Are you craving a fast food meal but being careful with your money? Worry no more; our new guide is here to help you! In this list, we’ll help you get tips and tricks on making the best deal from your favorite fast food by spending as little money as possible. Whether you are a student, a working person with a tight schedule, or just a fan of quick meals, you will learn about the best ways to save money. It is time to think of the best ways to eat your favorite foods and use your money wisely!
14. Use Cashback Credit Cards
Alright, did you know there is a cool way to save cash when grabbing fast food? Those are these cashback credit cards. Imagine you’re at your favorite burger place and picking up your burger and fries; you might wanna pay with a credit card that offers 1% cash back for every fast food meal. So next time, use a cashback credit card if you want to save some cash while having a meal.
13. Get Flash Deals on Social Media
Next up, I have a secret tip for you. Do you follow how fast-food networks gossip on social media all the time? Well, let me tell you a secret: they often post their special deals or flash sales there! Just follow your favorites on Instagram or Twitter. The post will appear, and then grab that offer with your friends, family, or only by yourself.
12. Student Steals
Oh, you’re going to love this one! Here are the tips on “Student Steals.” You need to find a fast-food chain that offers student discounts. Many spots offer an awesome discount just for students. Show your ID to the counter, and you will get fast-food meals at a discounted price. Your ID will work not only at the library but also at your favorite fast-food chain.
11. Visit During “Happy Hours”
Oh, and you know what? Fast food places also have happy hours. You can come and buy your favorite snacks, but they will be cheaper because you came at the right time. It is a kind of special time for fast food. The next time you are hungry, look for happy hour at your favorite place and reduce the amount you’ll pay. Thus, you can afford even more treats!
10. Use Survey Codes From Receipts
Here’s a short hack for your next visit to a fast food restaurant; be it Wendy’s or McDonald’s: just turn your receipt over. If you are lucky, there will be a fast online quiz you can do, and after that, you will get a discount or even a free item. They do this because they want to know how they do their service and, in return, give you treats. Hence, don’t rush to throw the check upon leaving – otherwise, you can quickly lose a little unexpected bonus, provided in addition.
9. Order Plain Items and Customize at Home
Next time you order food you like from a fast-food restaurant, just order it plain and add your perfect toppings at home! You can make your dish however you want and save money for more tasty stuff. How about adding your cheese or veggies to a plain burger? Be a great cook and enjoy fast food prepared individually just for you!
8. Buy Discounted Gift Cards
Another interesting idea is to search for gift cards from your favorite fast food places online. While you don’t know about it, some people may sell gift cards they got as a present but do not like to eat fast food. This deal can be a real secret, but you will pay less money, buy the card instead of food, and still get the opportunity to eat your favorite meals. Therefore, before you go to a restaurant, look for offers with gift cards online.
7. Compare Prices on Food Apps
Do you know what is cheap and fun? Apps that find the cheapest food at fast food places near you! It is like having a secret map that shows you where cheap and yummy foods are. Just take a minute to look up your app before you figure out what to buy before you find the nearest deal and offer. Make a smart choice and save money while eating your favorite food; it is a super easy way to be smart!
6. Buy in Bulk or Family Packs
You can buy food in bulk or take family pack offers at fast-food restaurants. These packs are meant to feed more than one individual, which costs a cheaper price if the cost of each item is summed up. Hence, I would recommend that when eating out with friends or family members, share a meal package. It will reduce the total cost, and we can taste several bites instead of buying several food items at higher costs.
5. Opt for Refillable Sides
For such places as fast food restaurants, taking refillable sides instead of single-use is a great idea. Thus, if you ordered fries, for example, and the restaurant offers a refill, you should do it, as it will cost you less money and help you reduce the amount of waste created, and feel slightly more eco-friendly at a fast food place.
4. Choose Smaller Portions
If you are trying to save money, you should pick smaller or kids’ meals at a fast food place. They are cheaper than regular meals but still enough to fill you. What is more, you do not eat too much food. Key takeaways: it is cheaper, and you do not eat too much. So, next time when you are not extremely starving, make sure to order a smaller size. Both your stomach and your wallet will be thankful.
3. Avoid Peak Hours
Something not many people know: when you visit enough fast food restaurants when it is less busy, you will save money, and you can spend it for lunch or dinner on your favorite meals! Some places have special deals when too few people are eating. Most often, this happens during the late afternoon or late evening. Sounds like a good opportunity to pay less for the same things and not worry about a crowd of people, doesn’t it? Why not try and check out how it will be cheaper to order the same thing at a different time?
2. Seasonal Specials
I’d suggest trying special offers at fast food places during certain times of the year, such as holidays. Fast food places often have tasty new items to try, and they’re usually affordable, too! You can enjoy different kinds of menu items and save some money.
1. Order Through Apps
You might want to consider buying your fast food through an app. Some fast food places only give discounts and special deals to people using their app. Indeed, it isn’t that difficult; just a couple of dozen taps, and your food is already on the way. You can never go wrong with ordering through an app: some attractive offer might always be waiting to save you some dollars.