Tired of paying for food on a student’s budget? Then, don’t. Eating out doesn’t have to break the bank, as almost every major restaurant offers free food and freebie bonuses when you join their loyalty program, newsletter, or download their app. Here are a few options that you should definitely check out.
Auntie Anne’s
Download the free Auntie Anne’s My Pretzel Perks app and you’ll get a free pretzel after your first purchase. You’ll also receive a free pretzel on National Pretzel Day!
BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse
Get a free mini Pizookie (a fresh-baked cookie topped with ice cream) when you sign up for BJ’s Premier Rewards Program.
Bob Evans
Sign up for the My Bob Evans email list and they’ll email you a coupon for a free stack of hotcakes.
Burger King
Score a free Whopper by signing up for BK’s rewards program.
Chevys Fresh Mex
Score a free appetizer when you register for the Compadres Club.
Chili’s
Download the app and join the rewards program to automatically get 60 points, which is enough for a free chips and salsa appetizer.
Chipotle
Click here to get rewards for playing a game. That simple.
Cinnabon
Score a free Minibon when you sign up for Club Cinnabon.
California Pizza Kitchen
Download and join the Pizza Dough Rewards program to get a free small plate.
Coldstone Creamery
When you join Coldstone Creamery’s eClub, you’ll get a coupon for a “buy one creation, get one creation free.”
Del Taco
Sign up for the Raving Fan eClub and receive a coupon for TWO free grilled chicken tacos within 24 hours of signing up.
Denny’s
Simply show your ID on your birthday and get an “Original Grand Slam” meal for free.
Dunkin’ Donuts
DD’s rewards program gets you a free beverage when you sign up, on your birthday, and every time you rack up 200 points.
IHOP
Join IHOP’s Pancake Revolution, and you’ll get free pancakes for signing up, on your membership anniversary, and on your birthday. You can also get free pancakes on IHOP’s Free Pancake Day.
Jersey Mike’s Subs
Score points toward a free sub, with the Shore Points card.
Krispy Kreme
Register for the rewards program through the app to earn a free glazed donut.
Noodles & Company
Get a free bowl of noodles on your birthday, once you become part of the Noodles Family.
Olive Garden
Unlimited breadsticks AND a free dessert just for signing up as a member of the eClub—sounds like a win to me!
Panera Bread
Join MyPanera and you’ll get a free pastry item just for joining. They also give out tons of other freebies once you’re a member.
Pizza Hut
Score free cheese sticks with this e-mail sign up.
Qdoba
Free chips and salsa OR a free regular-sized drink once you join the Qdoba Rewards program.
Raising Cane’s
Get a free box combo just for joining the Caniac Club.
Rubio’s Coastal Grill
Grab yourself a free taco when you sign up for Beach Club.
Sbarro
Earn a free slice of ‘za once you join the Slice Society Email Club, as well as a surprise on your birthday!
Shake Shack
Use the code “shackappy” when you download the Shack App and create an account. You’ll get a free single ShackBurger just for signing up!
Sonic Drive-In
Get a free medium “slush” when you download the app and create an account.
Starbucks
Get a free drink on your birthday — and free food and beverages after every 10 purchases.
Steak ‘n Shake
Add the app to your phone, and you’ll get a regular-sized one milkshake for free with the first purchase you make with the app.
TGI Fridays
Get a free appetizer or dessert just for joining their Give Me More Stripes rewards program. You’ll also get a free dessert on your birthday.
Wendy’s
Snag a free Frosty when you sign up for WendyMail.
What are you waiting for? Grab your phone, sign up for a membership or download the restaurant app, and treat yourself to a free, off-campus meal!