I’m not gonna lie. These days it’s becoming more and more expensive to eat out, even in fastfood restaurants.
But things are probably worse for broke college students trying to feed themselves with the little money they have in their wallet.
If you’re wondering whether or not McDonald’s offers a student discount, it does!
McDonald’s is one of the more affordable fastfood chains out there but it’s good to know that they also have programs to let you get even better prices and offers.
How to Get the McDonald’s Student Discount
In the UK, students are more fortunate because McDonald’s has a better deal for them. They can get a free Cheeseburger, McFlurry or Mayo Chicken with a purchase of a Wrap Meal or Extra Value meal. They simply need to show a valid student ID to get the deal.
In the US, McDonald’s offers 10% discount on your entire order if you’re a student. To get the discount, all you need to do is to show your valid student ID.
Keep in mind however that not all McDonald’s locations have a student discount program. I recommend you check with your local McD’s if they offer discounts to students before ordering, just to be sure.
Is the McDonald’s Student Discount Worth It?
Absolutely, and especially if you go to McDonald’s regularly. A few years ago, when I was in college, I would eat at McDonald’s 3-4x a week. Not very healthy, I know but what could I do? My typical order was a Quarter Pounder with Cheese Meal ($5.39 in 2014) or a 10-Piece McNugget Meal ($5.99 in 2014). I’d save about 50 cents per visit or around $10 per month which amounts to $120 a year.
More Ways for Students to Save at McDonald’s
Here are a few other ways you can save $$ at McDonald’s:
McDonald’s App Deals
The McDonald’s app has exclusive deals and offers you can use including discounts, freebies, and special promotions. Right now you can get a free large fries with a minimum order of $1. There are also area-specific deals available for large fries, you just have to download the app and spend a minute or two navigating it to find some amazing offers.
McDonald’s Rewards Program
The McDonald’s app also features a rewards program which lets you earn 100 points for every dollar you spend. Once you have accumulated enough points, you can then redeem them. Here are some examples:
- 1500 points: Free hash browns, McChicken, cheeseburger or vanilla cone.
- 6000 points: Free Quarter Pounder with Cheese, Big Mac, Bacon Egg & Cheese Biscuit or Happy Meal
Where else can I get a student discount?
Aside from McDonald’s, there are other fastfood chains that offer student discounts. Here’s my short list for you to check:
Burger King
Show your student ID and request for the student discount to receive 10% off your meal.
Dunkin’ Donuts
If you’re a student, you can get a 10% discount on your purchases.
Subway
Most campuses have at least one Subway nearby. With a student ID, you can get 10% off your total purchase at Subway.
Chick-fil-A
A lot of people outside the deep south might not know this, but if you use your student ID while ordering at Chick-fil-A, you get a free drink.
Pizza Hut
Pizza Hut offers a discount of 10-20% off your order depending on the location.
Arby’s
Save 10% off on those curly fries (or any meal) when you show your student ID at Arby’s.
Papa John’s
You can get a 10-20% discount if you have a valid student ID.
IHOP
Show up at IHOP with your student ID and get 10% off your order.
Taco Bell
Your student ID will get you a 10% discount at Taco Bell.
Domino’s
You can get a 10-20% discount on your meals with a student ID at Domino’s.
Can I combine discounts at McDonald’s?
You can’t combine discounts at McDonald’s. They will only let you use one offer per person per visit and cannot be used together with any other promotion.
Does McDonald’s give students discounts?
Yes McDonald’s has a student discount of 10% in participating locations. Check with your local restaurant if they have this offer available.
For more options and deals, you might be interested in learning about the McDonald’s Dinner Box