Fast food is a staple for students—it’s quick, filling, and often just steps away from campus. But with rising food costs and tight budgets, every dollar counts. What many students don’t realize is that several national chains offer exclusive discounts just for showing a valid student ID or signing up through verified platforms.

Here’s a closer look at fast food chains that offer student discounts and how to take full advantage of them—on and off campus.

How student discounts work at fast food restaurants

Most student discounts aren’t automatically advertised at the register. They typically fall into one of the following categories:

• In-store ID discounts: Present a student ID when ordering
  
• App-based verification: Sign up via platforms like Student Beans
  
• Email domain verification: Register with a .edu email
  
• Location-specific deals: Offers may vary by city or campus-adjacent location
  

Always ask your local store or check the fine print in the brand’s mobile app to confirm availability.

Fast food brands offering student discounts

1. Chick-fil-A
   While there’s no chain-wide student discount, many Chick-fil-A locations near colleges offer 10% off with a student ID. Some also offer free drinks with a meal purchase.
   
2. Burger King
   Select Burger King restaurants participate in local student discount programs. Be sure to ask in-store, especially near university towns.
   
3. Subway
   Subway often offers 10% off for students at independently owned locations. The discount may not stack with coupons but works on most full-price menu items.
   
4. Chipotle via UNiDAYS
   While Chipotle doesn’t offer a standing student discount, it has occasionally partnered with UNiDAYS for time-limited promotions. Sign up and keep an eye on announcements for exclusive deals.
   
5. Pizza Hut
   Select Pizza Hut stores offer student discounts, typically in the form of 10–20% off with an ID or through school-specific programs. Discounts often apply to carryout orders only.
   
6. Dairy Queen
   Some Dairy Queen locations offer a 10% student discount with a valid ID. Offers may vary widely by franchise.
   
7. Panda Express
   While not common, some Panda Express locations near universities provide student discounts—especially during back-to-school or finals season. It never hurts to ask.
   
8. Domino’s
   Some Domino’s stores offer student pricing or meal bundles specifically for campus delivery zones. Local deals often include a discount code or group pricing.
   

Maximize your savings with loyalty apps and cashback tools

A student discount is a great start—but you can stretch your savings even further with reward apps and cashback platforms. For instance:

• Join loyalty programs to earn points and unlock free items
  
• Order through brand apps for exclusive deals and faster checkout
  
• Use platforms like Fluz to earn cashback on gift card purchases at participating chains
  

If you’re grabbing lunch between classes or ordering late-night takeout, consider stacking savings. You can earn cashback with a Domino’s gift card or earn cashback with a Chipotle gift card and still qualify for app rewards or student pricing.

Real-world stacking example
Let’s say you order a $15 meal from Chipotle:

• Use a student-exclusive UNiDAYS offer for a free drink
  
• Pay using a Chipotle gift card with cashback
  
• Earn Chipotle Rewards points through the app
  

The result? Free drink, loyalty points, and cashback—all from a single order.

Final note

Don’t assume student discounts are a thing of the past. They’re alive and well—just not always advertised. Combine them with loyalty programs and earn cashback with a fast food gift card to make every meal a better deal.