6 Ways to Save Money on Fast Food

With prices skyrocketing across the board, ordering fast food is nearly as expensive as visiting a sit-down restaurant. Still, when you're in a hurry, you don't have time to sit at a table and wait 30 minutes for your meal. I can't bring back the Dollar Menu, but these tips will help you save money on your next trip to a fast food joint.

1. Download the App

Some people are hesitant to download apps due to privacy concerns, which is understandable. However, if you don't mind handing over some of your data, I'll admit that fast food apps have a lot of exclusive deals. For starters, many apps have gifts for new users, such as a free sandwich or entree.

After you've claimed your initial bonus, restaurant apps offer coupons and buy-one-get-one promotions throughout the year. For more savings, look for brands with a rewards program that accrues points with every purchase. Once you've earned enough points, you'll exchange them for discounts or free food.

Birthday gifts are fairly common, too. Plus, if you turn on notifications, you'll get an update whenever the restaurant launches a new promotion or limited-time deal. You can also save payment options and order through the app to make checkout a breeze.

2. Cut Coupons

Don't throw away those coupon bundles you get in your mailbox. They often contain fast food coupons that you can use at your nearest location with no app required. The only downside is that most of these coupons require a minimum purchase, so keep an eye on the fine print.

On a similar note, when a new restaurant opens in your area, they might send coupons in the mail to get your foot in the door. Try following them on social media to stay on top of upcoming promotions and giveaways.

3. Customize Your Order

When you choose a menu item in the app, look for customization options. Many restaurants allow customers to add extra toppings and condiments to make their order more filling--and, sometimes, they're completely free. If you don't have the app, ask an employee how you can customize your meal.

You could also try searching for "hacks" and "secret menu items" for your chosen brand. Fast food lovers will show you how to turn cheap items into makeshift versions of pricier meals, such as this Reddit thread that discusses turning a Taco Bell stacker into a quesadilla for half the price.

4. Pick Up Your Order

DoorDash might be convenient, but the fees add up quickly. If you're not drunk, tired or otherwise incapable of driving, try picking up your order and skipping the delivery costs. You won't even have to worry about tipping.

5. Look Up Restaurant-specific Hacks

Perform a search for "popeyes hacks" or "how to save money at subway," and you'll find a wealth of blog posts, listicles and Reddit threads with money-saving tips. Some of these deals might be expired, so make sure you check the dates first. Still, this is a quick way to discover hacks and menu items that you never knew about.

The FreeFood subreddit is another great resource for diners on a budget. Users share discounts, codes, giveaways and coupons for various restaurants, including McDonald's, Raising Cane's, Chipotle and Little Caesars. Just make sure you act quickly because these deals tend to have short expiration dates.

6. Take the Surveys

After ordering a meal in person, check your paper receipt. Many brands invite you to fill out a survey in exchange for a discount or free menu item on your next purchase. Hang on to the receipt, then use the unique survey code to secure your deal.

How do you save money when ordering out? Let me know in the comments.