Get Your Meal for Free with These McDonald’s Hacks

05 Feb 2025, by Danielle Slauter, min. read

The Best McDonald’s Deals To Get Right Now

McDonald’s is the fast food OG—they’re known for their food and super cheap prices. But did you know there’s a way to save even more money every time you order? These McDonald’s hacks are here to change the game by getting you more food for less money.

Whether you’re ordering in person or on the app, you’re going to want to use these hacks the next time you swing by the Golden Arches. Saving money has never been easier or tasted so good.

McDonald’s App Hacks

It’s no secret that the McDonald’s app is full of deals and freebies. Be sure to use these hacks the next time you order so you can save the maximum amount of money!

If you haven’t already, make sure you actually download the McDonald’s app. You get a free order of large fries once you download it and make a purchase of $1 or more. The in-app offers are constantly changing, so be sure to check it frequently for the most up-to-date deals.

Get Free Fries Every Friday

Every Friday, the McDonald’s app gives you a coupon for a free medium order of fries when you spend $1. The cheapest menu item, by the way, is a cookie, which costs $1.19.

Snag A Birthday Freebie

On your birthday, McDonald’s sends you a coupon for a free apple pie or ice cream via the MyMcDonald’s Rewards app.

McDonald’s In-Store Hacks

If you’re not ordering ahead or getting delivery, there are ways to save money at the physical McDonald’s locations as well.

Use Your Rewards Code Before You Order

As a MyMcDonald’s Rewards member, you can earn points on purchases, which lead to free menu items. But before you place an order in person or at the drive-thru, open your app and tap “Earn Points.” Then, give the cashier your four-digit code to earn those sweet points.

Complete the Survey on Your Receipt

Don’t throw your receipt away just yet! By completing the survey at the bottom, you get a free coupon for a free food item or even a BOGO deal.

McDonald’s $5 Meal Deal

The McDonald’s $5 Meal Deal is officially back, but only for a limited time. Here are the two $5 Meal Deals that McDonald’s is currently offering:

The McChicken $5 Meal Deal: McChicken, 4-piece Chicken McNuggets, small fries, small drink.
The McDouble $5 Meal Deal: McDouble, 4-piece Chicken McNuggets, small fries, small drink.

Other McDonald’s Hacks & Deals

There are even more ways to get freebies! Be sure to use these McDonald’s hacks to save even more money every time you order.

Get Free Food for Every $15 You Spend

McDonald’s offers four different tiers of rewards through MyMcDonald’s Rewards, each one unlocking new menu items.

1,500 points ($15 spent)
- McChicken ($2.59)
- Cheeseburger ($1.99)
- Hash browns ($2.09)
- Vanilla cone ($2.19)
3,000 points ($30 spent)
- Medium fries ($3.29)
- Large iced coffee ($2.99)
- 6-piece McNugget ($3.89)
- Sausage burrito ($2.39)
4,500 points ($45 spent)
- Large frappe ($4.99)
- Filet-O-Fish ($4.69)
- Large fries ($3.99)
- Sausage Egg McMuffin ($4.39)
6,000 points ($60 spent)
- Happy Meal ($4.59-$6.69)
- Big Mac ($5.09)
- Quarter Pounder with Cheese ($5.39)
- Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Biscuit ($4.59)

Use Points at the 1,500 Tier

To get the most savings on your food, using your points at the lowest tier is going to give you the biggest cash-back value. Here’s how it stacks up:

1,500 points: 13-17% cash back
3,000 points: 8-13% cash back
4,500 points: 9-11% cash back
6,000 points: 8-11% cash back

Get a “Big Mac” Cheaper

Instead of spending over $5 on a Big Mac, use this McDonald’s hack instead. Order a McDouble and substitute the ketchup for Big Mac sauce. You won’t get the traditional middle bun, but you’ll only be spending around $3 instead of $5.

Order the Mini McFlurry

A regular McFlurry (12 oz.) is $3.79, but McDonald’s just launched the Mini McFlurry (8 oz.) that only costs $2.19. This McDonald’s hack saves you $1.60, which is about 42% of the cost.