Smart and Tasty Ways to Save Money at Chick-fil-A
I recently visited Chick-fil-A for the first time EVER with my wife and 3 teenagers and it cost me a whopping $58.97. Now granted they are VERY hungry teenagers, but still almost $60 for “fast food” ain’t cheap. So I figured it was time to research some clever ways to save money on MY next trip to Chick-fil-A. Otherwise I might have to stick around and wash dishes to be able to afford to take my crew there again. From clever menu hacks, to smart ways to use their app, these tips will surely help you save a buck or two.
The Grilled Cheese is YUMMY and CHEAP
As I talked about in my Chick-Fil-A secret menu article, their grilled cheese sandwich is not only delicious but VERY affordable.
Just order a “Toasted bun with cheese” and they’ll gladly hook you up.
The price at most locations will run you about about a buck, even less in some areas.
Also, don’t forget you can even have them add whatever veggies or condiments you may want at NO extra charge.
Time to get creative.
Always Use Their App
The Chick-fil-A app is the best thing to come along since sliced bread.
Not only does it allow you to place an order then slide in for a stealth pickup (or delivery), but you can quickly rack up Reward Points to be used for free food and treats in the future.
And by “future” I mean like probably your next visit as it doesn’t take many points to earn free goodies.
See Also: These 10 McDonalds Menu Prices Provide the Most Bang for Your Buck
Receipt Surveys Are Your Friend
Never throw away your Chick-fil-A receipt with your waffle fry crumbs again.
Instead, take a closer look at it and notice the “Survey offer” near the bottom.
All you gotta do is visit the website listed, answer a few questions about your meal/visit and they’ll send you an offer to collect a FREE sandwich.
Don’t procrastinate on this one as you’ll need to complete the survey within 2 days of your visit.
Order the “Family Meal” Thru their App and SAVE
When I found the “Family Meal” section of the Chick-fil-A app I was intrigued and sure enough it’s a definite money saver.
By creating my family’s meals this way I would have saved close to $10 on pretty much the exact same meals.
It should be noted that the selection on the family meals is very basic and only includes their regular and spicy chicken sandwich but you can customize them however you please.
Fortunately, it does include all of their regular sides, sauces, and desserts.
See Also: The Chick-Fil-A Secret Menu Takes Chicken to a Whole New Level
Always Score a YUMMY Cookie on Your Birthday
Would you like a big ol’ free cookie from Chick-fil-A on (or near) your birthday?
Just use their app and tap the “Account” section and enter your birthday.
Then when your big day comes around you’ll be gnawing on a free chocolate cookie.
The best part? The “free cookie” offer that they email you gives you a month to collect, so no pressure, which is very thoughtful.
The BLT is a Secret Meal for Under $2
If you’re on a low-carb diet you should definitely order the BLT, especially since it will save you money.
When you order it, you’ll basically get a lettuce wrap with ripe tomatoes and crispy bacon in the middle.
Then add the sauce of your choice for NO extra cost.
The price, depending on your location, will be just a hair under $2, right around $1.89 on average.
Skip The Soda and Order Water
Similar to In-N-Out Burger, the meal deals at Chick-fil-A don’t provide that much savings compared to ordering ala carte.
For example, when you order the Chick-fil-A sandwich meal you get the sandwich, waffle fires, and medium Coke for $7.79.
Order just the sandwich, fries, and a FREE ice water and you’ll only pay $6.54.
Other fast food joints basically give you the soda for free in the meal deal, but not at Chick-fil-A…so skip the soda and go with the healthier option and save money.
See Also: Chick-fil-A Breakfast Hours: Grab an Early Morning Breakfast During These Hours
Do Your Kids Love Ice Cream More Than Cheap Toys?
When you order your child a Kid’s Meal at Chick-fil-A, keep in mind that you can opt for an ice cream cone instead of the cheap plastic toy.
It’s a tasty win for your kid, and the bottom of your foot will thank you too.
Be sure to tell them when you order as you they won’t take back the toy once you or your child has handled it.
Some Locations Offer a “Military Monday”
Many Chick-fil-A locations offer a free sandwich or wrap on Monday’s for those in the military.
Be prepared to show your military I.D. and it would be smart to call ahead of time to see if your local Chick-fil-A participates.
See Also: 90+ Places Where Veterans & Active Military Score a Discount
Hungry? Poor? Try This
Order the 4 Chick-N-Strip entrée and 2 buttered buns and make your own sandwiches.
Don’t forget to slather on your favorite sauce and BAAM you just got 2 chicken sammies and saved a couple bucks in the process.
Enough money to basically get some waffle fries for free.
Winning.
And yes, it’s “my pleasure.”
Bonus TIP #1: Free Breakfast on Wednesday
My local Chick-fil-A actually offers a FREE breakfast item every Wednesday and they’ve been doing it for a couple months now.
Show up and they’ll give you one of the following items for free on Wednesday’s between 6:30 – 10:30 am.
Be sure to see if your local location offers something similar, albeit it might be a different day of the week, but hey, FREE is FREE.
Ask the Reader: Do you have any other clever ways to save some cash when dining at Chick-fil-A? Let me know in the comments, thanks.
By Kyle James
I started Rather-Be-Shopping.com in 2000 and have become a consumer expert and advocate writing about out-of-the-box ways to save at stores like Amazon, Walmart, Target and Costco to name a few. I’ve been featured on FOX News, Good Morning America, and the NY Times talking about my savings tips. (Learn more)
