Chili's Grill & Bar provides complimentary food items to members of its My Chili's Rewards® program. These benefits include standard rewards such as free chips and salsa and a birthday dessert, as well as potential bonus offers. Access to these perks requires enrollment in the free loyalty program and adherence to specific terms regarding purchase requirements and redemption methods.
My Chili's Rewards Enrollment and Eligibility
To access free food offers at Chili's, consumers must join the My Chili's Rewards® program. Enrollment is free and can be completed by visiting the Chili's website or downloading the mobile app. The sign-up process requires providing truthful, accurate, and complete contact information, including a preferred location and birth date for birthday offers. According to the terms and conditions, Brinker reserves the right to block enrollment or cancel benefits if inaccurate information is provided.
Once enrolled, members are classified as "Guests" and become eligible for program benefits at participating U.S. Chili's Grill & Bar locations or affiliated Brinker locations.
Standard Benefits: Free Chips and Salsa
One of the primary benefits of the My Chili's Rewards program is a free serving of chips and salsa with every visit. This offer is available to all members, provided they meet specific criteria.
Eligibility and Requirements * Purchase Requirement: Members must spend at least Five U.S. Dollars ($5.00) on food or beverage during the visit. This amount excludes taxes, tips, and donations. * Frequency: The offer is valid on every visit, provided the member has engaged with the program at least once within a 60-day period. * Redemption: The benefit is claimed at participating locations. Members typically receive the offer via email, text message, the Chili's mobile app, or through the tabletop Ziosk devices available at tables.
Source data indicates that this benefit is widely reported by customers. One source notes that simply signing up for the rewards program earns a free serving of chips and salsa on every qualifying visit.
Standard Benefits: Birthday Dessert
Members of My Chili's Rewards are also eligible for a free dessert on their birthday.
Redemption Process 1. Join the Program: Members must be enrolled in My Chili's Rewards prior to their birthday month. 2. Receive the Offer: As the birthday approaches, Chili's sends a special offer via email or text message. This offer contains a voucher for a free dessert. 3. Visit and Redeem: The member must visit a participating Chili's location during their birthday month. When ordering, the member informs the server of the desire to claim the birthday dessert and shows the email or text offer. The dessert is then provided free of charge.
Available Desserts The birthday dessert options include popular menu items such as the Molten Chocolate Cake and the Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie.
Bonus Benefits and Promotional Offers
In addition to standard benefits, My Chili's Rewards members may receive "Bonus Benefits." These are personalized offers sent to members who have opted-in to receive marketing communications. Bonus Benefits may include free or discounted menu items, Chili's merchandise, or other rewards.
Reported Customer Experiences While the "kids eat free" promotion is frequently mentioned in marketing contexts, customer reports suggest inconsistencies in the distribution of related coupons. Some customers have reported not receiving the kids' meal coupon in years, instead receiving offers for chips and salsa, drinks, or birthday desserts. Theories regarding eligibility for the kids' meal offer include the requirement to visit within 45 days of enrollment, though this is not explicitly confirmed in the terms and conditions provided.
Alternative Cost-Saving Measures For families looking to save money without relying on specific coupons, Chili's offers the "3 for Me" meal deal. This deal allows a customer to choose a drink, an appetizer, and an entree for a set price (reported as $10.99). This option does not require a coupon and can be shared between adults to provide food for a family at a lower cost.
Veterans Day Free Meal Offer
Chili's participates in Veterans Day promotions, offering a free meal to veterans and active military members. As of November 2025, the offer is valid on November 11 at participating locations.
Requirements * Proof of Service: Veterans and active military members must present proof of service. * Dining Method: The offer is valid for dine-in only. * Menu Options: Available menu items for the free meal include Chicken Crispers, Quesadillas, and the Oldtimer Burger.
This promotion is distinct from the My Chili's Rewards program and requires on-site verification of military status.
How to Claim Benefits
Benefits from the My Chili's Rewards program are generally claimed through the following methods: * Email or Text: Members receive vouchers or codes via email or SMS that can be presented to staff. * Mobile App: Benefits may be accessible directly within the Chili's mobile application. * Tabletop Devices: In-restaurant Ziosk tablets allow members to redeem offers during the visit.
Unless otherwise specified, benefits are only redeemable at participating Chili's locations within the United States.
Conclusion
The My Chili's Rewards® program offers tangible value through standard benefits like free chips and salsa and a complimentary birthday dessert, provided members meet the minimum purchase requirement of $5.00. While bonus offers vary, and customer reports indicate potential inconsistencies with specific promotions like kids' meal coupons, the core benefits are clearly defined in the program's terms and conditions. Consumers interested in these freebies should ensure accurate enrollment and monitor communications for personalized offers and birthday vouchers.