Brand Loyalty Sweepstakes: Starbucks, McDonald’s & More (2025 Roundup)

Brand loyalty sweepstakes are one of the most low-lift, high-fun ways to score freebies, gift cards, and limited-edition prizes from the places you already love. In 2025, many quick-service restaurants (QSRs), coffee chains, and retail loyalty programs are continuing to run app-based promos, social giveaways, and seasonal sweepstakes. This roundup explains how these sweeps typically work, what to watch for from major brands like Starbucks and McDonald’s, how to enter safely, and a daily free alternative you can play alongside everything else.

How brand loyalty sweepstakes usually work

• Most entries happen in-brand apps or via email sign-up: Joining a loyalty program typically unlocks sweepstakes, instant wins, or challenges.
• No purchase necessary: Legit U.S. sweepstakes always offer a free Alternate Means of Entry (AMOE) in the official rules.
• Limited windows: Promos may run for a few days to a few weeks, especially around holidays or big events.
• Prizes vary: Free menu items, gift cards, merch, experiences, or points. High-value prizes may be fewer but splashier.
• Odds and eligibility: Look for age, residency, and daily entry limits in the rules. Prizes valued $600+ may require tax forms.

2025 brand-by-brand watchlist

Promotions change frequently. Use this as a guide to the kinds of sweepstakes these brands have been known to run, and always check each brand’s app, website, or social channels for the latest details and official rules.

Starbucks

• What to look for: App-based challenges, bonus star streaks, seasonal sweepstakes (often around major holidays). Past years have included large “Stars” promos and limited-time prize drawings.
• Where to find: Starbucks app offers tab, email newsletters, and official social posts.

McDonald’s

• What to look for: App-based giveaways, limited-time sweepstakes tied to menu launches or cultural events. In some markets and years, McDonald’s runs recurring, game-style promotions.
• Where to find: McDonald’s app “Deals”/“Rewards,” push notifications, and official social channels.

Dunkin’

• What to look for: Dunkin’ Rewards challenges, seasonal giveaways, and social sweepstakes featuring gift cards or limited merch.
• Where to find: App promos, email, and brand social posts with official rules linked.

Chipotle

• What to look for: Time-limited social or app-based sweepstakes, themed drops around sports, holidays, or cultural moments.
• Where to find: In-app notifications, email, and official X/Instagram posts.

Taco Bell

• What to look for: National promotions around major events and limited-run social sweepstakes.
• Where to find: Taco Bell app, email, and social announcements that link to rules and AMOE.

Burger King

• What to look for: BK app loyalty pushes, limited-time prize drawings, and themed giveaways tied to new items.
• Where to find: App offers, email, and occasional microsites for bigger promos.

Wendy’s

• What to look for: App-based prize entries, daily instant wins during campaigns, and social giveaways.
• Where to find: Wendy’s app “Rewards,” email, and official social pages.

Subway

• What to look for: Limited-time sweepstakes tied to menu refreshes or seasonal pushes; occasionally includes merch or gift cards.
• Where to find: App promos, email, and landing pages linked from official posts.

Chick-fil-A

• What to look for: App-centric offers, regional giveaways, and occasional national sweepstakes.
• Where to find: Chick-fil-A One app and localized notifications.

Panera

• What to look for: MyPanera rewards sweepstakes, bonus challenges, and seasonal contests.
• Where to find: App, email, and official promotions pages.

Domino’s & Pizza Hut

• What to look for: App or web-based prize draws, game-day themed giveaways, and sporadic instant wins.
• Where to find: Brand apps, emails, and promo microsites.

KFC & Popeyes

• What to look for: Limited-run sweepstakes tied to product launches or partnerships; occasional merch bundles.
• Where to find: Apps, email, and social announcements linking to rules.

Krispy Kreme

• What to look for: Seasonal sweet-stakes, holiday instant wins, and loyalty challenges featuring free treats.
• Where to find: App, email, and official posts with entry details.

Retail loyalty programs to watch

• Target Circle: Periodic sweepstakes or instant wins tied to seasonal events and brand partners.
• Grocery & CPG partners: Many consumer brands co-host sweepstakes inside retailer apps—check weekly.

When sweepstakes tend to pop

• Major holidays: New Year, spring break, summer, back-to-school, and year-end holidays are common promo windows.
• Big cultural moments: Award shows, sports playoffs, and brand anniversaries often trigger fast, high-interest sweeps.
• Product launches: New menu items or collabs can come with short, high-visibility giveaways.

How to find and enter safely

• Start with the official app: Most entries are app-native. Enable notifications for limited windows.
• Scan official social posts: Look for a link to the rules. Watch for blue-check accounts and brand URLs.
• Locate the AMOE: The “No Purchase Necessary” entry method should be listed in the rules; use it if you prefer.
• Confirm the sponsor and dates: Legit rules pages name the sponsor, eligibility, start/end times, and prize details.
• Never pay to claim: Fees or “tax prepayments” are a scam. Brands don’t charge winners to receive prizes.
• Mind eligibility: Age (often 18+), U.S. residency, and per-person/per-day entry limits commonly apply.

Tips to boost your chances (the fair, rule-friendly way)

• Enter daily when allowed: Many sweeps allow one entry per day. Set a quick reminder.
• Join multiple brand programs: Small odds add up across many free entries.
• Save receipts: Receipt codes or UPCs sometimes unlock bonus entries—rules will say if they’re optional.
• Whitelist brand emails: Prevent win notifications from landing in spam folders.
• Act fast on instant wins: Some prizes are first-come, first-served during a set time window.

A daily, free add-on to your routine: ZipSweep

While you’re chasing brand promos, you can also play ZipSweep—our free, ad-funded daily sweepstakes built around U.S. ZIP codes.

• Each day we generate a winning code: a U.S. ZIP + a unique user ID. If the exact match claims by 9 PM, they win.
• If not claimed in time, we may roll the prize over to the entire ZIP—then it’s first come, first served in that area.
• No tickets, no payments, no catch. We’re ad-supported and only email daily reminders and occasional updates. We never share details unless you say it’s okay.
• We’re a free sweepstakes—not a lottery and not gambling.

It’s a fun, local, community-driven complement to the brand sweepstakes you’re already entering.

Quick FAQ

• Are brand loyalty sweepstakes legit? Yes—when run by the brand or its official agency with posted rules and free AMOE.
• Do I need to buy anything? No purchase is necessary for a legitimate sweepstakes in the U.S. Always check the rules.
• How will I know if I’ve won? Brands typically notify by email/app message and list response deadlines in the rules. Add the brand’s email to your safe senders list.
• Will I owe taxes? Possibly, if the prize value is $600+; winners may receive tax forms. The rules will explain.

Bottom line

In 2025, Starbucks, McDonald’s, and many other brands continue to use sweepstakes to reward loyal customers. Keep your brand apps handy, skim the rules for AMOE and entry limits, and set daily reminders during promo windows. For an extra shot at winning—every single day—add ZipSweep to your routine. It’s free, fast, fair, and designed to feel local and fun.

Disclaimer: This roundup is for informational purposes only. We are not affiliated with the brands mentioned. Promotions change frequently; always review the current official rules on the brand’s site or app.