National Cheeseburger Day, observed annually on September 18, offers U.S. consumers a prime opportunity to enjoy discounted and complimentary cheeseburgers from a wide array of national and regional restaurant chains. In 2025, the holiday falls on a Thursday, with numerous brands promoting special offers to attract customers. These promotions range from fully free burgers to significant discounts and bonus items, often requiring specific actions such as app downloads, loyalty program enrollment, or minimum purchases. This article provides a detailed overview of the available deals, eligibility requirements, and redemption processes based on information from multiple promotional sources.
The scope of offers for National Cheeseburger Day 2025 is extensive, covering fast-food giants, casual dining establishments, and burger-focused eateries. Key themes include the prevalence of digital engagement, with many deals exclusive to mobile app users or online orders, and the importance of loyalty program membership for accessing the best freebies. Consumers should note that while some offers are available to all customers, others are restricted to existing or newly enrolled rewards members. Additionally, certain deals are time-sensitive, with validity periods extending from a single day to several days around September 18.
Key National Chains and Their 2025 Offers
A significant number of major restaurant chains have confirmed participation in National Cheeseburger Day 2025. The following list consolidates deals from the provided sources, highlighting the primary offer, eligibility criteria, and redemption method for each brand. It is important to recognize that offer details can vary by location and may be subject to change; consumers are advised to verify with their local restaurant or the brand’s official website.
- Applebee’s: Offers an $8.99 Classic Burger deal, which includes a choice of Classic Cheeseburger, Classic Bacon Cheeseburger, or Classic Burger, served with fries. This deal is valid for dine-in and to-go orders on September 18 only.
- Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar: Features a Double Classic Smash Burger with a choice of side (fries, sweet potato fries, tots, or homemade chips) for $10. The offer is valid for online, in-app, and in-store purchases on September 18.
- Buffalo Wild Wings: Blazin’ Rewards members receive a BOGO (buy one, get one free) deal on burgers. This offer is valid for takeout, delivery, and dine-in orders on September 18.
- Buffalo’s Cafe: Provides a free Pepsi with the purchase of a cheeseburger on September 18, valid for dine-in only.
- Burger King: Royal Perks members can get a free bacon cheeseburger with any purchase of $1 or more on September 18. The offer is valid from September 18 to September 21. Additional freebies with a $1 purchase are available all week (September 15–21).
- Dairy Queen: DQ Rewards members receive a free Double Original Cheeseburger Signature Stackburger with any online or in-app purchase of $1 or more. This deal is valid from September 15 to September 19.
- Del Taco: Del Yeah! Rewards members can access a BOGO deal on Double Del Cheeseburgers when ordering online or in-app on September 18.
- Farmer Boys: Very Important Farmer (VIF) loyalty members can purchase a Big Cheese Cheeseburger for $4 on September 18, with a limit of one per person.
- McDonald’s: Rewards members can get a free cheeseburger with a minimum $1 purchase through the McDonald’s app on September 18. An alternative 50-cent double cheeseburger deal is also mentioned, requiring app ordering and a rewards account.
- Mooyah: App members can get The MDC for $5 with any $5+ purchase on September 18.
- Shake Shack: Offers free cheeseburgers from 11 A.M. to 2 P.M on September 18. A DoorDash promotion provides $9 off a Shake Shack order of $25 or more on the same day.
- Smashburger: Sells a single burger for $5 on September 18. The deal requires ordering online or via the mobile app and using promo code “BURGERDAY25.” Choices include classic, bacon, BBQ bacon, spicy jalapeno, or truffle mushroom burgers.
- Wayback Burgers: Sells classic burgers for $5 on September 18, available in-restaurant, online, or through the mobile app. No rewards membership is required, and customers may purchase two burgers at the special price. A single Cheesy combo meal is also available for $7 through October.
Eligibility and Redemption Processes
Access to the most valuable National Cheeseburger Day freebies is frequently tied to digital platforms and loyalty programs. The sources indicate that several brands require customers to be members of their rewards programs to redeem offers. For example, Burger King’s free bacon cheeseburger is exclusive to Royal Perks members, and Dairy Queen’s free stackburger is for DQ Rewards members. Similarly, Buffalo Wild Wings’ BOGO deal is for Blazin’ Rewards members, and Farmer Boys’ discount is for Very Important Farmer loyalty members.
Enrollment in these programs is typically free and can be completed through the brand’s mobile app or website. For consumers not already enrolled, some sources suggest signing up in advance to ensure eligibility on September 18. The Huddle House offer, for instance, is available to Huddle House Rewards members, and the source notes that non-members can sign up for free before the event.
Redemption methods are predominantly digital. Many deals, including those from Applebee’s (for to-go), Burger King, Dairy Queen, Del Taco, McDonald’s, Mooyah, and Smashburger, require ordering through the brand’s mobile app or online website. This digital-first approach allows brands to track engagement and reduce fraud. However, some offers are available for in-store or dine-in purchases, such as the Applebee’s deal (dine-in or to-go), Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar (in-store, online, or in-app), Buffalo’s Cafe (dine-in only), and Buffalo Wild Wings (dine-in, takeout, or delivery).
Minimum purchase requirements are common for certain freebies. Burger King, Dairy Queen, and McDonald’s all require a minimum purchase of $1 to trigger their free burger offer. This strategy encourages customers to spend additional money while claiming the free item.
Additional Considerations for Consumers
While the listed deals are widely promoted, the sources advise caution regarding local variations and offer validity. Some deals may be specific to certain locations or regions, and it is recommended to call the local restaurant before making a special trip. Furthermore, all offers are valid only for the specified dates, with most centered on September 18, 2025, though some extend slightly before or after (e.g., Burger King’s week-long promotion).
The sources also highlight that these deals are promotional and not part of a free sample program. They are temporary offers from restaurants to celebrate a specific holiday. For consumers interested in ongoing free samples and trials in categories like beauty, baby care, or household goods, the sources recommend consulting dedicated free sample websites and social media channels for real-time updates.
In summary, National Cheeseburger Day 2025 presents a valuable opportunity for U.S. consumers to enjoy discounted or complimentary cheeseburgers. Success in securing the best deals depends on proactive enrollment in relevant loyalty programs, familiarity with digital ordering platforms, and attention to specific offer terms and conditions. By planning ahead and verifying details with local establishments, consumers can effectively participate in this annual food-centric celebration.