What Subway's rewards program does and how to join

Subway's rewards program is called Subway MyWay Rewards, and it lets you earn points on purchases that you can redeem for free food. You earn one point per dollar spent when you pay with a registered card, phone number, or the Subway app. Once you reach 100 points, you can trade them for a free 6-inch sub, a free footlong sub, or a free drink and cookie combo — the exact reward depends on what Subway location you visit, since franchises set their own reward tiers.

To join, you can sign up in the Subway app, on the Subway website, or in person at a Subway location by giving your phone number or email address. There is no cost to join. Once you are enrolled, you link a payment card to your account, or you can just give your phone number at checkout and the cashier will look up your account. The points stay in your account until you use them, and they do not expire as long as your account remains active.

The program also sends members text or email offers — things like "earn double points on Tuesday" or "free cookie with any purchase." These rotate, so checking the app or your messages occasionally will show you what is running that week. Some locations also let you order ahead through the app and pick up your order, which can save time during lunch rush.

Key Takeaways

  • Subway MyWay Rewards earns you one point per dollar spent, and 100 points gets you a free sub, drink, or cookie combo depending on your location.
  • You can join for free through the app, website, or by giving your phone number in person at any Subway.
  • Once enrolled, you link a card to your account or just give your phone number at checkout to earn points on every purchase.
  • Members receive rotating text and email offers for bonus points and free items, which change week to week.
  • The app lets you order ahead and pick up, which is faster than waiting in line during busy times.

Payment methods Subway accepts

Subway takes all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover), debit cards, and digital wallets like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay. Most locations also accept cash. Some franchises may accept other local payment methods, so if you are unsure whether a specific location takes a particular card or payment type, you can call ahead or check their website.

If you are paying with a card or digital wallet, you can either swipe, insert, or tap depending on what your card supports and what the register terminal supports. Tap and digital wallet payments are the fastest — you just hold your phone or card near the reader and the payment goes through in seconds. If you are using the Subway app to order ahead for pickup, you enter your payment information when you place the order, and you do not have to pay again when you pick it up.

How to use the Subway app to order and pay

The Subway app is available on iPhone and Android. Once you read it and create an account, you can browse the menu, customize your sub exactly how you want it, and choose whether to pick it up or have it delivered. When you order through the app, you pay right then using a card you have saved in the app, and you get a confirmation with a pickup time or delivery window.

For pickup orders, you go to the location at your scheduled time, and your order is usually ready or will be ready within a few minutes. You do not have to wait in the regular line — the staff makes orders for app pickups separately. For delivery, Subway partners with third-party services like DoorDash and Uber Eats in most areas, so you place the order through the Subway app but the delivery company handles getting it to you. Delivery fees and times vary by location and service.

The app also shows you your MyWay Rewards balance, lets you view and redeem your points, and displays any current promotions or bonus point offers. You can also check your order history and reorder something you have bought before, which is useful if you always get the same sandwich.

What to know about Subway's pricing and portion sizes

Subway's main menu items are 6-inch subs and footlong subs. A 6-inch sub costs less than a footlong, but a footlong is roughly double the sandwich for less than double the price, so it is usually the better value if you are hungry. Prices vary by location and by what protein you choose — chicken is typically cheaper than steak or seafood. Combo meals (sub, drink, and cookie) cost more than buying items separately, so check the menu to see which is cheaper at your location.

Sides like chips, cookies, and drinks are priced separately. Drinks come in small, medium, and large sizes. If you are a rewards member, you can earn points on everything you buy, including sides and drinks, so even small purchases add up toward your next free item.

How Subway handles dietary restrictions and customization

Subway lets you customize almost everything on a sub. You choose your bread (Italian, Italian herbs and cheese, flatbread, or whatever your location offers), your protein, your vegetables, your cheese, and your sauce. You can ask for extra vegetables, no cheese, light sauce, or any other change, and there is no extra charge for most customizations. If you have a severe allergy, tell the person making your sandwich before they start, so they can change gloves and use clean utensils.

Subway's website and app show nutritional information for each sandwich, including calories, sodium, and fat. If you are tracking macros or have specific dietary goals, you can use this information to build a sandwich that fits. The app also lets you save custom sandwiches you have ordered before, so you do not have to specify everything again next time.

What happens if you have a problem with your order

If your order is wrong or the food is not fresh, go back to the location where you bought it and speak to a manager. Most Subway locations will remake your sandwich or refund your money on the spot. If you ordered through the app and the order was wrong, you can also contact Subway through the app's customer service option, though going to the location is usually faster.

If you were charged twice or there is a problem with your payment, check your bank or card statement to see what was charged. If you see a duplicate charge, contact your bank's customer service line — they can dispute the charge and get your money back. You can also reach out to Subway's customer service through the app or website to report the issue, and they can investigate on their end.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a rewards member to eat at Subway?

No. You can walk in and order without joining MyWay Rewards. But joining is free and you start earning points when ready, so there is no reason not to sign up — even if you only go to Subway a few times a year, the points add up.

Can I use my rewards points at any Subway location?

Your points are tied to your MyWay Rewards account, so you can use them at any Subway that is part of the program. Most company-owned and franchised locations accept the rewards, but a small number of independent franchises may not. If you are unsure, ask the location or check the app to see if that specific store is listed.

What if I lose my phone or forget my rewards number?

Your rewards account is tied to your email address or phone number, so you can log back in on a new phone using those details. If you forget your phone number, you can look it up through your account on the Subway website or app. Your points do not disappear — they stay in your account as long as it is active.

Does Subway deliver, or is it pickup only?

Subway works with delivery services like DoorDash and Uber Eats, so delivery is available in most areas. You can order through the Subway app and choose delivery, and the third-party service will bring it to you. Delivery fees and wait times vary by location and service, so check the app to see what is available near you.

Can I use a gift card with the rewards program?

Yes. When you pay with a Subway gift card, you can still earn rewards points if you have your MyWay Rewards account linked. Just give your phone number or scan your app at checkout, and the points will be added to your account even though you are paying with a gift card.