When I was in college I once ate TWO footlongs in one sitting.  No joke. Once in college, I also clogged the dorm toilet. I was able to score two footlongs because our campus newspaper had coupons for buy one footlong, get one FREE. Best coupon ever and the main reason I made it through my early twenties fully nourished.

Unfortunately, those killer Subway coupons are few and far between these days, so we have to resort to some different tactics to maximize our savings. Here are a few of my favorite ways to save money at Subway.

1. Split a Footlong and Customize It

One of my favorite ways to save money at Subway, especially when dining with kiddos, is to order a footlong and have the “Sandwich Artist” customize each 6 inch portion to what my kids like.

Some employees may not like doing this, but if you’re polite and not to demanding, almost all will happily oblige.

You may not be able to get a different kind of meat on each half, but you can definitely ask for different cheeses, produce, and condiments.

This will easily save you a few bucks as ordering two separate 6 inch sandwiches costs 20% more than ordering a single footlong.

2. Beware of Add-Ons

If you can AVOID buying add-ons like chips, soda, or cookies you’ll be winning the game.

Instead, ask for a free water cup and split a bag of chips if your munchies are impossible to resist.

If you’re with the kids, and decide to buy cookies, be sure to buy three as you’ll get a quantity discount that way.

3. Toasted Subs Can Cost You More

If you live in California, Subway is going to charge you sales tax if you get your sub toasted.

A toasted sub is considered a hot food and the state requires Subway to collect sales tax.

While this is not really a tip, I figured it was just good information to know.

See Also: The Subway Secret Menu Is Totally Awesome (and May Even Save You Cash)

4. Ask for the “Softest” Bread

If you’re more interested in NOT getting stale bread, rather than a specific bread type, simply ask the employee “which bread is the softest today?”

Soft bread equals fresh bread. They’ve been cutting bread for hours and can easily tell which is the softest.

I do this all the time and always get very fresh bread, often right out of the oven if I’m getting my meal before noon.

5. Order the Subway “Old Cut”

As recently as 10 years ago, Subway sandwich artists cut there bread with a V shape taken out of the top of the bread.

Nowadays, they call this “V-cut” the “Old Cut” and I have it on good authority that many employees are still trained to make this cut.

While kind of funny looking, it helped the meat, cheese, and produce stay on the bread better and not tumble off.

OK, so now that you’ve had the history lesson, try ordering an “Old Cut” and you’ll typically get more bang for your buck.

Meat and cheese will be the same, but toppings can get pretty crazy as the old cut can hold a lot more without stuff falling off. Simply ask for extra toppings and pile that sucker high.

See Also: 8 Smart Ways to Save Big at Starbucks

6. Follow Subway on Social Media

I’ve been a little disappointed recently with the deals and coupons you can find from Subway.

But if you follow them on social media, you’ll be kept in the know when they actually do release exclusive coupons and promotions.

• Subway on Facebook – They often post special deals and coupons on their Facebook page that you can use on your next visit.
• Subway on X – A few special promotions are sprinkled in their Twitter feed. Mainly a fun way to connect with loyal Subway customers.

7. Join Subway Rewards Program

If you dine regularly, consider getting a free Subway Rewards Card and start earning points.

I’m not a big pusher of reward programs in general, as they often entice you to spend more money, but the Subway program is pretty tight.

Just by signing up, you get 50 free points and earn 1 point for every dollar spent. 75 points gets you a free footlong, 50 points for a free 6 inch, 10 points nabs you a free cookie, and 20 points get you a free drink.

Oh, and 80 points grants you access to the “clean” bathroom…oh how I wish.

Ask the Reader: How do you save money at Subway and get the most bang for your buck? As always, I look forward to your comments.

By Kyle James

Photo by Random Retail