National Cheeseburger Day, observed annually on September 18, serves as a significant promotional event for the restaurant industry. In 2025, numerous national and regional chains are participating by offering a variety of freebies, discounts, and special value menus. These offers are primarily distributed through mobile applications, loyalty programs, and specific ordering platforms. The following guide details the specific deals available, eligibility requirements, and redemption methods for consumers looking to participate in the event.
Major Chain Offers and App-Based Deals
A significant portion of National Cheeseburger Day promotions in 2025 requires the use of restaurant-specific mobile applications or enrollment in digital loyalty programs. These platforms serve as the primary channel for distributing high-value offers, including free items and deep discounts.
McDonald’s McDonald’s is utilizing its mobile application to drive engagement on September 18. Customers can purchase a Double Cheeseburger for $0.50 through the app. This offer is exclusive to the app, restricted to one per customer, and requires a direct order through the platform. Additionally, after the first purchase made via the MyMcDonald’s Rewards system in the app, users will earn 1,500 bonus points, which can be redeemed for future free items.
Burger King Burger King is offering incentives to its Royal Perks and Royal Rewards members. On September 18, members can receive a free bacon cheeseburger with a purchase of $1 or more. This offer must be redeemed using the Burger King mobile app. A similar report indicates a free standard cheeseburger with a $1 purchase using the app, suggesting flexibility in the specific burger type offered depending on the location or specific promotion tier.
Dairy Queen Dairy Queen is targeting its DQ Rewards members with a free Double Original Cheeseburger Signature Stackburger. This item is available with any online or in-app purchase of $1 or more. The promotion is valid on September 18.
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers Freddy’s is extending its promotion over four days, from September 18 through September 21. Customers with the Freddy’s rewards app can claim a free Freddy’s Original Double Steakburger with any purchase of $10 or more. This offer is exclusively available through the Freddy’s app.
Jack In The Box Jack In The Box is offering a week-long promotion leading up to the holiday. From September 12 through 18, customers can purchase a Smashed Jack burger for $5 in-store or on the Jack App (limit one per day per user). On September 15, which is identified as National Double Cheeseburger Day, the chain offers buy-one-get-one (BOGO) Jr. Cheeseburgers. On September 18 specifically, customers can receive a free Jr. burger with a purchase.
Value Menus and Discounted Pricing
Several chains are focusing on reduced pricing rather than full freebies, offering single burgers or value meals at a discount on September 18. These offers are often valid for dine-in, pickup, or delivery through specific channels.
Smashburger Smashburger is offering significant savings on its signature items. Guests can purchase any single Smashburger for $4.99 at participating locations. This offer is valid for dine-in, pickup, and delivery orders placed directly through Smashburger’s website and mobile app. For online delivery or pickup orders, the promo code BURGERDAY25 is required. Smashburger is also reportedly offering a $5 Double Classic Burger on the same day.
Applebee’s Applebee’s is bringing back its Classic Burger Deal for National Cheeseburger Day. Customers can choose one of three burgers: a Classic Bacon Cheeseburger, Classic Cheeseburger, or Classic Burger. This is bundled with a side of fries for $8.99. No promo code is required. The offer is valid for website, mobile app, or dine-in orders on September 18 only.
Checkers / Rally’s Checkers and Rally’s are offering their signature Big Buford burger for $3 at participating locations nationwide. This offer is valid while supplies last on September 18.
Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar Bad Daddy’s is offering a Double Classic Smash Burger paired with a choice of fries, sweet potato fries, tots, or housemade chips for $10 on September 18. This deal is available for both dine-in and online orders.
Carl’s Jr. Carl’s Jr. is offering a half-priced Western Bacon Cheeseburger with the purchase of any large fountain drink on National Cheeseburger Day.
STK Steakhouse STK Steakhouse is offering an STK Wagyu Burger & Fries for $7.99 (or $9.99 in New York City) for takeout and delivery orders on September 18.
Red Robin Red Robin is offering week-long deals for its Royalty members from September 13 through September 19. Members receive BOGO 50% off cheeseburgers, with the discount applying to the second cheeseburger purchase. This deal can be used once per day throughout the week.
BOGO Offers and Free Sides
Buy-one-get-one (BOGO) offers and free side items are common promotional tactics used to increase average order value while providing perceived value to the customer.
Buffalo Wild Wings Buffalo Wild Wings is offering a BOGO deal on cheeseburgers for Blazin’ Rewards members. Members can buy one cheeseburger and get a second one free all day on National Cheeseburger Day.
BurgerFi BurgerFi is offering a buy-one-get-one-for-$1 deal on its cheeseburgers on September 18.
Wayback Burgers Wayback Burgers is offering a BOGO classic burger deal for one day only on September 18.
Whataburger Whataburger is offering free fries or onion rings of any size with the purchase of the No. 5 Bacon & Cheese Whataburger. This offer is valid on September 18 and can be claimed by ordering through the Whataburger app or online.
Savvy Sliders Savvy Sliders is offering a BOGO cheeseburger deal for National Cheeseburger Day.
Buona Buona is offering a free order of fries with any purchase of a cheeseburger on September 18.
Buffalo’s Cafe and Hurricane Grill & Wings Both Buffalo’s Cafe and Hurricane Grill & Wings are offering a free soda with every cheeseburger sold on September 18.
Delivery Platform and Regional Specifics
Some offers are tied to third-party delivery services or specific regional availability.
DoorDash / Shake Shack Customers ordering through DoorDash on September 18 can receive $9 off a purchase of $25 or more at Shake Shack.
The Habit Burger Grill The Habit Burger Grill is offering a free Charburger with cheese to customers who order through UberEats on September 17 and September 18. A $20 minimum purchase is required for this offer.
Teton Waters Ranch Teton Waters Ranch is offering 15% off its burger blends on its website, TetonWatersRanch.com, from September 17 through September 19. The promo code NATLCHEESEBURGERDAY15 is required.
Conclusion
National Cheeseburger Day 2025 offers a wide range of opportunities for consumers to access free food and discounted meals, primarily through digital engagement. The majority of high-value offers, such as free burgers with purchase, are gated behind mobile app downloads and loyalty program enrollment. Consumers seeking to participate should prepare by downloading relevant apps and checking for specific promo codes, such as BURGERDAY25 for Smashburger, or purchase thresholds, such as the $10 minimum at Freddy’s or $20 minimum at The Habit Burger Grill. Availability for most offers is strictly limited to September 18, with a few extending to the surrounding days.