7 Fast Food Apps That Are Worth Downloading for the Rewards (And 6 That Aren't)

Fast food rewards programs can help you save money eating out, especially when they’re easy to use.

But not all fast food mobile apps allow you to easily earn perks and points that make them worth the download.

Check out these fast food apps that are a must — and the ones that are a bust — based on a study by Finance Buzz.

Average return on spend (“cash back”) rate: 15%

Download the Pizza Hut app and get an extra large slice of the rewards pie when you spend money there.

For example, the Finance Buzz study found that you only need to spend around $37 to earn enough points you can redeem for breadsticks, which cost $7.79 normally.

The app also regularly offers coupons and specials, in addition to the typical rewards you’ve earned.

Average return on spend (“cash back”) rate: 13%

One of the great things about the Taco Bell Rewards Program is the variety of items you can choose from when you cash in points for rewards, compared to other restaurants with limited rewards items.

You can also earn your way to additional savings tiers based on how many points you earn per calendar year.

Average return on spend (“cash back”) rate: 13%

Hardee’s and Carls Jr. allow you to cash in rewards points at different levels, so you can either pick up something with a few points or hold out and redeem them for things like burgers and chicken tenders.

Average return on spend (“cash back”) rate: 12%

You only need to spend $25 through the KFC app to earn a value entree or side item, so it could be worth signing up for the rewards program even if you don’t frequent KFC often.

You can also save points and cash in your rewards for a signature entree after spending only $75.

Average return on spend (“cash back”) rate: 11%

McDonald’s gives users a point for every penny they spend, so you can easily run up points for items like medium fries or a value sandwich.

The app also gives you special discounts and deals, so it’s good to keep an eye on other savings you can get there. Free Fries Friday, for example, could nab you a free medium fries with a purchase that’s more than a dollar.

Average return on spend (“cash back”) rate: 11%

Other rewards programs let you earn points for sides and small items, but one of the great things about Popeye’s is you can earn points for even combo meals if you want to save up points for a big item.

The Finance Buzz study found that spending $100 at Popeye’s could earn you points for a three-piece chicken tender combo meal that includes a drink, side, and biscuit.

Average return on spend (“cash back”) rate: 10%

Wendy’s offers rewards points and coupons in the same app to help you save money. Unlike some other rewards programs, the restaurant chain will let you use coupons and rewards points in the same transaction.

Average return on spend (“cash back”) rate: 8%

One of the downsides to Jersey Mike’s rewards program is that you earn points based on what you order instead of how much you spend, so it could take longer to accumulate points that you can cash in for items.

For example, you’d have to spend more than $100 before you were eligible for a free regular sandwich at Jersey Mike’s, according to the Finance Buzz study.

Average return on spend (“cash back”) rate: 7%

Burger King doesn’t get you as much of a reward for your points as other restaurants, but you can get upsize items while other apps don’t give you that option.

The mobile app also gives you access to coupons and your options are tailored to local restaurants depending on which ones accept certain coupons.

Average return on spend (“cash back”) rate: 6%

Chick-fil-A may be popular for its chicken sandwiches and waffle fries, but you’ll have to buy more fries there than at other restaurants to earn similar rewards based on the cash value.

The Finance Buzz survey found that users would have to spend 16 times the value of an item to earn enough redeemable points to get that item for free instead.

Average return on spend (“cash back”) rate: 6%

Dunkin’ helps you earn points for items like donuts or coffee, but it’s harder to get a good value for points earned if you want something bigger, like a breakfast sandwich.

You can earn a donut after spending $25 through the app, but to redeem points for that breakfast sandwich, you would have to spend around $75 first to get enough points.

Average return on spend (“cash back”) rate: 5%

Earning enough points to make a reward worth it at Chipotle can be challenging. The Finance Buzz study found that Chipotle app users would have to spend more than $160 to earn a free entree.

The mobile app does give users a birthday reward and will occasionally drop free food options that you can cash in if you’re paying attention to deals.

Average return on spend (“cash back”) rate: 2%

Starbucks rewards users with a point for every dollar spent, but that could add up with basic bakery items needing 100 points before you can get one for free.

On the other hand, the app offers coupons, deals, and other rewards for customers so it’s a good idea to check in before you check out and see if you have any deals and discounts available.

Fast food apps can be a good option if you’re on the go or frequent one particular restaurant, especially if you’re trying to save money when you’re on the go.

You also might want to download mobile apps for your local grocery stores. You may be surprised by how much you can save on groceries on the nights when you’re eating at home.