Subway scraps its free sandwich perk just months after relaunch, sparks customer revolt: 'Cheapskates'

Two months after relaunching its Sub Club, Subway is eliminating the free fourth footlong offer starting April 1. Franchisees pushed for the program revision. Restaurants Subway scraps its free sandwich perk just months after relaunch, sparks customer revolt: 'Cheapskates' Restaurant giant ends popular 'buy 3, get 1 free' footlong deal just 2 months after relaunch By Andrea Margolis Fox News Published February 23, 2026 8:01pm EST Facebook Twitter Threads Flipboard Comments Print Email Add Fox News on Google close Video Gordon Ramsay releases 'Idiot Sandwich' cookbook Culinary content producer Owen Han recreates an 'idiot sandwich' inspired by the viral Ramsay clip on 'Fox & Friends.' NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! America's favorite sandwich giant is cutting a key perk of its loyalty program — and fans aren't happy. Subway's Sub Club has been allowing members to earn a free footlong sandwich for every three footlongs they buy through the Sub Club's stamp program.Starting April 1, that benefit is gone — according to a report from Restaurant Dive. Instead, customers will earn a $2 reward for every 400 points they accumulate. Subway told Restaurant Dive that the program, which relaunched two months ago, "reignited conversation around value." Subway is revising its Sub Club loyalty program, eliminating a popular free footlong reward starting April 1. 2026. (iStock)"Looking ahead, we're exploring additional reward opportunities, including potential partnerships and more dynamic ways to recognize and engage members," the statement added. Sub Club terms and conditions on Subway's website show that the free fourth-sub offer has been removed, effective April 1."Loyalty works both ways. Maybe it is time to phase out Subway altogether." Fox News Digital reached out to Subway for comment. TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ Online reaction to the changes was swift."Sorry, guys. I bankrupted Subway by claiming my 1 free footlong from the sub club," one X user joked. The new loyalty structure at Subway will grant members a $2 reward once they accumulate 400 points. (Brandon Bell/Getty Images)"This might be the quickest reversal of a rewards program that I've ever seen," another wrote. "The 4th footlong free was a really great deal — disappointed that it is ending."CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTERAnother user said he would stop eating at Subway because of the shift. "Ending the Fourth Footlong Free already? After the five-dollar sub shift, this feels familiar," the commenter said. Fans took to social media to voice their frustration after the free footlong perk was removed from the Sub Club. (iStock) He added, "I had just started returning. Loyalty works both ways. Maybe it is time to phase out Subway altogether."CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES A different X user called the chain "cheap [expletive]." Franchisee pressure may have played a role, as a Subway restaurant group petitioned to revise the stamp program. (Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images)"The only reason we ever used your little club is for the free footlong! Cheapskates!!" the commenter said. The news came more than a month after a Subway franchisee group petitioned the corporation to revise the Sub Club program — especially its stamp program. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPThe petition, signed by representatives of 5,000 restaurants under the North American Association of Subway Franchisees, found that the program was too generous, according to Restaurant Business Online. Related Article Boneless wings are still wings, judge rules, and chefs take a bite of the battle Andrea Margolis is a lifestyle writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. Readers can follow her on X at @andreamargs or send story tips to [email protected]. Related Topics RestaurantsFood-DrinkFOODFast Food LifestyleFast FoodLifestyleLunch Fox News Lifestyle A look at the top-trending stories in food, relationships, great outdoors and more. Arrives Twice a week By entering your email and clicking the Subscribe button, you agree to the Fox News Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content and promotional communications from Fox News. You understand that you can opt-out at any time. Subscribe Subscribed Subscribe You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter!