20 Deals, Discounts and Freebies for National Cheeseburger Day
From BOGO offers to free burgers, dozens of restaurant chains are rolling out their best cheeseburger promotions on September 18.
Every year on September 18, food lovers across the country mark National Cheeseburger Day — a celebration that stands entirely apart from the comparatively cheese-free National Burger Day, which takes place on May 28. This year, the holiday lands on a Friday, giving the workweek a deliciously satisfying send-off. Dozens of restaurant chains are seizing the moment to roll out deals, discounts, and outright freebies in honor of the occasion. Whether your preference runs toward a simple classic or a loaded, stacked masterpiece, there is no shortage of ways to mark the day with a burger in hand and savings in your pocket. The offers below span fast-food giants and sit-down chains alike — so read on, save the ones you want, and plan your September 18 accordingly.
National Cheeseburger Day falls on September 18 every year. National Burger Day is a separate holiday celebrated on May 28. This year, September 18 falls on a Friday — making it an ideal way to close out the week with a bargain bite.
The Biggest Fast Food Cheeseburger Deals to Know Before September 18
Some of the most accessible deals on National Cheeseburger Day come from fast-food chains with widespread locations and app-based loyalty programs. These offers are typically redeemable with a small minimum purchase or through a rewards account, making them easy to take advantage of with minimal effort.
Burger King is treating its National Cheeseburger Day promotion as the centerpiece of a broader event called “Perks Week” — a string of daily offers running from September 14 through September 20 exclusively for Royal Perks members via the Burger King app and website. On Monday, September 14, members can score a free Rodeo Burger with a $3 minimum purchase. Tuesday, September 15 brings a BOGO deal on the Whopper Jr. Wednesday, September 16 offers a free Croissan’wich with a $3 minimum purchase. Thursday, September 17 features a free Hamburger with a $3 minimum purchase. Friday, September 18 — dubbed “the main event” by the brand — rewards members with a free Bacon Cheeseburger on a $3 minimum purchase. The weekend caps things off with free 4-piece Nuggets on Saturday, September 19, and a free Original Chicken Sandwich on Sunday, September 20, each requiring at least a $3 purchase.
McDonald’s is keeping things simple and rewarding on September 18: customers who order through the McDonald’s App and opt into MyMcDonald’s Rewards at participating restaurants can claim a free Double Cheeseburger with a minimum purchase of just $1. It is one of the more straightforward offers of the day and one that is hard to beat for sheer value.
Dairy Queen is extending its National Cheeseburger Day window beyond just the 18th. From September 14 through September 18, new and existing DQ Rewards members at participating DQ Grill & Chill locations can get a free single Original Cheeseburger Signature Stackburger with any app or online order of $1 or more. The deal is accessible through the DQ Mobile App or at dairyqueen.com.
Krystal is offering its own app-based deal on September 18: any customer who makes a $5 purchase through the Krystal app on National Cheeseburger Day will receive two free Original or Cheese Krystal sliders to go along with their order.
Casual Dining Chains Serving Up Cheeseburger Savings on September 18
Sit-down restaurant chains are also joining the National Cheeseburger Day festivities with a range of discounts that make a dine-in experience even more appealing on the holiday.
Applebee’s is bringing back one of its most popular annual offers for National Cheeseburger Day on September 18: the Applebee’s Classic Burger or Classic Cheeseburger paired with fries for $8.99. The deal is available for dine-in and to-go orders placed in restaurant, through the Applebee’s website, or via the mobile app. For guests who want to take the cheesy celebration even further, the chain’s new O-M-Cheese-adilla Burger is also available at regular price.
Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar is welcoming dine-in guests on Friday, September 18, with a deal on its limited-time Jalapeño Business burger accompanied by a classic side for $10.
Buffalo Wild Wings may be best known for its wings, but B-Dubs is leaning into burger territory for National Cheeseburger Day. On September 18, participating locations will offer a BOGO cheeseburger deal — buy one cheeseburger at regular price and receive a second of equal or lesser value at no additional cost.
Huddle House is rewarding its loyalty members on September 18 with a free single smash burger in recognition of National Cheeseburger Day.
Perkins Restaurant & Bakery is celebrating the holiday with what it is calling a “BFP” (Burger, Fries & Pie) meal, priced at $10.99. The package combines a cheeseburger served on a warm brioche bun, a side of fries, and a slice of pie — making it an unusually complete value for the occasion.
Tender Greens is offering its Rewards members a complimentary drink with the purchase of a Tender Burger or Tender Burger Plate on September 18.
Every Cheeseburger Deal, Discount, and Freebie — Full Restaurant Breakdown
Here is the complete rundown of every participating chain, what they are offering, and how to get it on or around September 18.
The Applebee’s Classic Burger or Classic Cheeseburger plus fries for $8.99 on September 18. Valid for dine-in and to-go orders placed in restaurant, on the website, or via the mobile app.
Dine-in guests on September 18 can order the limited-time Jalapeño Business with a classic side for $10.
A $9.18 meal deal on September 18 featuring a 4-ounce Palace Classic Cheeseburger, fries, and a small fountain drink at participating locations. Available for dine-in or pickup via the Bobby’s Burgers app.
Buy one regular-priced cheeseburger and get a second of equal or lesser value free at participating locations on September 18.
A week of daily Royal Perks deals (Sept. 14–20). The September 18 highlight: a free Bacon Cheeseburger with a $3 minimum purchase via the BK app or website.
Free single Original Cheeseburger Signature Stackburger with any $1+ app order for DQ Rewards members. Available September 14–18 at participating DQ Grill & Chill locations.
Dog Haus Rewards members who purchase a cheeseburger through their rewards account on September 18 will receive a voucher for a free cheeseburger on a future visit.
On September 18, order Eddie’s Prime Cheeseburger with house-made potato chips for $15 via online ordering for takeout or delivery.
Very Important Farmer (VIF) loyalty members can get the Big Cheese cheeseburger for $3.99 on September 18. Valid for in-store or online orders; not valid on third-party delivery or combo meals.
From September 18–20, Freddy’s Rewards app members can get 50% off any Freddy’s Triple Steakburger (excluding the Prime), redeemable at the drive-through, dine-in, pickup, or delivery.
This Colorado-based chain offers $2.99 Deluxe Cheeseburgers on September 18 in-restaurant and through the app. Also running all September: $1 fountain drinks in any size.
Rewards Members can redeem a free single smash burger on September 18 in honor of National Cheeseburger Day.
Make any $5 in-app purchase on September 18 and receive two free Original or Cheese Krystal sliders added to your order.
On September 18, app users who opt into MyMcDonald’s Rewards at participating locations can get a free Double Cheeseburger with a $1 minimum purchase.
MOOYAH Rewards members can unlock a BOGO offer on September 18 through the MOOYAH app, valid on all MOOYAH burgers including the Cheeseburger, MDC Double Cheeseburger, Hot Bacon Jam, Mushroom Swiss Burger, and Double Diablo.
