National Cheeseburger Day Deals: 1-Cent Burgers, 50-Cent Double Cheeseburgers & More

National Cheeseburger Day 2024: Deals from McDonald's, Wendy's, Burger King & More

Wednesday is National Cheeseburger Day, and some of the biggest chains are offering some much-needed discounts amid consumer complaints about rising prices.

McDonald’s, the biggest company, is selling 50-cent double cheeseburgers when they’re ordered in its app – about 45 cents more than what the chain’s original hamburger cost in 1948. It’s part of company’s string of deals to kickstart slumping sales, including recently extending its popular $5 value meal until December.

Fast food has been a low-profit margin business with little customer loyalty. Chains have been unveiling big giveaways, typically tied to their mobile apps, to help drive business and develop more repeat customers.

And McDonald’s isn’t the only burger chain to offer deals. Wendy’s is selling a junior bacon cheeseburger for just one cent through September 22, as long as you buy something else from the menu on its app. Also, Burger King is giving away a free cheeseburger as long as you buy something else that costs at least $1 through its app.

Smaller chains are offering similar deals, too. Jack in the Box is tossing in a “Jumbo Jack” cheeseburger with a $1 purchase on its app, and the Carl’s Jr. app is offering a half-priced double cheeseburger. White Castle is offering a buy one, get one deal on its Cheese Sliders in the app with the code “SAYCHEESE.”

Smashburger, which just unveiled a new logo and menu, is selling $5 cheeseburgers (which typically cost more than $7) with the code “BURGERDAY” on its app or in-store, as well as offering a vegetarian alternative. Plus, it’s giving a “bounce-back coupon” to anyone that orders the deal so customers can come back and get 50% off any burger or sandwich on a future visit.

McDonald's 50-Cent Cheeseburger Deal

McDonald’s is complementing its popular $5 Meal Deal with an even better offer: 50 cent cheeseburgers. For the second consecutive year, the fast food giant is discounting one of its most popular menu items on National Cheeseburger Day. On Sept. 18 only, customers will be able to buy the chain's famous Double Cheeseburger for 50 cents.

The offer is available to customers who use the fast food chain's smartphone app, and is limited to one burger per customer. Users who open the app will be prompted to take advantage of the National Cheeseburger Day promotion, and the discount will be automatically applied at checkout. McDonald's announced the return of the deal at the same time that it revealed its $5 Meal Deal would be sticking around until December. The combo, which was released this summer amid slumping sales, features a choice of McDouble or McChicken sandwich, four-piece McNuggets, small fries and a soft drink. The offering from the Golden Arches is competing with value combos from rival fast food chains like Taco Bell, Burger King, Wendy's and Popeyes.

Wendy's 1-Cent Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger Deal

A penny saved is a penny earned, sure, but a penny spent will get you a whole cheeseburger this week. On Sept. 18 — National Cheeseburger Day — Wendy’s customers can get a Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger for 1 cent (with an additional purchase) to celebrate the meeting of beef, bun and cheese. Fortunately, the deal lasts longer than just a day, running until Sept. 22, which means that folks have five full days to satiate their hunger with the change lurking in their couch cushions.

Folks interested in a burger that costs 89 times less than one did in 1979 can apply the digital offer in the Wendy’s app. A couple of caveats to the deal to keep in mind, though: The limited-time deal is only available at participating Wendy’s in the U.S. and must be redeemed in Wendy’s app or website, with account registration required.

Other National Cheeseburger Day Deals

Of course, Wendy’s is not the only burger joint celebrating National Cheeseburger Day: Burger King is offering members of its loyalty program, Royal Perks, a free cheeseburger on the holiday. The chain is also offering a full week of other freebies, from Mozzarella Fries to breakfast sandwiches and more, which all come with a purchase of $1 or more.

Diners looking to get the most value on National Cheeseburger Day will also be able to score a 1-cent Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger from Wendy's with the purchase of another menu item if they buy it on the chain's app or website. Burger King, meanwhile, will give a free cheeseburger to any member of its Royal Perks rewards program who makes a purchase of $1 or more.

National Cheeseburger Day Deals: A Summary

Here’s a roundup of some of the best deals available for National Cheeseburger Day:

McDonald’s: 50-cent double cheeseburgers with a purchase made via the McDonald’s app.
Wendy’s: 1-cent Jr. Bacon Cheeseburgers with any purchase made through the Wendy’s app from Sept. 18-22.
Burger King: A free cheeseburger for members of the Royal Perks rewards program with any purchase of $1 or more.
Dairy Queen: A free original cheeseburger signature stackburger with an app or online order of $1 or more from Sept. 16 to Sept. 22.
Jack in the Box: A free “Jumbo Jack” cheeseburger with any $1 purchase made through the Jack in the Box app.
Carl’s Jr.: A half-priced double cheeseburger for users of the Carl’s Jr. app.
White Castle: A buy one, get one deal on Cheese Sliders for users of the White Castle app using the code “SAYCHEESE.”
Smashburger: $5 cheeseburgers with the code “BURGERDAY” on its app or in-store. Customers can also get a bounce-back coupon for 50% off any burger or sandwich on a future visit.
Denny’s: 20% off any burger for members of the Denny’s Rewards program with a minimum purchase of $8.
Wayback Burgers: BOGO Classic Burger offer for members of the Wayback Rewards program.
Buffalo Wild Wings: Buy one, get one free burger deal for members of the Buffalo Wild Wings Rewards program.
Applebee’s: Three classic burgers with fries for $8.99.
Red Robin: $10 Gourmet Cheeseburger with a bottomless side.
SONIC: Half-priced cheeseburgers after 5 p.m. on Tuesdays (some exclusions apply) and the Quarter Pound Double Cheeseburger is just $1.99.
BurgerFi: BurgerFi Cheeseburger for $4 when you buy a Coca-Cola Freestyle Beverage.

These deals are sure to help you celebrate National Cheeseburger Day in style! So, grab your friends and family and head out to your favorite burger joint. Happy National Cheeseburger Day!

The Future of Cheeseburger Deals

McDonald’s pricey burgers have become a flashpoint of criticism and a symbol of elevated fast food prices. Joe Erlinger, president of McDonald’s USA, wrote in an open letter posted to the company’s website in May that the company’s franchisees needed to avoid one-off price hikes that hurt the company’s reputation. And he noted that prices haven’t risen nearly as much as people think. Still, customers have turned their backs on fast food companies, shifting to casual dining chains like Applebee’s and Chili’s, which many customers believe offer more value. So deals are particularly crucial to fast food companies at the moment to lure customers back.

With the rising cost of living, fast food companies are likely to continue offering deals and promotions to attract customers. This is especially true on holidays like National Cheeseburger Day. So keep an eye out for these deals and enjoy a delicious and affordable burger!