National Cheeseburger Day: These are the deals to enjoy

new York
CNN
—

Wednesday is National Cheeseburger Day, and some of the biggest chains are offering much-needed discounts amid consumer complaints about rising prices.

McDonald's, the chain's largest business, is selling double cheeseburgers for 50 cents when ordered through its app – about 45 cents more than the chain's original hamburger cost in 1948. The deal is part of a series of moves by the company to boost flagging sales, including the recent extension of its popular $5 meal through December.

Fast food is a business with low profit margins and low customer loyalty. Chains have been giving out big giveaways, mostly tied to their mobile apps, to boost their business and get more repeat customers.

And McDonald's isn't the only burger chain running specials. Wendy's is selling a Junior Bacon Cheeseburger for just one cent through September 22 as long as you buy something else from the app's menu. Burger King is also giving away a free cheeseburger as long as you buy something else through the app that costs at least $1.

Smaller chains are also offering similar deals. Jack in the Box is adding a Jumbo Jack cheeseburger with a $1 purchase through its app, and the Carl's Jr. app is offering a double cheeseburger for half off. White Castle is offering a buy-one-get-two cheese slider deal with the code “SAYCHEESE” in the app.

Smashburger just unveiled a new logo and menu and is selling cheeseburgers for $5 (which normally cost more than $7) with the code “BURGERDAY” in its app or in-store. The company is also offering a vegetarian alternative. Plus, there's a “bounce-back coupon” for anyone who orders the deal, so customers can come back on a next visit and get 50% off any burger or sandwich.

McDonald's expensive burgers have become a focal point of criticism and a symbol of high fast-food prices. Joe Erlinger, president of McDonald's USA, wrote in an open letter posted on the company's website in May that the company's franchisees must avoid one-time price increases that could damage the company's reputation. And he noted that prices have not increased nearly as much as people think.

Nevertheless, customers have turned their backs on fast-food companies and switched to fast-food chains such as Applebee's and Chili's, which they believe offer better value for money.

Therefore, special offers are currently particularly important for fast food companies to win back customers.