9 Easy Hacks to Save Money at Chick-fil-A (Or Even Get Free Stuff!)

Get the most bang for your buck at Chick-fil-A with these genius hacks.

A Chik-fil-a sign
Updated July 18, 2024
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Chick-fil-A is a great place to grab some food on the go or sit down for a tasty meal.

But it can be hard to add it to your budget if you’re living paycheck to paycheck or trying to save money.

Check out these hacks that can help you save at Chick-fil-A and keep more money in your wallet.

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Sign up for Chick-fil-A’s app

Postmodern Studio/Adobe app logo on phone screen

Like other fast food chains, Chick-fil-A has its own app that can help you save money when you shop.

Chick-fil-A One gives users different ways to earn points with every purchase. You can also get free gift options from your local restaurant by signing up for the app.

Also, check out bonus points challenges to earn more points towards your next meal.

Play Chick-fil-A games

Sarah Rypma/Adobe chicken nuggets in the car

Chick-fil-A allowed patrons to play for food with its Code Moo promotion. The digital game allowed users to play for prizes like food rewards each week.

Check out Chick-fil-A regularly to see if they have more promotional games coming up that you can participate in for extra deals at your favorite Chick-fil-A.

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Try it

Ask for extra cups

Oksana/Adobe food meal on the table

Chick-fil-A can be generous with their portion sizes, especially when it comes to their lemonade, famous for being made fresh daily, or iced tea, also freshly brewed daily.

If you’re going with a friend or kids who can’t finish that whole cup, consider asking for a second cup to share beverages and save a little extra money when you visit.

You may be surprised at how much comes in one glass — and how much can be shared the next time you go to Chick-fil-A.

Be a local hero

JHVEPhoto/Adobe american fast food restaurant chains

Chick-fil-A encourages new restaurants to celebrate the local heroes in their communities when they open at a new location.

They select 100 Community Heroes who are making an impact in their local community and give them free Chick-fil-A entrees for a year (52 offers).

Check out the list of upcoming store openings to see if there is one nearby and find out how you can help out a local hero by nominating them for a First 100 card.

See if your store offers discounts

Oksana/Adobe fast food restaurant electronic menu

Like other fast food restaurants, Chick-fil-A operates with a franchise model, which means there could be some variation in policy from store owner to store owner.

One of the policies your local version of Chick-fil-A might have is a discount for some groups. So check in the next time you’re at Chick-fil-A and see if they have discounts for seniors, veterans, students, or other groups to help you save some money.

Celebrate your birthday

Africa Studio/Adobe birthday cupcake on table

Plenty of restaurants may give you free food, desserts, drinks, or more depending on your birthday, and Chick-fil-A is no exception.

Sign up for the Chick-fil-A app and see what extra deals you can cash in on when your birthday comes around.

Your birthday reward is valid for 30 days, so you don’t have to worry about rushing to your local Chick-fil-A only on the day of your birthday to collect your reward.

Get a side salad

David/Adobe garden salad in a paper

Some Chick-fil-A stores may include side salads on their menus, and you can load them up with extras for no additional charge to the salad price.

Instead of ordering a big salad, consider a side salad and see if you can get things like bacon or cheese with no additional charge for the toppings.

But be aware that not every restaurant may offer this option, so feel free to ask about this hack.

Buy your sauces somewhere else

sheilaf2002/Adobe grocery store shelf with bottles

You may love Chick-fil-A’s dipping sauces and can even purchase them at some locations.

You can save some cash since you don’t need to always make a Chick-fil-A purchase to get some of that special sauce.

Check out places like Walmart that offer traditional Chick-fil-A sauces that are less per ounce than if you bought them at your local restaurant.

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Order a family meal

Sarah Rypma/Adobe a drive thru menu

Your local restaurant may offer family-sized versions of typical Chick-fil-A orders that can save you money when feeding a big group.

Check your Chick-fil-A app or ask your local restaurant if they offer a family-sized option to save a little extra money the next time you have to order for more than just you. You should also ask which family meal options are available, as they can differ from store to store.

Bottom line

Minimdesignco/Unsplash holding white and red box

Finding ways to save extra cash can be helpful when you’re trying to get ahead financially, including using hacks at local fast-food restaurants like Chick-fil-A.

You can also use the best rewards credit cards to earn extra perks and points when you shop at Chick-fil-A to keep some cash in your wallet.

And remember to keep an eye on your Chick-fil-A app for extra deals and discounts whenever you want a delicious chicken sandwich and waffle fries from the fast-food retailer.

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