Burger King Crowns 2026: Earn, Redeem & Royal Perks Loyalty Guide (USA)

You walk into Burger King Menu. You order a Whopper combo. You swipe your phone or scan a code. And then – magic. You earn something called Crowns.

But what are these Crowns? How many do you need for a free burger? Do they expire? And is this loyalty program actually worth your time?

The answer: Yes, absolutely. But only if you understand how it works.

This guide covers everything about Burger King Crowns – the loyalty points of the Royal Perks program. You will learn how to earn them, how to redeem them, what items cost how many Crowns, whether they expire, and how this program compares to McDonald’s points.

Quick answer:

Burger King Crowns are loyalty points earned through the free Royal Perks program. You earn 10 Crowns for every $1 spent on qualifying purchases when you order through the BK app or scan your Royal Perks QR code in‑restaurant. Crowns can be redeemed for free food – for example, a free Whopper costs approximately 700 Crowns, a free cheeseburger costs about 250 Crowns, and free hash browns cost around 150 Crowns. Crowns expire after 6 months of account inactivity. You can check your Crown balance in the BK app under “Royal Perks.” The program is free to join and is the single best way to get free food at Burger King.

Table of Contents

1. What Are Burger King Crowns?
   • How the Royal Perks Program Works
   • Crowns vs Traditional Points
2. How to Earn Burger King Crowns
   • Earn 10 Crowns per $1 Spent
   • Scan QR Code in Restaurant
   • Mobile Order Through BK App
   • What Purchases Qualify?
3. Burger King Crown Redemption – What Can You Get?
   • Crown Cost for Popular Items
   • How to Redeem Crowns in the BK App
4. Do Burger King Crowns Expire?
5. How to Check Your Crown Balance
6. Burger King Crowns vs McDonald’s Points
7. Frequently Asked Questions
8. The Bottom Line – Are BK Crowns Worth It?

1. What Are Burger King Crowns?

Burger King Crowns (often called “BK Crowns” or “Royal Perks Crowns”) are the loyalty points you earn when you buy food at Burger King. Think of them as digital currency that turns into free burgers, fries, breakfast sandwiches, and more.

The Crowns are part of Royal Perks – Burger King’s free loyalty program. You do not pay anything to join. You do not need a special credit card. You just sign up, and every time you buy something, you earn Crowns.

How the Royal Perks Program Works

Crowns vs Traditional Points

Unlike some loyalty programs that give you a tiny fraction of a point per dollar, Crowns are straightforward: 10 Crowns = $1 spent. But the value of a Crown depends on what you redeem it for.

Example:

• You spend $10 → earn 100 Crowns.
• A free cheeseburger (~250 Crowns) effectively costs you $25 of prior spending.
• A free Whopper (~700 Crowns) effectively costs you $70 of prior spending.

That is not a 1:1 return, but it is free food you would not otherwise get. Most fast‑food loyalty programs work this way – you earn roughly 5–10% back in value.

2. How to Earn Burger King Crowns

There are three main ways to earn Crowns. All are easy.

Earn 10 Crowns per $1 Spent

Every time you spend money at Burger King on a qualifying purchase, you earn Crowns. The math is simple:

Important: Crowns are calculated based on the pre‑tax, pre‑tip amount (tips are not eligible). If you use a coupon or BK deal, you earn Crowns on the final price you pay, not the original menu price.

Scan QR Code in Restaurant

If you walk in and order at the counter or drive‑thru without using the app, you can still earn Crowns.

Step‑by‑step:

1. Open the BK app.
2. Tap “Scan” or “Royal Perks” at the bottom.
3. Your unique QR code appears.
4. Show the cashier your phone. They scan the code.
5. The Crowns are added to your account automatically after the purchase.

Pro tip: Even if you pay with cash, scanning the QR code earns Crowns. You do not need to pay through the app.

Mobile Order Through BK App

The easiest way to earn Crowns is to order directly through the BK app for pickup.

Step‑by‑step:

1. Open the BK app.
2. Tap “Order” → “Pickup.”
3. Build your order (add deals, customizations, etc.).
4. Checkout and pay in the app.
5. Crowns are automatically added to your account as soon as the order is completed.

No scanning needed – the app knows it is you.

What Purchases Qualify?

Note: Crowns are not earned on taxes, fees, or tips. They are earned on the subtotal of eligible food and drink.

3. Burger King Crown Redemption – What Can You Get?

This is the fun part. Crowns are only useful if you redeem them. Here is what you can get and how many Crowns you need.

Crown Cost for Popular Items

Note: Crown costs vary slightly by location and over time. The numbers above are approximate averages based on 2026 redemption data. Always check the BK app for exact Crown costs at your local restaurant.

Best value redemptions: Small fries or hash browns (lowest Crown cost). The cheeseburger is also a solid value.

Worst value: Premium sandwiches like the Bacon King require many Crowns – but if you eat them often, free is still free.

How to Redeem Crowns in the BK App

Redeeming Crowns is simple and happens at checkout.

Step‑by‑step:

1. Open the BK app and log into your Royal Perks account.
2. Tap “Order” → “Pickup.”
3. Browse the menu and add items you want to pay for (Crowns cannot cover an entire order of multiple items – you redeem for specific free items).
4. Before checkout, tap “Rewards” or “Redeem Crowns.”
5. Select the free item you want (e.g., “Free Whopper – 700 Crowns”).
6. The item is added to your cart with a $0.00 price.
7. Complete checkout. You will pay for any other items in your order.

Important: You can only redeem Crowns for one free item per order through the app. You cannot stack multiple free redemptions in a single transaction. If you have enough Crowns for a Whopper and a cheeseburger, you need to place two separate orders.

Can you redeem Crowns in‑restaurant without the app? Not directly. You must use the app to add the free reward to your order. However, you can place a mobile order for pickup while standing in the restaurant.

4. Do Burger King Crowns Expire?

Yes – Crowns expire after 6 months of account inactivity.

“Inactivity” means you have not earned or redeemed any Crowns during that period. Simply logging into the app is not enough. You must make a purchase (earn Crowns) or redeem Crowns (spend them) to keep your account active.

How to avoid expiration: Buy something – even a $1 coffee – at least once every 6 months. Scan your QR code or order through the app. That one purchase resets the 6‑month timer.

What happens when Crowns expire? They disappear from your account. Burger King does not send a warning email (though app notifications may appear). You cannot get them back.

Pro tip: Set a calendar reminder every 5 months to buy a cheap item if you are not a regular customer. A $1 Sausage Biscuit is worth protecting hundreds of Crowns.

5. How to Check Your Crown Balance

You can check your Crown balance in two places:

Method 1 – BK App Home Screen:

• Open the BK app.
• Your Crown balance appears at the top of the screen (next to the crown icon).

Method 2 – Royal Perks Tab:

• Open the BK app.
• Tap “Royal Perks” at the bottom.
• Your balance is displayed prominently.

Method 3 – During Checkout:

• When you place an order, the app shows your current Crown balance before you redeem.

Can you check Crowns without the app? No. There is no website portal. You must use the BK app. If you do not have a smartphone, you cannot participate in Royal Perks.

6. Burger King Crowns vs McDonald’s Points

Here is how BK Crowns compare to McDonald’s MyMcDonald’s Rewards points.

Which is better? Both are very similar. McDonald’s points give you slightly more value per dollar for a Big Mac (60 spend vs BK’s 70 for a Whopper). But BK’s Crowns are better for cheaper items like fries and hash browns. Overall, both loyalty programs are worth joining. Do not choose one over the other – use both.

8. The Bottom Line – Are BK Crowns Worth It?

Yes – without question.

Burger King Crowns are free money. You do not pay anything to join. You do not have to change how you order. You simply scan a QR code or use the app, and you earn points that turn into free food.

Who should use Royal Perks:

• Anyone who eats at Burger King at least once every few months.
• People who already use the BK app for deals.
• Customers who want free food without clipping coupons.
• Anyone willing to scan a phone screen at checkout.

Who might skip it:

• People who never eat at Burger King.
• Those who refuse to use smartphones.
• Customers who only order delivery (delivery does not earn Crowns).

Final recommendation:

Join Royal Perks today. It takes two minutes. Then, every time you go to Burger King:

• If you order at the counter or drive-thru, open the app and show your QR code to the cashier.
• If you order pickup through the app, Crowns are automatic.
• Check your Crown balance every few months. Redeem small items like fries or a cheeseburger when you have enough.
• Do not let your Crowns expire – buy a $1 coffee every 5 months to keep them alive.

Over a year of regular BK visits, Crowns can add up to 50–100 of free food. That is real money. And all you have to do is remember to scan.

Burger King Crowns are not a gimmick. They are one of the best fast‑food loyalty programs in America. Use them.

7. Frequently Asked Questions

What are Burger King Crowns?

Burger King Crowns are loyalty points in the Royal Perks program. You earn 10 Crowns for every $1 spent and redeem them for free food.

How do I get Burger King Crowns?

Earn Crowns by ordering through the BK app for pickup, or by scanning your Royal Perks QR code at the counter or drive-thru. You cannot earn Crowns on delivery orders.

How many Crowns for a free Whopper?

A free Whopper costs approximately 700 Crowns, which requires $70 in prior spending (before tax).

Do Burger King Crowns expire?

Yes. Crowns expire after 6 months of account inactivity (no earning or redeeming). A single purchase resets the clock.

How do I check my Crown balance?

Open the BK app. Your Crown balance appears on the home screen or in the Royal Perks tab.

Can I redeem Crowns for delivery?

No. Crowns can only be redeemed for pickup orders through the BK app. Delivery orders (DoorDash, Uber Eats) do not qualify.

Can I use Crowns with other deals?

Yes. You can apply a Crown redemption (e.g., free Whopper) to the same order as a paid deal (e.g., $5 Duo Deal) – but you cannot redeem two Crown items in one order. You also cannot combine a Crown redemption with another percentage‑off coupon.

Can I earn Crowns on breakfast purchases?

Yes – any purchase through the BK app or with QR code scan earns Crowns, including breakfast.

What is the best thing to redeem with Crowns?

Small fries or hash browns (lowest Crown cost). The cheeseburger is also a good value. Avoid redeeming for premium sandwiches unless you have many Crowns to burn.

Can I transfer Crowns to another person?

No. Crowns are non‑transferable and tied to your Royal Perks account.

Why didn’t I get Crowns for my purchase?

Common reasons: you did not scan your QR code; you ordered delivery; you paid with a gift card without scanning; the purchase was below the minimum (though no minimum exists, some technical glitches occur). Contact BK support through the app.

Can I earn Crowns on tax and fees?

No. Crowns are calculated on the pre‑tax subtotal of eligible food and drink.

Is Royal Perks free?

Yes – completely free. No subscription, no credit card required to join.

How do I sign up for Royal Perks?

Download the BK app, tap “Join Royal Perks,” enter your email and name, and set a password. It takes less than 2 minutes.