National Cheeseburger Day 2026: Where to Find Free and Discounted Burgers

If you needed an excuse to grab a cheeseburger, National Cheeseburger Day is here.

Friday, September 18, is National Cheeseburger Day, and several popular restaurant chains are celebrating with free burgers, discounted meals, and other special offers. Some deals are available to everyone, while others require a restaurant app or rewards membership.

Here are some of the deals you can find on National Cheeseburger Day.

McDonald's is celebrating with a free Double Cheeseburger for MyMcDonald's Rewards members.

You'll need to make a minimum $1 purchase through the McDonald's app to claim the offer. The deal is limited to one free Double Cheeseburger per person at participating locations.

Burger King is also getting in on the celebration.

Royal Perks members can get a free Bacon Cheeseburger with a $3 purchase through the Burger King app or website.

Smashburger Rewards members can get a single Smashburger for just $1 on September 18.

The offer excludes the Smoked Brisket Bacon Smash and is available to participating customers through the restaurant's rewards program.

Five Guys is offering burger fans a chance to get more for their money.

Customers can get a buy-one, get-one-free burger deal when ordering through the Five Guys website or app with the code BOGOBURGER. The promotion began September 16.

Looking for a sit-down meal?

Applebee's is offering its Classic Burger or Classic Cheeseburger with fries for $8.99 on September 18. The offer is available for dine-in and to-go orders at participating locations.

Ruby Tuesday is offering burgers and sandwiches with fries for $6.99 as part of its National Cheeseburger Day promotion. Participating locations and restrictions may apply.

Checkers is dropping the price of its Big Buford to $3 for the holiday, giving burger fans another inexpensive way to celebrate.

Many of this year's National Cheeseburger Day deals require a restaurant's mobile app or rewards program. Before heading out, check the individual restaurant's app to make sure you're eligible for the promotion and that the offer is available at your location.

And, of course, participating locations, availability, and other restrictions can vary.

So whether you go for a free Double Cheeseburger, a $1 burger, or a burger-and-fries combo, September 18 is a pretty good day to put some extra cheese on your lunch or dinner.