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National Cheeseburger Day 2026 arrives Friday, September 18, with major restaurant chains offering free burgers, discounted menu items and special meal deals. Many of the promotions are available through loyalty programs, mobile apps or restaurant websites, and some require a minimum purchase.
From McDonald’s and Burger King to Wendy’s, Five Guys and Shake Shack, customers have several ways to celebrate the popular food holiday while keeping their fast-food spending under control. Availability may vary by location, and participating restaurants can set their own restrictions.
National Cheeseburger Day 2026 Deals Revealed
McDonald’s offers a free Double Cheeseburger
Members of the MyMcDonald’s Rewards program can receive a free Double Cheeseburger on Friday with a minimum $1 purchase through the McDonald’s app.
A McDonald’s spokesperson said the chain hopes fans will stop by for a favorite drink, snack or meal and add a Double Cheeseburger to mark the occasion. Customers can also check the app for additional weekly offers outside the holiday promotion.
Burger King serves up a free Bacon Cheeseburger
Burger King is celebrating with a weeklong lineup of Royal Perks offers. On National Cheeseburger Day, loyalty members can claim a free Bacon Cheeseburger with a minimum $3 purchase through the Burger King app.
The chain’s promotion continues after Friday. Customers can receive free four-piece Chicken Nuggets with a $3 purchase on September 19 and a free Original Chicken Sandwich with a $3 purchase on September 20.
Wendy’s drops Dave’s Single to $1.99
Wendy’s Rewards members can add a Dave’s Single Cheeseburger for $1.99 with any purchase through the company’s app or website. The offer is available at participating U.S. locations.
The promotion gives customers a lower-cost way to enjoy a classic cheeseburger, although app users should review the offer details before placing an order.
Five Guys brings back a buy-one-get-one offer
Five Guys is offering buy one, get one free burgers of equal or lesser value through Friday, according to USA Today. Customers must order online or through the Five Guys app and enter the code BOGOBURGER at checkout.
The offer is not valid for in-store purchases, making it especially important for customers to select the correct ordering method before completing a transaction.
Shake Shack features $5 burgers
Shake Shack customers can get a single ShackBurger or single Cheeseburger for $5 with any purchase by using the code BURGERDAY. The promotion is available through the Shake Shack app, website or in-store kiosks.
The deal gives customers flexibility, since the discount can be accessed through several ordering options. However, participating locations and other conditions may apply.
More cheeseburger promotions to watch
- Buffalo Wild Wings: Customers at participating locations can receive a free cheeseburger when they purchase another regularly priced cheeseburger. The offer excludes lunch combos and kids’ menu burgers and cannot be combined with other discounts.
- Carl’s Jr.: Rewards members can get any burger for half price with the purchase of a Hand-Scooped Ice-Cream Shake through the chain’s app.
- 7-Eleven: The retailer is offering a $6 meal deal that includes a 20-ounce Coke or Pepsi and a choice of an Angus Double Cheeseburger, Chicken Sandwich or Philly Cheesesteak.
- Red Robin: The chain is giving away 400 digital gift cards. Customers can enter by commenting on the restaurant’s September 18 social media post.
How to claim the best burger deals
Customers should download or open the participating restaurant’s app before ordering, join the required rewards program and check whether the promotion has a purchase minimum. Some deals are limited to one use, while others are available only at participating restaurants.
It is also wise to confirm the promotion at checkout. Restaurant offers can sell out, expire early or include exclusions involving delivery, kids’ meals, combo meals and in-store ordering. Comparing the required purchase with the value of the free or discounted item can help diners determine whether a deal is genuinely worthwhile.
With food prices remaining a concern for many households, National Cheeseburger Day offers a timely opportunity for fast-food fans to enjoy a favorite meal at a lower price. Still, customers should avoid adding unnecessary items simply to qualify for a promotion.
Frequently asked questions
When is National Cheeseburger Day 2026?
National Cheeseburger Day 2026 is Friday, September 18.
Which restaurant offers a free burger with a purchase?
McDonald’s offers a free Double Cheeseburger with a minimum $1 purchase for MyMcDonald’s Rewards members. Burger King offers a free Bacon Cheeseburger with a minimum $3 purchase for Royal Perks members.
Does Five Guys offer a free burger deal?
Yes. Five Guys is offering buy one, get one free burgers of equal or lesser value through Friday when customers order online or through the app and use the code BOGOBURGER.
How much is the Shake Shack burger promotion?
Customers can get a single ShackBurger or single Cheeseburger for $5 with any purchase by using the code BURGERDAY.
Do all National Cheeseburger Day deals apply at every location?
No. Many promotions are limited to participating locations, loyalty members or app orders. Customers should review the terms before ordering.
