National Cheeseburger Day deals: How to get free burgers from your favorite chains
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Cheeseburger fans, take note—Thursday, September 18 is National Cheeseburger Day, and it’s bringing a sizzling lineup of freebies and discounts.
From fast-food favorites like McDonald’s and Burger King to casual dining spots like Applebee’s and Red Robin, restaurants across the country are celebrating with limited-time burger deals.
Most of the offers are app-based or tied to loyalty programs, so having your phone ready will help you get the best bites.
Whether you’re craving a double stack, a slider, or something gourmet, there's a budget-friendly burger with your name on it.
Here's everything you need to know to celebrate deliciously and save.
Who invented the cheeseburger? It’s up for debate.
Before we jump into the deals, a quick look back: the origins of the cheeseburger are still contested.
Some food historians credit The Rite Spot in Pasadena, California (1926), while others point to O’Dell’s in Los Angeles (1928) or Kaelin’s Restaurant in Louisville (1934).
The Humpty Dumpty Drive-In in Denver even secured a trademark for the term “cheeseburger” in 1935.
No matter who grilled the first one, it’s safe to say we’ve all been enjoying the results ever since.
Also read: 10 iconic burger chains that vanished from American roads—do you remember these?
Burger King
McDonald’s
Dairy Queen
Also read: The chicken sandwich showdown heats up: this popular fast food chain is taking on Popeyes – who will win?
Applebee’s
Buffalo Wild Wings
Checkers & Rally’s
Source: Facebook / Checkers and Rally's
Also read: El Pollo Loco is celebrating National Chicken Month with up to $1 million in free meals
Sonic
White Castle
Red Robin (predicted deal)
Also read: Dairy Queen is giving away free cheeseburgers for National Cheeseburger Day—here’s how to get yours
How to get the most from these burger deals
Want to skip the lines? Host your own burger night
Prefer to celebrate at home? Fire up the grill and let each guest build their own cheeseburger!
Try different cheeses, sauces, or even plant-based patties.
It’s a fun and affordable way to make the day special—and you’ll avoid the drive-thru wait.
Read next: September specials: The best freebies you can grab this month
Do you celebrate National Cheeseburger Day every year? Have you found a favorite chain with the best burger deal—or do you have a homemade burger recipe that tops them all? Share your burger tips and traditions with us in the comments. We’d love to hear from you!
From fast-food favorites like McDonald’s and Burger King to casual dining spots like Applebee’s and Red Robin, restaurants across the country are celebrating with limited-time burger deals.
Most of the offers are app-based or tied to loyalty programs, so having your phone ready will help you get the best bites.
Whether you’re craving a double stack, a slider, or something gourmet, there's a budget-friendly burger with your name on it.
Here's everything you need to know to celebrate deliciously and save.
Celebrate National Cheeseburger Day with tasty deals from your favorite burger spots. Image Source: Pexels / Engin Akyurt.
Who invented the cheeseburger? It’s up for debate.
Before we jump into the deals, a quick look back: the origins of the cheeseburger are still contested.
Some food historians credit The Rite Spot in Pasadena, California (1926), while others point to O’Dell’s in Los Angeles (1928) or Kaelin’s Restaurant in Louisville (1934).
The Humpty Dumpty Drive-In in Denver even secured a trademark for the term “cheeseburger” in 1935.
No matter who grilled the first one, it’s safe to say we’ve all been enjoying the results ever since.
Also read: 10 iconic burger chains that vanished from American roads—do you remember these?
Burger King
- Deal: Free cheeseburger with any purchase of $1 or more
- How to claim: Sign up for the free Royal Perks rewards program and make a qualifying purchase through the app, online, or in-store
- Tip: Buying a small coffee or fries is enough to qualify
McDonald’s
- Deal: Double cheeseburgers for 50 cents
- How to claim: Order via the McDonald’s app on September 18 only
- Tip: The app often has bonus deals, so you may score extra savings
Dairy Queen
- Deal: Free Double Original Cheeseburger Stackburger with any $1+ order
- How to claim: Join DQ Rewards and order through the app or website
- When: Valid through September 19 for extra flexibility
Applebee’s
- Deal: Cheeseburger, bacon cheeseburger, or hamburger for $8.99
- How to claim: Dine in at participating locations
- Tip: Pair with fries and a drink for a full meal deal
Buffalo Wild Wings
- Deal: Buy one burger, get one free
- How to claim: Order through the BW3 app or website, or dine in on September 18
- Tip: Share with a friend or save one for later
Checkers & Rally’s
- Deal: Big Buford for $3
- How to claim: Available at participating locations from September 16–18
- Tip: A short window, so mark your calendar in advance
Source: Facebook / Checkers and Rally's
Also read: El Pollo Loco is celebrating National Chicken Month with up to $1 million in free meals
Sonic
- Deal: Buy one Double Sonic Smasher, get one free
- How to claim: Valid only on September 18
- Tip: Great excuse to bring a friend or treat yourself twice!
White Castle
- Deal: Free slider with promo code SAYCHEESE
- How to claim: Use the code in-app or online from September 18 to 21
- Tip: Sliders go fast—grab a few to make it a meal
Red Robin (predicted deal)
- Deal: Gourmet cheeseburger for $10 (regularly $14.99)
- How to claim: Available through September 19 at select locations
- Tip: Red Robin’s burgers come with unlimited fries—don’t forget
White Castle fans, don’t miss out—use promo code SAYCHEESE to score a free slider during National Cheeseburger Day week. Image Source: Facebook / White Castle.
Also read: Dairy Queen is giving away free cheeseburgers for National Cheeseburger Day—here’s how to get yours
How to get the most from these burger deals
- Download the apps ahead of time. Most deals require mobile ordering or loyalty accounts
- Double-check restrictions. Some offers are dine-in only; others allow takeout or delivery
- Use BOGO offers wisely. Grab a friend, or save one burger for later
- Earn future rewards. Many apps let you rack up points with these promos
Want to skip the lines? Host your own burger night
Prefer to celebrate at home? Fire up the grill and let each guest build their own cheeseburger!
Try different cheeses, sauces, or even plant-based patties.
It’s a fun and affordable way to make the day special—and you’ll avoid the drive-thru wait.
Read next: September specials: The best freebies you can grab this month
Do you celebrate National Cheeseburger Day every year? Have you found a favorite chain with the best burger deal—or do you have a homemade burger recipe that tops them all? Share your burger tips and traditions with us in the comments. We’d love to hear from you!
