Subway Ditches Beloved Footlong Deal

Subway has announced the discontinuation of its highly popular 'fourth footlong free' promotion, a key feature of its Sub Club loyalty program. This offer, which was a significant update to the rewards system after two decades, will officially cease on April 1, 2026. The sandwich chain will transition to a points-based reward structure, similar to those used by competitors like Dunkin' and Starbucks, where customers will earn $2 in Subway cash after spending $40.

The decision has sparked considerable backlash among Subway's customer base, with many expressing their dissatisfaction on social media platforms like X and Reddit. Patrons view the removal of the free footlong perk as a blow to value and a sign of "corporate greed." Some customers have stated their intention to delete their loyalty accounts and stop frequenting Subway following this change, citing the promotion as their primary reason for returning to the brand.

In response to the criticism, a Subway spokesperson stated that the company is excited about the program's engagement and that the reward structure update will continue to offer flexibility. They also indicated plans to explore additional reward opportunities and potential partnerships to recognize and engage members moving forward. The company also recently faced news of a franchise operator filing for bankruptcy and has closed over 600 locations in the past two years.