20 Best Deals and Freebies for National Cheeseburger Day
From buy-one-get-one offers to $1 burgers and complimentary freebies, here’s every confirmed deal landing on September 18, 2026.
National Cheeseburger Day arrives on Friday, September 18, 2026, and across the country, restaurant chains large and small are rolling out an impressive spread of deals, discounts, and outright freebies to help Americans celebrate the occasion in the most delicious way possible. Not to be confused with National Burger Day — observed every May 28 — this particular holiday is dedicated specifically to the cheese-topped version of the classic American patty, and the timing couldn’t be better: falling on a Friday means the celebration doubles as the ideal way to kick off a weekend. Whether you’re a drive-through regular or a sit-down burger devotee, 2026’s lineup of promotions covers every preference and budget.
National Burger Day (May 28) and National Cheeseburger Day (September 18) are two separate food observances. The September date draws significantly more restaurant participation, likely because of the widespread love for the cheese-topped version. This year, with September 18 landing on a Friday, deal hunters are expecting one of the most active National Cheeseburger Day promotional seasons yet.
Heavy Hitters: National Cheeseburger Day Deals at the Biggest Fast Food Chains
Some of the most attention-grabbing National Cheeseburger Day offers in 2026 come from the country’s largest fast food brands, where app-based rewards programs are doing much of the heavy lifting. McDonald’s is putting its loyalty program front and center: on September 18, MyMcDonald’s Rewards members who place an order through the McDonald’s App with a minimum $1 purchase at participating restaurants can claim a free Double Cheeseburger. Meanwhile, Burger King is turning the holiday into a full week-long affair it’s calling “Perks Week,” running from September 14 through September 20 exclusively for Royal Perks members via the Burger King app and website. The promotion rolls out a different daily offer each day: a free Rodeo Burger with a $3 minimum purchase on Monday, September 14; a BOGO Whopper Jr. on Tuesday, September 15; a free Croissan’wich with a $3 minimum on Wednesday, September 16; a free Hamburger with a $3 minimum on Thursday, September 17; and then — what the brand itself describes as “the main event” — a free Bacon Cheeseburger with a $3 minimum purchase on Friday, September 18. The Perks Week run doesn’t stop there: on Saturday, September 19, members can pick up free 4-piece Nuggets with a $3 minimum purchase, and on Sunday, September 20, a free Original Chicken Sandwich with the same qualifying spend rounds out the week.
Casual Dining and Fast-Casual Cheeseburger Specials Worth Knowing About
Applebee’s is keeping things simple and accessible on September 18 with a $8.99 deal on either the Applebee’s Classic Burger or Classic Cheeseburger, both served with fries. The promotion is open for dine-in guests and anyone placing to-go orders in-restaurant, through the Applebee’s website, or via the mobile app — and for those who want an extra layer of indulgence, the new O-M-Cheese-adilla Burger is available at regular price. Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar is bringing some heat to the holiday: dine-in guests on September 18 can grab the chain’s limited-time Jalapeño Business burger paired with a classic side for $10. Smashburger is offering what might be the deal of the day for burger enthusiasts — on September 18, SmashRewards loyalty members can order any single Smashburger, from classic to signature builds, for just $1 at participating locations nationwide. The offer covers dine-in, to-go orders through the Smashburger app, and first-party delivery, though it cannot be stacked with other promotions. MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes is rewarding its MOOYAH Rewards members on September 18 with a buy-one-get-one free offer through the app, valid on every burger on the menu including the MOOYAH Cheeseburger, MDC Double Cheeseburger, Hot Bacon Jam, Mushroom Swiss Burger, and Double Diablo.
The majority of National Cheeseburger Day 2026 deals require either a restaurant loyalty account, a minimum app purchase, or both. Downloading chain apps before September 18 and ensuring rewards accounts are active will be essential to unlocking most of the best promotions listed below.
Every Confirmed National Cheeseburger Day Restaurant Offer for 2026
On September 18, get the Classic Burger or Classic Cheeseburger plus fries for $8.99 via dine-in, to-go, the website, or the mobile app. The new O-M-Cheese-adilla Burger is also available at its regular menu price.
Dine-in guests on September 18 can order the limited-time Jalapeño Business burger with a classic side for $10 — a bold, heat-forward option exclusive to the restaurant floor.
A $9.18 meal deal on September 18 features a 4-ounce Palace Classic Cheeseburger, fries, and a small fountain drink at participating locations. Order via the Bobby’s Burgers app for dine-in or pick-up.
Known for wings, B-Dubs is pivoting to burgers on September 18 with a BOGO cheeseburger deal: buy one regular-priced cheeseburger and get a second of equal or lesser value for free at participating locations.
Royal Perks members enjoy a full week of daily deals (September 14–20), culminating in a free Bacon Cheeseburger with a $3 minimum purchase on September 18 — the brand’s self-proclaimed “main event.”
From September 14 through September 18, DQ Rewards members — new and existing — can snag a free single Original Cheeseburger Signature Stackburger with any app or online order of $1 or more 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 complimentary cheeseburger to redeem on a future visit.
Order Eddie’s Prime Cheeseburger with house-made potato chips online for takeout or delivery on September 18 and the combo comes out to $15 — an elevated option for those who want a steakhouse-caliber celebration.
This West Coast chain is giving its Very Important Farmer (VIF) loyalty members the Big Cheese cheeseburger for $3.99 on September 18. Available in-store and online, but not through third-party delivery or as part of a combo meal.
From September 18 through September 20, Freddy’s Rewards app members can get 50% off any Freddy’s Triple Steakburger (excluding the Prime) — redeemable at the drive-through, in the dining room, and on pickup or delivery orders.
Colorado-based Good Times is offering Deluxe Cheeseburgers for $2.99 on September 18 in-restaurant and through the app. The chain is also running a $1 fountain drink deal in any size for the entire month of September.
Rewards Members at Huddle House can claim a free single smash burger on September 18 in recognition of National Cheeseburger Day — a simple, no-frills freebie for loyal customers.
On September 18, any customer making a $5 or more purchase in the Krystal app will receive two free Original or Cheese Krystal sliders added to their order — a tasty bonus for existing app users.
MyMcDonald’s Rewards members can score a free Double Cheeseburger on September 18 with just a $1 minimum purchase when ordering through the McDonald’s App at participating restaurant locations.
MOOYAH Rewards members get a buy-one-get-one free burger through the MOOYAH app on September 18. The BOGO is valid on all burgers — MOOYAH Cheeseburger, MDC Double Cheeseburger, Hot Bacon Jam, Mushroom Swiss Burger, and Double Diablo.
Perkins is marking the holiday with its “BFP” — Burger, Fries & Pie — for $10.99. The meal includes a cheeseburger served on a warm brioche bun, a side of fries, and a full slice of pie for dessert.
SmashRewards members can order any single Smashburger for $1 on September 18 at participating locations — available in-restaurant, via the app for to-go orders, and on first-party delivery. Cannot be combined with other offers.
Order the Signature Angus Burger and fries online for takeout or delivery on September 18 and the combination is priced at $15 — a premium steakhouse option for National Cheeseburger Day at a deal-friendly price point.
Tender Greens Rewards members who purchase a Tender Burger or Tender Burger Plate on September 18 will receive a complimentary drink — a clean, simple reward for loyalty members on National Cheeseburger Day.
Related Posts
9 Auto Insurance Discounts Seniors Should Ask About
9 Auto Insurance Discounts Seniors Should Ask About Auto insurance costs can be a significant expense for older adults living on fixed incomes. However, many…
The First Warning Signs of Nerve Damage Many People Miss
Health & Wellness The First Warning Signs of Nerve Damage Many People Miss Understanding subtle symptoms that may indicate peripheral neuropathy before it progresses Nerve…
Health Tests Every Senior Should Understand
Health & Wellness Guide Health Tests Every Senior Should Understand A comprehensive guide to the essential medical screenings and diagnostic procedures recommended for older adults…