Do you enjoy digging into an occasional Big Mac, a Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese, or maybe even a McDonald’s Apple Pie?
If so, here’s some great news! McDonald’s has released a new mobile app, and one of its top benefits is helping you cut costs on your next fast-food treat. You can even snag certain menu items at no charge — and who doesn’t love free food?
Whether you’re a frequent McDonald’s patron or you only swing through the drive-thru from time to time with the kids, make it a habit to check this new app for ways to save.
How to Download the New McDonald’s Mobile App
How do you get it? It’s simple: the McDonald’s app is free to download from the Apple Store and the Google Play Store.
Just install the app on your smartphone, create your account, enable location services… and you’re all set! You must be at least 13 years old to use the app and access offers.
Where and When Is the McDonald’s App Available?
After installing the app and entering your location, you may find offers aren’t yet active in your area. Don’t worry — it’s rolling out gradually. McDonald’s is launching the app across the country in phases.
If you live inSan Diego or New York City,you can already take advantage of solid offers. The app debuted in those markets recently, so you can begin using it now.
If you’re elsewhere in the U.S., the wait won’t be long. The rollout will continue over the coming weeks, and the app is expected to be nationwide by the end of September, per McDonald’s website.
Individual regions and restaurants will run their own offers, but there will also be nationwide promotions, giving you plenty of opportunities to save. Plus, new deals will be added each week, so it’s worth checking the app frequently.
How to Use the McDonald’s App
Once the app is installed, your account is configured, and your location is set, you’ll be ready to redeem some excellent offers, including free items.
Make sure you add your location, since the app tailors local and national deals for each user. You wouldn’t want to miss out on a neighborhood offer while reading about something only available a thousand miles away!
When you find an offer you want, tap the deal, press “redeem” in the app, and scan your phone when ordering.
The app also offers other conveniences. Beyond helping you find McDonald’s restaurants nearby, it displays each location’s amenities — such as whether there’s a PlayPlace for kids, if there’s a drive-thru, and which spots offer free Wi-Fi when you need to catch up on work.
How the App Can Help You Make Healthier Choices
Looking to cut calories? The app also provides nutrition facts so you can make smarter selections.
For instance, it will show that a Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese contains 780 calories and 45 grams of fat — yikes — while a Grilled Ranch Snack Wrap has just 290 calories and 13 grams of fat. Which would you choose?
Having nutrition data for each menu item makes it easier to determine healthier ways to satisfy your fast-food craving.
What Free Items Can You Score?
Now that you know where to find and how to use the app, let’s look at the exciting part. What complimentary food can you claim through this new app?
First up: a free sandwich from the regular or breakfast menu, available to the first 8 million people who download the app.
McDonald’s restricts this to one free sandwich per person, so don’t bother reinstalling the app to try to get more. The offer isn’t transferable, so be sure to be present to redeem your free item.
We’re only beginning to learn about regional promotions since the app has only launched in a handful of cities.
In San Diego, you can buy one Big Mac andget the second one free. Other Southern California deals reported so far include free sandwiches, buy-one-get-one-free breakfast sandwiches, $1 off premium burgers, $4 off orders over $20, and a free Happy Meal with the purchase of qualifying salads.
Some promotions require a purchase — for example, getting a free dessert with another item — while others simply give away free items. Who’d turn that down?
Additional offers will include free breakfast sandwiches, desserts, Happy Meals and other items, according to Business Insider.
If you drink coffee often, you’ll appreciate the coffee-related perks. Since the new app includes a loyalty program, every sixth McCafé beverage you buy will be free. Just use the loyalty feature in the app when ordering your McCafé drinks.
Keep in mind that offers vary by location, so add your location to the app to discover the best local deals. And check back regularly because deals change weekly!
Your Turn: Have you tried the new McDonald’s app? What deals did you find?
Also consider checking related tips like mcdonalds app mobile ordering to make the most of your experience.
