McDonald's

The line at the counter is optional now. The McDonald's app exists to move your order ahead of your arrival: Mobile Order & Pay lets you build the order on your phone, pick how you'll collect it, and let the crew start prepping while you're still on the way.

Ordering is only half the point. MyMcDonald's Rewards runs through the app — opt in and every purchase earns points (a dollar is 100 points) that redeem for free food and other rewards. App-exclusive deals stack on top, which is why the cheapest way to eat at McDonald's is usually through the app rather than at the register.

Your regular order gets faster treatment: customize items the way you like them — no pickles, extra anything — and save them as favorites for one-tap reordering. If you'd rather stay home, McDelivery brings the food to you, with points earned and the order tracked from the store to your door, though delivery prices can run higher than in the restaurant.

A restaurant locator with hours and store details rounds it out. The fine print is mild: deals and rewards apply at participating locations. For anyone who eats there more than occasionally, the app quietly pays for its space on the home screen.