A tasty september tradition
September might be all about back-to-school routines, but there’s one day that food lovers circle on their calendars: National Cheeseburger Day, September 18. Each year, burger chains across the country mark the occasion with deals, freebies, and plenty of sizzling patties.
This year, Burger King is stealing the spotlight with a full week of offers that stretch far beyond a single day. From Sept. 15 through Sept. 21, the fast-food giant is handing out free favorites with a purchase of just $1 or more.
Burger King’s “perks week”
Instead of one promotion, Burger King is rolling out seven days of freebies, each featuring a different menu item. Customers just need to spend at least a dollar to unlock the deal. Here’s the daily lineup:
- Sept. 15: Free Hamburger
- Sept. 16: Free Cini Minis (back after 13 years!)
- Sept. 17: Free Croissan’wich
- Sept. 18: Free Bacon Cheeseburger (the big day)
- Sept. 19: Free Whopper Jr.
- Sept. 20: Free Cheeseburger
- Sept. 21: Free Original Chicken Sandwich
The variety makes it easy to grab a breakfast treat, an after-school snack, or a quick dinner option. And for parents juggling school schedules, these deals can be a welcome shortcut.
How to claim the deals
These offers aren’t automatic—you’ll need to use the BK App or visit bk.com to unlock them. Here’s how it works:
- Open the app or website.
- Go to the “Offers” tab and activate the deal of the day.
- Add the freebie to your cart.
- Add any other item worth $1 or more.
That’s it—your order now includes the free item.
More than just Burgers
Burger King’s Perks Week includes more than classic cheeseburgers. Longtime fans will be excited to see Cini Minis back on the menu after more than a decade away. And for those who want something new, BK has been experimenting with limited-time items like the Crispy Onion Whopper, a Naruto-inspired meal, and even a colorful Cotton Candy Cloud drink.
And the giveaways don’t end with cheeseburgers. At the end of the month, Burger King will celebrate National Coffee Day on September 29 by offering a free medium iced coffee with a $1 purchase.
Other chains getting in on the action
Burger King isn’t the only one celebrating National Cheeseburger Day. In recent years, other major chains like McDonald’s, Wendy’s, and Dairy Queen have also offered special deals. While details may vary, most include discounted cheeseburgers, buy-one-get-one-free offers, or rewards program perks.
For example, McDonald’s often uses its app to give away a 50-cent double cheeseburger on September 18, while Wendy’s has previously run promotions offering a free Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger with any purchase. It’s worth checking your favorite chain’s app or website to see what’s on the menu this year.
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Why do we love Cheeseburger Day
The cheeseburger might be one of the most iconic American meals, simple yet satisfying. Pair it with fries and a drink, and you’ve got a comfort-food classic that’s been loved for generations. National Cheeseburger Day is less about formality and more about fun—a reason to grab a quick meal, treat yourself, or share with family and friends.
For restaurants, it’s also a way to encourage customers to try new menu items, download apps, and come back for repeat visits. For customers, it’s about enjoying a favorite food without stretching the budget.
The bottom line
National Cheeseburger Day on September 18 is more than just a one-day holiday this year. With Burger King’s week-long Perks Week, customers can score free food every day from Sept. 15 to Sept. 21 with just a small purchase. Add in National Coffee Day at the end of the month, and September is shaping up to be full of tasty deals.
So whether you’re a die-hard burger fan or just someone who loves a good freebie, this is the week to open your favorite food app and claim a bite. After all, cheeseburgers taste even better when they’re free.
