In today’s fast food landscape, loyalty pays off big time. Almost every major chain has their own version of a rewards program, from McDonalds to Wendy’s, Starbucks to Dunkin’. But when every restaurant chain promises a variety of unique perks and discounts, it can feel impossible to weed through all the rewards programs to see which are actually saving you money. We’ve taken it upon ourselves to round up the five fast food loyalty programs that are the most worth your time.
Chick-fil-A
Launched in 2016, Chick-fil-A rewards loyalty with a tiered membership structure that offers increasing benefits as you climb the ranks. Called Chick-fil-A One, the program offers four levels: Basic, Silver (starts at 1,000 points), Red (starts at 4,000 points), and Signature (starts at 10,000 points). Each tier unlocks additional benefits such as point multipliers, exclusive offers, and unique perks, such as the opportunity to tour Chick-fil-A’s headquarters in Atlanta.
How it works:
- Earning Points: Points accrue with each purchase, and higher membership levels offer accelerated earning rates. Customers can earn points by ordering online, scanning your QR code in person, or by manually adding old points and submitting a missed transaction request through the Chick-fil-A website up to 30 days after the purchase. Members can also participate in Code Moo Rewards, a digital game where customers complete weekly missions for a chance to win free food items.
- Redemption: Customers earn 10 points based on every dollar spent, and rewards begin from as low as 200 points. Almost the entire menu is available to redeem for points. Unlike other loyalty programs, Chick-fil-A points do not expire. However, once points are redeemed for rewards, those items may have expiration dates, which can be checked under the “My Rewards” tab in your account.
- Additional Features: Skip the line, order ahead, and enjoy exclusive member perks based on your tier level. Members may also receive a birthday reward, and each tier increases the food options you can choose from, like desserts, sandwiches, and even your own choice of entrée.
Burger King
Burger King’s Royal Perks program is designed to reward frequent customers with generous benefits. It operates on a point system called “Crowns,” and every dollar spent equals 10 Crowns. These Crowns can then be redeemed for a wide range of menu items, starting at just 250 Crowns.
How it works:
- Earning Points: Members earn 10 Crowns for every dollar spent on Burger King purchases made through the app, website, or in stores. Customers can also participate in challenges within the app to earn bonus Crowns or other exclusive offers. Burger King occasionally offers sweepstakes where Crowns can be used to enter and win cash prizes. Crowns expire after six months.
- Redemption: Crowns can be redeemed for various rewards, ranging from free food items to discounts on popular menu choices. Burger King occasionally hosts flash sales for Crowns, offering select items available to redeem for less Crown points.
- Additional Features: Burger King offers a birthday bonus of 2x Crowns during the full month of your birthday. Crowns are also available through delivery orders, which must be placed through the BK app or website.
Wendy’s
Launched in 2020, Wendy’s app is a favorite among budget-savvy diners for its value and frequent updates. Points accumulate quickly and can be redeemed for various rewards, from free Frostys to discounted combo meals. The app also notifies users of new offers and promotions fairly regularly.
How it works:
- Earning Points: For every $1 spent, members earn 10 points, which accrue automatically when customers place a pickup or delivery order through the Wendy’s app or website. Alternatively, you can earn points by scanning the QR code in the Wendy’s app at the counter or pickup window.
- Redemption: Every food item on the Wendy’s menu is available to redeem. Customers are also able to stack both an offer and a reward on the same order, which maximizes the amount you save. Offers can range from cash discounts to free items like Frostys with a meal purchase. However, you are unable to redeem more than one offer at a time.
- Additional Features: Wendy’s mobile app is one of the easier systems to navigate, as it enhances convenience through its streamlined online ordering system.
Dunkin’
Dunkin’ maintains a robust rewards program on its Dunkin’ app. Though the program was recently revamped, it now includes a wide variety of food items and previously missing beverages to the redemption list, as well as the opportunity to boost the amount of points with every dollar spent.
How it works:
- Earning Points: For every dollar spent at Dunkin’, customers earn points towards rewards. Recent changes allow for more flexibility in the redemption process, with specific rewards available for set point thresholds. For example, the 500 point redemption tier for Coffee now also includes Cold Brew, and the 700 point redemption now covers previously missing categories like refreshers, hot chocolate, chai, and matcha.
- Redemption: Dunkin' rewards can be redeemed for a range of items starting from as low as 150 points for items like Munchkins or hash browns, to higher tiers for larger items such as breakfast sandwiches or frozen drinks.
- Additional Features: Dunkin’ has monthly promotions that often provide free or heavily discounted items with minimal purchase requirements. If you visit 12 times in a calendar month, you can unlock Boosted Status and earn 12 points per $1 spent for three months. Dunkin’ also offers a bonus of 3x points on any purchases made the day before, the day of, or the day after your birthday.
Panera Bread
Panera offers two loyalty programs: MyPanera, which is the company’s free rewards system, and Panera Sip Club, a paid subscription that promises free beverages (and refills) every two hours. But here’s where it gets exciting: While the program is normally priced at $14.99/month, Panera’s Unlimited Sip Club subscription currently offers three months free if you join by August 31. This promotion grants members unlimited access to Panera’s drinks throughout the summer.
How it works:
- Earning Points: MyPanera doesn’t have a traditional points system. Instead, rewards are based on the frequency of visits. Each time you use your MyPanera account, your receipt displays how many visits are needed to earn your next reward.
- Redemption: All rewards have a 60-day expiration window, unless otherwise noted. Rewards may include weekly discounts and free menu items, like pastries or soups. Meanwhile, Panera’s Sip Club pays for itself in approximately two or three visits (and if you join this summer, you won’t have to pay at all!)
- Additional Features: Loyalty customers gain early access to new menu items and can participate in exclusive games and challenges to win points, menu items, or prizes. New members also receive a complimentary pastry as a welcome gift upon sign up, as well as an annual birthday gift.
