6 Restaurant Rewards Programs Worth Joining for Free Food, Birthday Treats and Cash Back
Free restaurant rewards programs give you instant perks, birthday treats and points on every order
Looking to save when you dine out at your favorite chain restaurants? Here’s a great place to start: Join the loyalty program! Many of these free memberships give you a chance to snag exclusive deals and offers, like free desserts, just by signing up. Plus, you’ll earn points every time you order, which leads to complimentary cash you can put towards your next purchase. If you’re wondering which options may be a good fit for you, we rounded up six of some of the best restaurant rewards programs so you can start earning today!
Top restaurant loyalty programs
Outback Steakhouse
Steakhouse fans will appreciate this free loyalty program! When you sign up, you’ll automatically be eligible to enjoy a Free Bloomin’ Onion on your next visit and a free birthday dessert on your birthday. But that’s not all!
For every $1 you spend at any of the Bloomin’ Brands restaurants (Outback, Carrabba’s, Bonefish and Fleming’s), you’ll earn 5 points. Once you collect 350 points from dine-in, carry-out or delivery orders, you automatically get a $5 reward to spend on your restaurant favorites.
Red Robin
If you’re a burger lover, the Red Robin Royalty program is hard to beat. Signing up means a complimentary appetizer with your first purchase, and after that you can start collecting points–one for every dollar spent. Hit just 100 points and you’ll score $10 in rewards—that’s like getting a free burger just for being a regular!
There are other perks to this program too, like early access to new arrivals, special offers and the chance to upgrade your Birthday Milkshake to a Birthday Burger when you spend just $10 during the year.
BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse
Join BJ’s Premier Rewards Plus and treat yourself to a free Pizookie–the chain’s famous oversized, warm, ooey-gooey chocolate chip cookie served in a deep dish and topped with creamy vanilla bean ice cream. Like Red Robin, the points system is super simple: you’ll earn one point per $1 spent, then automatically receive a $10 reward for every hundred points you earn.
Other benefits you’ll get to enjoy as a rewards member? Exclusive deals and in-app offers, a shorter wait time with a preferred waitlist and more.
Chili’s Grill & Bar
Becoming a My Chili’s Rewards member means a freebie every time you dine! Members get free chips and salsa with their visit, plus a free birthday dessert. Signing up also means access to personalized offers, so it’s certainly worth joining if you enjoy eating at your local Chili’s.
Best fast-casual restaurant rewards
Starbucks
The coffee chain is revamping its loyalty program as of March 10 to allow members to earn more perks faster and unlock more rewards. There will now be three different tiers: Green, Gold and Reserve.
In the Green entry level tier, members earn onr star for every dollar they spend. There are also included perks like a free birthday treat, personalized offers and the chance to enjoy “Free Mod Mondays,” which is a free drink customization each month.
The higher tiers offer even more benefits, like 1.2-1.7 stars for every $1 spent, exclusive merch, stars that never expire and a longer window to redeem your birthday treat.
Your tier level is based on how many stars you earned over a 12-month period, and you’ll be bumped up to the next tier as soon as you reach the threshold!
McDonald’s
McDonald’s fans, listen up! If you’re already hitting the drive-thru regularly, MyMcDonald’s Rewards is an absolute must-join. After you sign up through the McDonald’s app, you earn 100 points for every $1 spent on eligible purchases—which can earn you complimentary menu items!
Collect 1,500 points to snag freebies like hash browns or a vanilla cone, and earn even heartier options with each tier. For 6,000 points, you can get yourself a free Big Mac, Quarter Pounder with Cheese, 10-pc McNuggets or Happy Meal. Points do expire six months after they’re earned, so you’ll want to redeem them as soon as you can.
Taco Bell
This popular Mexican fast chain makes it extra fun to be a rewards member! The loyalty program is broken into tiers based on points earned, and each one offers its own unique bonuses. Plus, members in both tiers receive early access to new menu items, digital exclusives and Tuesday Drops. These sweepstakes-style and limited-time offers are available only in the Taco Bell app on Tuesdays, but they could give you a chance to score anything from $1 tacos to a major giveaway prize!
No matter what restaurant rewards programs you join, you can happily dine out knowing you’re earning free food every time you eat!
Additional reporting by Gabrielle Lichterman.
A version of this story first appeared in the February 23, 2026, print issue of Woman’s World magazine
Ready for more money-saving hacks? Subscribe to our YouTube channel for video podcasts, health tips and uplifting stories designed for women 40, 50, 60 and beyond.
Conversation
All comments are subject to our Community Guidelines. Woman's World does not endorse the opinions and views shared by our readers in our comment sections. Our comments section is a place where readers can engage in healthy, productive, lively, and respectful discussions. Offensive language, hate speech, personal attacks, and/or defamatory statements are not permitted. Advertising or spam is also prohibited.
