Future Tech & AI Wonders · Jordan Lee · 10 July 2026

National french fry day 2026: free fries at McDonald's and more

National french fry day 2026: free fries at McDonald's and more

National French Fry Day is Friday, July 10, 2026, and fast-food chains nationwide are marking it with free and discounted fries—mostly through rewards apps. McDonald's is giving MyMcDonald's Rewards members a free medium fries with any $1+ in-app purchase, while Wendy's, Whataburger, Chick-fil-A, and other brands have Fry-day deals at participating locations. Whether you prefer crispy, crinkle-cut, or curly, this unofficial food holiday has become a way for chains to reward loyal customers with deals and discounts.

Key Takeaways

What Is National French Fry Day and Why Does It Matter?

Mark your calendars, french fry fans: Friday, July 10, is National French Fry Day, and fast food restaurants nationwide are serving up special deals to celebrate. The unofficial food holiday has become a way for chains to reward their members with deals and discounts.

This year's promotions at participating restaurants range from free fries with a minimum purchase, like McDonald's, to app-exclusive giveaways from places like Chick-fil-A. For more on how mobile ordering and loyalty tech are changing everyday perks, browse our Future Tech & AI Wonders coverage.

How Do You Get Free McDonald's Fries on National French Fry Day?

The golden arches are offering rewards members a free medium fries when they make a purchase of $1 or more through the McDonald's app. The offer is valid for one per customer at participating locations.

To redeem it, download the McDonald's mobile app, join the MyMcDonald's Rewards program, and place an order of at least $1 through the app before adding the free fries deal. Availability may differ by restaurant.

Which Other Fast-Food Chains Have National French Fry Day Deals?

Beyond McDonald's, several nationwide chains are joining the celebration. Wendy's is offering a free order of fries—any size—with a $5 purchase made through the Wendy's app on Friday. Whataburger rewards members can grab a free medium fries with no purchase necessary, redeemable online or in the app.

Chick-fil-A One members can earn a free medium waffle fries from July 7 through July 14 by playing the Spot the Cows game in the app. Del Taco rewards members can get free regular fries with a $3 minimum purchase through July 12. Jack Pack rewards members at Jack in the Box can claim free fries of any size with a $1 minimum purchase on July 10.

Checkers & Rally's is celebrating July 10 through July 12 with buy-one-get-one-free seasoned fries and a $1 sauce trio. Five Guys customers can get one free Little Fry with a burger, hot dog, or sandwich using promo code FRYDAY26. Sheetz is offering one free bag of fries from July 10 through July 16 with a $10+ purchase through the Sheetz app.

Additional deals reported for Georgia and national locations include Arby's Rewards members getting an XL fry for $1.99 with a $5 purchase through July 12, Freddy's large fries for $1.99 on Friday, Hardee's MyRewards members receiving free large fries with any purchase Friday, Shake Shack's free classic fries with a sandwich purchase through July 13 using code FRYDAY26, and Smashburger's free fries with a $1 minimum purchase using FRYDAY26. White Castle customers can get free cheese fries with promo code CHEESY from July 10 through July 12.

Do You Need an App to Claim Most Fry Freebies?

In most cases, yes. Deals typically require ordering through a restaurant's app, signing up for a rewards account, or meeting a minimum purchase threshold. Offers may vary by location, so it is best to check the app or call your local restaurant before heading out.

For a full nationwide roundup of participating chains, see reporting from Yahoo News and FOX 5 Atlanta.

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