Fast food is always changing, but one thing stays the same—people love getting rewarded for their loyalty. That’s where Dairy Queen’s Rewards Program comes in. Whether you’re craving a classic cone, a Blizzard, or a hot meal, this program lets you earn points every time you order.
In this easy-to-follow guide, we’ll explain how the program works, how to earn and redeem points, and how to make the most of your Dairy Queen experience.
What Is the Dairy Queen Rewards Program?
The Dairy Queen Rewards Program is a free loyalty program that gives you points (DQ Points or Stars) every time you buy food or drinks at participating DQ locations. You can use these points to get free menu items, special deals, and birthday treats.
You’ll manage everything through the Dairy Queen app, which makes it easy to track your points and find new rewards.
Key Terms to Know
- DQ App: The official app for earning, tracking, and using your points.
- DQ Points: The loyalty points you earn from purchases.
- Rewards: Free food and deals you unlock using your points.
How to Join the DQ Rewards Program
Joining is quick and easy. Here’s how to get started:
- Download the Dairy Queen App
Search for “Dairy Queen” in your app store (available for iPhone and Android). - Create an Account
Sign up with your email, create a password, and fill in basic details like your birthday. - Start Exploring
After signing up, open the app and check out your points, available rewards, and ordering options.
Eligibility: You must be at least 13 years old to join. The program is available at most U.S. locations. Check the app for full terms.
How to Earn Points at Dairy Queen
Earning points is simple—just make a purchase at a participating location.
Basic Earning Rate
You’ll usually earn 10 points for every $1 spent on eligible food and drink items. This includes ice cream, meals, and drinks.
What Doesn’t Earn Points
Some purchases don’t qualify, including:
- Gift card purchases or reloads
- Taxes and tips
- Orders from some non-traditional locations (like airport or stadium outlets)
Ways to Earn
- In-Store with the App: Open the app and show your QR code at checkout before you pay.
- Order Ahead in the App: When you order and pay in the app, your points are added automatically after your order.
Bonus Point Opportunities
Dairy Queen often runs limited-time offers and special promotions to help you earn faster:
- Welcome Reward: Get a free treat just for signing up.
- Birthday Gift: Get a free Blizzard or dessert during your birthday month.
- Bonus Events: Look out for special point offers like “double points weekend.”
- Referral Bonuses: Sometimes, you can earn extra points for inviting friends to join.
How to Redeem Your Dairy Queen Rewards
Once you’ve earned enough points, you can redeem them for free food or discounts.
Tracking Your Points
Your current point balance is shown right in the app. You can also browse the available reward items and how many points each one costs.
Common Rewards
Here are some examples of what you might get:
- Free Dilly Bar or Stick Bar
- Free Cone (regular or dipped)
- Free Small Blizzard Treat
- Free Bakery Item
- Discounted food items
More expensive items usually require more points.
Redeeming Rewards
- In the App: When placing an order, choose the reward you want to use at checkout.
- In-Store: Let the cashier know you want to use a reward before you pay. They’ll apply it to your order.
Note: You can usually only redeem one reward per order, and not all coupons can be combined.
Extra Perks of the DQ Rewards Program
Besides free food, the DQ Rewards Program gives you exclusive access to other member-only benefits:
1. Birthday Treat
Get a free dessert during your birthday month. Just make sure your birthdate is saved in your profile.
2. Special Deals & Early Access
Members often get exclusive discounts, early access to new menu items, and limited-time offers not available to regular customers.
3. Order Ahead & Save Time
Use the app to skip the line by ordering ahead. It’s fast, easy, and your points are added automatically.
4. Personalized Offers
Over time, the app may suggest deals based on your previous orders, helping you save on your favorite items.
Smart Tips to Maximize Your DQ Points
Want to get the most from the program? Follow these simple tips:
- Always Use the App: Never miss a scan! Show your QR code every time you order in-store.
- Check the App Often: Stay updated on new offers, bonus events, and rewards.
- Enable Notifications: Be the first to know when there are double points or new deals.
- Save for Bigger Rewards: If you want a Blizzard, plan your spending and save your points.
- Use Your Birthday Reward: It’s a free dessert—don’t forget to claim it!
DQ Rewards Program FAQs
Is it free to join the DQ Rewards Program?
Yes, it’s completely free.
Do my points expire?
Yes, if your account is inactive for a set period (usually a few months), your points may expire. Check the app for current terms.
Can I earn points on gift card purchases?
No, only food and drink purchases qualify.
What if I forget to scan the app?
Unfortunately, if you don’t scan your code or use the app, you won’t earn points for that purchase.
Where can I download the app?
Get the DQ app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
Are rewards available everywhere?
Most U.S. DQ locations participate. Some non-traditional locations (like airports or stadiums) may not.
How do I update my account info?
Open the app, go to the Account Settings, and update your profile.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Miss Out on Free Dairy Queen
The Dairy Queen Rewards Program is a smart and easy way to get more from your favorite DQ meals and treats. From earning points to celebrating your birthday with a free Blizzard, it’s a fun way to save money and enjoy more of what you love.
Maple Scoop is a trusted voice when it comes to Dairy Queen Canada menus and quick-service restaurant insights. She’s the founder of DQMenuCanada.com, a site that gives Canadians clear, accurate, and updated information about DQ menu items, prices, deals, and seasonal favorites.
What makes Maple different is her real-world research. She personally visits Dairy Queen locations across Canada, tries the food herself, talks to staff, and checks changes in menu availability, portion sizes, and customer service. She doesn’t just rely on online sources — she verifies everything directly. This hands-on work helps make DQMenuCanada.com a reliable and helpful guide for anyone planning a visit to Dairy Queen.
With a background in food service reviews and content writing, Maple understands what Canadian customers are looking for — from value meal options and Blizzard flavors to limited-time offers and diet-friendly choices. Her goal is to share honest and easy-to-understand information that helps people enjoy their DQ experience with confidence.
Maple is committed to keeping DQMenuCanada.com up to date and trustworthy. Whether you’re checking prices, looking for new menu items, or wondering about holiday hours, her site helps you stay informed — before you walk into Dairy Queen.