 

Order with the Jersey Mike's app to earn rewards
via Jersey Mike's

14. Papa Johns 

The Papa Johns app is like having the full website in your pocket. You can choose from the regular menu or customize your pizza right down to the sauces and toppings. But Papa John's is more than your average pizza chain — it has one of the best fast food apps in the business. One unique feature is the Papa Track, which delivers real-time GPS updates on your order's progress.

15. Red Lobster

If you're looking on the app store for a real catch, the Red Lobster app is for you. Sure, it might not be your typical fast-food spot, but it’s still one of the best fast food apps to have in your arsenal for when you fancy something fishy.

When you sign up for My Red Lobster Rewards, you’ll get 10% off reward dine-in and 12 free Cheddar Bay biscuits. The point system has a tiered approach. You start at Red and work your way up to Gold and Platinum, unlocking exclusive perks like free appetizers. 

Red Lobster has one of the best fast food apps around
via Red Lobster

16. Little Caesars

When it comes to grabbing a great deal on pizza, the Little Caesars app is one of the best fast food apps to have in your pocket. Unlike other restaurants, Little Caesars has its own Pizza Portal Pickup station, so you can order directly on the app and then pick up from one of the portal locations in stores or restaurants. Just punch in the confirmation code and you’ll get your hands on your piping-hot cheesy pizza. 

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17. Whataburger

As a welcome gift for downloading the Whataburger app, you’ll score a free Whataburger. Each purchase gets you points that you can redeem for your favorite items. If you’re into bigger-sized burgers or love the unique options like the Hatch Chili Burgers, this is definitely one of the best fast food apps to have on your phone.

Whataburger has a food app that allows you to order unique options
via Whataburger

18. Dutch Bros Coffee

If you’re a coffee lover, the Dutch Bros Coffee app should definitely be on your radar. It’s not just one of the best fast food apps because you get a free medium drink when you download and join Dutch Rewards — though that’s definitely a big perk! This app also lets you track and earn points toward your next reward. Plus, you can order in the app and use contactless payments. 

19. Sonic Drive-In

The Sonic Drive-In mobile app is one of the best-kept secrets in the app store. It’s packed with perks that easily put it firmly on our list of the best fast food apps. Download the mobile app, and you’ll get a free medium slush, a coupon for 50% off a Sonic Blast and a $1.99 kid's meal coupon. The app also lets you see the ingredients in each menu item and allows you to customize your order. This ease of use makes it one of the best fast food apps. 

Sonic Drive-In has one of the best fast food apps for listing ingredients
via Sonic Drive-In

20. Einstein Bros. Bagels

When it comes to scoring rewards and free goodies, Einstein Bros. Bagels is a top contender among the best fast food apps. As a Shmear Society Rewards member, you get a free cup of coffee every day with any $3 purchase. Plus, every Monday you can grab a Baker’s Dozen Bagels for just $9 — that’s some seriously good food to set you up for the day, and all at a discount.

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21. Qdoba

For those who frequently visit Mexican restaurant chains, Qdoba has one of the best fast food apps you’ll find. Qdoba sets itself apart from competitors with its free guacamole and queso. But with the Qdoba app, you can start racking up points right away with every purchase. You’ll earn one point for every dollar spent, and once you hit 125 points, you score a free entrée.

Satisfy your Mexican food urge with Qdoba
via Qdoba

22. Zaxby

We all love our occasional fried chicken fingers and wings, and the Zaxby mobile app makes them even more satisfying. Simply download the app and join the Zaxby’s Rewards program to grab a free 5-piece Fingerz with any $5 purchase. What sets it apart and makes it one of the best fast food apps is the barcode feature, which allows you to scan your receipt and earn points. 

23. Krispy Kreme 

If you’re a fan of fresh doughnuts, then the Krispy Kreme app is one of the best fast food apps for you. When you download the app, you get a free doughnut right off the bat. You’ll earn points with every purchase, and after your 12th visit, you’ll be rewarded with another free doughnut or sweet treat of your choice. The app has a point tracker so that you can keep tabs on your rewards. 

Krispy Kreme has one of the best fast food apps on the market
via Krispy Kreme

24. Baskin Robbins 

When you download the Baskin Robbins app, you’ll score a free scoop of ice scream. It’s unquestionably one of the best fast food apps for satisfying your ice cream cravings quickly, and for less. The app has a sleek interface and lets you order ahead of time so you can skip the line and enjoy frozen bliss as soon as you arrive for pick up. 

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25. Dairy Queen

It’s hard to pass up on ice cream, especially Dairy Queen’s delicious frozen Blizzards. With the Dairy Queen app, you get access to exclusive deals. You’ll receive Mobile Monday specials that are for app users only as well as a special birthday surprise. As far as convenience goes, this is one of the best fast food apps. It features a convenient one-click reordering button so you can easily get your favorites again and again. 

The Dairy Queen app can be used to order all your frozen favorites
via Dairy Queen

26. Firehouse Subs

Known for its fire-station-themed décor and hot sauces, Firehouse Subs serves up some of the best sandwiches, thanks to the steamed and pressed meats and cheeses. The Firehouse Subs app is one of the best fast food apps around. Sign up to score a free large drink, get a free medium sub on your birthday and earn a small sub after spending $60 (6000 points). 

27. Shake Shack

Shake Shack isn’t just known for its creamy, custard-like shakes — it’s also got one of the best fast food apps out there. With the Shake Shack app, you can skip the line and grab your order quickly. For health-conscious consumers, the app gives you instant access to nutrition and allergen information so you can make smart choices while still enjoying your favorite ShackBurger. 

Shake Shack sells more than just great shakes, their burgers are delicious too
via Shake Shack

28. Panda Express

When it comes to Chinese restaurant chains, Panda Express has one of the best fast food apps out there. Sign up, and you’ll get a welcome gift of 25% off your first order. In addition, each month Panda Express offers a surprise gift, and something special on your birthday. The group ordering tool allows everyone to choose their favorites from their phones, saving a lot of hassle.

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29. Chili’s

If you’re a fan of Tex-Mex cuisine, then the Chili's app is definitely one of the best fast food apps to download. With a My Chili’s Rewards account, you’ll score free chips and salsa or a drink with every purchase over five bucks. Plus, Chili’s offers a steady stream of discounts and specials. You might get a free appetizer with your order or a discount on hot wings. 

Chili's has one of the best fast food apps
via Chili's

These days finding the best fast food app deals can feel like a treasure hunt. But it’s not just about deals, the app should be easy to use, offer a good reward-to-spend ratio and serve food that you actually enjoy. 

Luckily, this list of the best fast food rewards apps covers all the bases. Whether you’re craving a classic burger, delicious sub, cheesy pizza or tasty Mexican eats, there’s something for everyone. We hope our guide can help you find the best fast food apps that fit your lifestyle. 

For ever more ways to explore your favorite fast foods, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.