National Cheeseburger Day falls on Friday, September 18, 2026. From McDonald’s free Double Cheeseburger to Five Guys’ BOGO offer, here’s everything you need to know to score the best deals.
What Is National Cheeseburger Day?
National Cheeseburger Day is an annual food holiday celebrated every September 18 in the United States . The day honors one of America’s most iconic foods—the cheeseburger—and has become one of the most commercially active food holidays of the year, with major fast-food chains and restaurants competing to offer the most tempting promotions .
The cheeseburger’s origins date back to the 1920s. The most widely repeated story credits a teenager named Lionel Sternberger, who allegedly added a slice of cheese to a beef patty while working at his father’s sandwich shop, The Rite Spot, in Pasadena, California . By 1935, Louis Ballast of the Humpty Dumpty Drive-In in Denver, Colorado, had secured a trademark for the term “cheeseburger” .
Top National Cheeseburger Day Deals for 2026
McDonald’s: Free Double Cheeseburger
McDonald’s is offering a free Double Cheeseburger to MyMcDonald’s Rewards members who make a minimum purchase of $1 through the McDonald’s app on September 18 . The offer is limited to one per customer and excludes delivery orders . Customers should verify that their local McDonald’s is participating before ordering .
Burger King: Free Bacon Cheeseburger
Burger King’s Royal Perks members can claim a free Bacon Cheeseburger with a minimum purchase of $3 in the BK app or online on September 18 . The chain is also running a week-long “Perks Week” promotion, with different freebies available each day from September 14 through September 20 .
Five Guys: Buy One, Get One Free
Five Guys is running a Buy One Burger, Get One Free promotion from September 16 through September 18 . Customers must order through the Five Guys app or website and use the code BOGOBURGER at checkout . The offer is valid for pickup or first-party delivery only, with one redemption per account .
Dairy Queen: Free Original Cheeseburger
DQ Rewards members can get a free single Original Cheeseburger Signature Stackburger with any app order of $1 or more. The deal runs from September 14 through September 18 and is available exclusively through the DQ app .
Wendy’s: $1.99 Dave’s Single
Wendy’s Rewards members can add a Dave’s Single Cheeseburger for $1.99 to any order on September 18. The offer is available through the Wendy’s app or website .
Shake Shack: $5 Single Burger
Shake Shack is offering a $5 single ShackBurger or single Cheeseburger with any purchase. Use the code BURGERDAY in the Shack App, on the website, or at in-store kiosks .
Smashburger: $1 Single Smash
SmashRewards members can get any single Smash burger for $1 when ordering in-app or online on September 18 .
Other Notable Deals
- Applebee’s: Classic Burger or Classic Cheeseburger with fries for $8.99 (dine-in or to-go)
- BurgerFi: Buy one BurgerFi Double Cheeseburger, get a second for $1 (in-store only)
- Buffalo Wild Wings: Buy one burger, get a second of equal or lesser value free
- Hardee’s: Buy one Famous Star cheeseburger, get one free for My Rewards members
- Sonic: Jr Double Cheeseburger for $1.99
- BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse: All American Smash Burger with a personal-size Pizookie for $13
- Red Robin: “Big Yummm” Deal starting at $9.99 with a select main item, bottomless fries, and a beverage
How to Maximize Your National Cheeseburger Day Savings
Download the apps. Most deals require ordering through restaurant mobile apps or websites. Download the apps for your preferred chains before September 18 to ensure you’re ready when the offers go live .
Check participation. Not all locations participate in every promotion. Before heading out or placing an order, verify that your local restaurant is participating by checking the app or calling ahead .
Join loyalty programs. Many of the best deals—including McDonald’s free Double Cheeseburger and Burger King’s free Bacon Cheeseburger—require membership in the chains’ loyalty programs. Sign up in advance to avoid missing out .
Mind the minimums. Most “free” offers require a minimum purchase, typically $1 to $3. Plan your order accordingly to unlock the best value .
Fun Facts About Cheeseburgers
- Americans consume approximately 50 billion burgers each year .
- Cheeseburgers have an 84% popularity rating among U.S. consumers, tied with hamburgers and trailing only grilled cheese sandwiches and french fries (85%) .
- American cheese is the most popular choice for cheeseburgers, preferred by around 70% of people, ahead of cheddar at roughly 59% .
- The average American eats close to three cheeseburgers a week, adding up to around 150 per year .
- In 2018, a team in Maryland set a Guinness World Record for the largest cheeseburger ever made, weighing 2,014 pounds .
Conclusion
National Cheeseburger Day 2026 offers burger lovers across the United States an unprecedented opportunity to enjoy free and discounted cheeseburgers from major chains. Whether you’re craving a classic McDonald’s Double Cheeseburger, a Bacon Cheeseburger from Burger King, or a premium Smash burger from Smashburger, there’s a deal for every taste and budget. Mark your calendar for Friday, September 18, download the apps, and get ready to celebrate America’s favorite food holiday.
