Fast food may be a convenient option, but inflation has made even quick meals feel expensive. Fortunately, some major chains still offer full combos for $5 or less—if you know where to look. Whether you’re on a student budget, trying to save between paychecks, or just love a deal, these affordable options can help you eat well without spending much.
Below are the best fast food combos currently available under $5, based on nationwide pricing, value, and availability. Note that prices may vary slightly by region, but each of these deals consistently ranks among the most affordable.
1. Wendy’s 4 for $4 and $5 Biggie Bag
Wendy’s offers unbeatable value with its 4 for $4 deal, which includes a Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger, 4-piece chicken nuggets, fries, and a drink. The $5 Biggie Bag upgrade gives you more entrée options like the Crispy Chicken Sandwich or Double Stack.
2. Taco Bell’s Cravings Value Menu
Taco Bell features multiple items under $2, allowing you to build your own $5 meal. Get a Beefy Melt Burrito, Spicy Potato Soft Taco, and Cheesy Bean & Rice Burrito with a drink and stay under budget.
3. Burger King 2 for $5 Mix and Match
Burger King frequently offers a 2 for $5 deal on sandwiches like the Whopper Jr., Chicken Jr., and original cheeseburger. Stack it with a small fry and drink and you’re right around $5—especially with app coupons.
4. McDonald’s Value Picks
While McDonald’s discontinued the Dollar Menu, many locations still offer a Sausage McMuffin, McChicken, or cheeseburger for around $1.59. Pair with small fries and a drink to hit the $5 mark. Use the McDonald’s app for combo coupons and free fries with $1 purchases.
5. Jack in the Box Value Combos
Jack in the Box features several items on its value menu that rotate seasonally. Look for bundles like the Jr. Jumbo Jack, fries, and drink or mini tacos in snack boxes for $4.99 or less.
6. Little Caesars Lunch Combo
At participating Little Caesars, the $5 “Lunch Combo” includes four slices of deep dish pepperoni pizza and a 20 oz. drink—available from 11am to 2pm only.
7. Del Taco’s Value Menu
Del Taco offers a variety of tacos, burritos, and snack items under $2 each. Stack a few and add a drink for a full $5 meal.
8. Dairy Queen Snack Menu
Dairy Queen has rotating $5 specials, often including a sandwich, fries, drink, and mini Blizzard. These are especially popular during lunch hours and vary by location.
Bonus Tip: Stack cashback for even more savings
While these meals are already affordable, you can stretch your budget further by paying with gift cards that earn cashback. Platforms like Fluz let you buy gift cards in real time for the exact amount of your purchase. That means you can:
- Earn cashback with a Taco Bell gift card
- Earn cashback with a Wendy’s gift card
- Earn cashback with a Burger King gift card
- Earn cashback with a McDonald’s gift card
The cashback you earn can be stacked with rewards from the restaurant’s own app or value menu promotions—making these cheap meals even cheaper.
Final word
Cheap doesn’t have to mean low quality or small portions. These fast food combos under $5 offer excellent value without sacrificing taste or convenience. And when you earn cashback with a fast food gift card, you make your dollar go even further—no coupon clipping required.
