To get rewards at Chili’s in 2026, you join My Chili’s Rewards (free) and then make visits, spend money, and use the app/website to unlock perks like free chips & salsa, birthday dessert, and bonus points toward free menu items.

Quick overview: how rewards work in 2026

  • Program name: My Chili’s Rewards (often shown as “My Chili’s” in the app).
  • Cost: Free to join; no membership fee.
  • Where it works: Primarily at U.S. participating Chili’s Grill & Bar locations; some offers may also apply for online ordering.
  • How you “get” rewards:
    • You earn points/stamps for visits and spending.
    • Rewards are automatically added to your account when triggered (sign-up, birthday, special promotions).
    • You then select them in the app or at the tabletop device when ordering.

There is no separate “Chili’s reload card” loyalty program like in the UK (stamp cards for £35 spends) in the U.S.; the main U.S. system is My Chili’s Rewards.

Step-by-step: how to start getting rewards

  1. Join My Chili’s Rewards 
 * Sign up with your email/phone and create a password.
  1. Add your birthday
    • Enter your date of birth during registration or in your account profile.
 * Do this **before** your birthday month; some programs don’t count members who join during their birthday month.
  1. Visit and spend
    • Order food in the restaurant or online.
    • Many rewards (like free chips & salsa) require a minimum $5 purchase.
  1. Claim your rewards
    • When a reward is available, it shows in:
      • The app (“Rewards” or “Offers” section), or
      • Your email/text if you’re opted in.
 * At checkout:
   * In-restaurant: log in on the tabletop device or tell your server you’re a My Chili’s member and want to apply a reward.
   * Online: select the reward before completing your order.

Main rewards you can get in 2026

1. Free Chips & Salsa every visit

  • What you get: Free chips & salsa on each visit.
  • How to unlock:
    • Automatically available when you join My Chili’s.
    • Requires a $5+ minimum purchase.
  • Frequency: Every visit, as long as you meet the spend requirement.

2. Free birthday dessert

  • What you get: One free dessert on your birthday (options include molten chocolate cake, skillet cookie, cheesecake, brownie sundae, etc., depending on location).
  • How to unlock:
    • Be a My Chili’s Rewards member.
    • Have your birthday saved in your account.
  • When it arrives: During your birthday month (exact window shown in the app/email).
  • Requirements:
    • Minimum $5 purchase.
    • Valid at participating locations; can be used for dine-in or takeout if ordered via the app.

3. Points toward free menu items

  • Joining gives you 60 points right away, which go toward a free menu item (exact item and point threshold depend on current program rules).
  • You keep earning points on future visits and spending; once you hit the required amount, a free-food reward appears in your account.

4. Exclusive offers and perks

As a My Chili’s member, you also get:

  • Personalized offers ( occasional free items, discounts, or special promotions sent via app/email/text).
  • Exclusive giveaways and merch deals.
  • Early menu updates before non-members.

How to stay eligible and keep earning

  • Visit regularly: Some promotions or “stay active” perks may require visits within a certain time window (e.g., once every 45 days for certain benefits).
  • Keep your profile updated:
    • Ensure your birthday is correct.
    • Opt in to email/text if you want offers delivered that way.
  • Use the app for ordering:
    • Many rewards are easiest to apply when ordering through the app or at the tabletop device.
  • Check expiration dates:
    • Most rewards (birthday dessert, promotional offers) expire after a set period (often 10 days after issue or by the end of your birthday month, depending on the offer).

Common questions

Do I need to spend a lot to get rewards?
Not really. Many core rewards (like chips & salsa and birthday dessert) only need a $5 minimum purchase.

Can I stack rewards?
You can usually:

  • Apply a rewards item (e.g., birthday dessert) and still pay for other items.
  • Combine with some promotions, but not all; the app or terms will show if a reward is “exclusive” or stackable.

Is this the same in the UK?
No. In the UK, Chili’s uses a stamp-card loyalty system where you get a stamp per visit with a £35+ minimum spend, and then unlock £10–£20 off bills at 3/6/10 stamps. In the U.S., the main system is My Chili’s Rewards with points, free items, and birthday perks.

If you tell me your country (U.S., UK, etc.) and whether you prefer dining in or ordering online, I can tailor a very specific “how to max out rewards at Chili’s in 2026” plan for you. Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.