Restaurant rewards apps have become the easiest way to save money on food you already buy. Most are free to join and give points, app-only deals and birthday treats. Here is what the rewards programs at the chains we track offer.
Program details change often. Point values, rewards and perks below are general descriptions, so check each app for the current terms.
Rewards programs at a glance
| Chain | Program | Standout perk |
|---|---|---|
| Starbucks | Starbucks Rewards | Stars for drinks and food, free refills in store |
| Dutch Bros | Dutch Rewards | Free drink for 125 points, birthday drink |
| Cheesecake Factory | Cheesecake Rewards | Free slice of cheesecake on sign-up |
| Texas Roadhouse | VIP Club | Free appetizer and birthday offers |
| Firehouse Subs | Firehouse Rewards | Free medium sub on your birthday |
| Applebee’s | Club Applebee’s | Free birthday dessert when dining in |
| Red Lobster | My Red Lobster Rewards | Birthday dessert when dining in |
| Burger King | Royal Perks | Crowns on every order, weekly app deals |
| Jersey Mike’s | Shore Points | Points toward free subs |
| Panera | MyPanera | Offers and birthday treats, plus optional Sip Club |
Best for coffee drinkers
Starbucks Rewards members earn Stars on purchases, with around 100 Stars for a brewed coffee or bakery item and 200 Stars for a handcrafted drink. Dutch Rewards members can redeem 125 points for a free drink in any size and get a free birthday drink. Panera’s optional Unlimited Sip Club, about $14.99 per month, suits people who buy coffee most days.
Best sign-up and birthday perks
Cheesecake Rewards gives a free slice of cheesecake when you join. Firehouse Rewards members get a free medium sub on their birthday, and Applebee’s and Red Lobster members get a birthday dessert when dining in.
Best for everyday fast food
The big fast food apps, including McDonald’s, Burger King, Taco Bell, Chick-fil-A and Wendy’s, earn points on every order and carry deals you cannot get at the counter.
Tips for using rewards apps
- Join before your first order so the visit counts.
- Add your birthday to your profile to unlock birthday rewards.
- Check the deals tab before you order. App deals often beat menu prices.
- Order for pickup in the app to earn points and avoid delivery markups.
See prices at every chain on our restaurant menus page.