Free chicken might sound like a gimmick, but at Nando’s it’s not. The Nando’s Rewards Card lets you earn “Chillies” every time you eat, and those little icons add up surprisingly fast. Here’s how the scheme works, the easy mistakes to avoid, and a few tricks regulars use to get the most out of it.
What’s the Nando’s Rewards Card?
If you’ve ever been in a Nando’s and spotted someone scanning a little card (or their phone) before tucking into a burger, that’s the Rewards Card in action. It’s completely free, and it works a lot like a coffee shop stamp card, except here, your stamps are called Chillies.
Every time you spend £7 or more in a single day at Nando’s, you pick up a Chilli. Get enough, and you swap them for free food. The rewards start small, such as a few wings or a starter, and progress all the way up to a whole chicken.
It works for eating in, ordering click & collect, or even getting delivery directly through Nando’s own app or website. Just one catch: if you use Deliveroo, Just Eat, Uber Eats, or similar, it won’t count towards your Chillies.
How Do You Get a Nando’s Rewards Card?
Signing up is simple, you’ve got two routes:
- Go digital straight away. Download the Nando’s app (iOS or Android), create an account, and your Rewards Card will appear in there instantly. You even get a bonus Chilli for joining, which is a nice head start.
- Pick up a physical card in-restaurant. Just ask for one at the till. You’ll still need to register it online or in the app so it’s linked to your account. And don’t worry, you can use both the digital and plastic versions interchangeably because they’re tied to the same account.
Can You Add It to Apple Wallet?
Yes, and it’s well worth doing if you tend to forget loyalty cards. In the Nando’s app, open your card, tap “Add to Apple Wallet”, and it’ll be saved on your phone. Android users can do the same thing with Google Pay.
That way, when you’re at the counter, you just flash your phone and you’re done, no rummaging through pockets.
How Nando’s Chillies Work
Spend £7 or more in one day directly with Nando’s and you get 1 Chilli. Even if you place two qualifying orders in one day, you’ll still only get the one Chilli.
Rewards unlock at three levels:
- 3 Chillies (Green) – Free ¼ chicken, three wings, or a starter
- 6 Chillies (Orange) – Free ½ chicken, or a burger, pitta, or wrap
- 10 Chillies (Red) – Whole chicken, a meal with two regular sides, or a large salad/bowl
Once you hit 10 Chillies, the counter resets, but your unlocked rewards don’t disappear; they just sit there waiting for you to claim them.
Do Chillies Expire?
The Chillies themselves? No, they’re yours to keep. The rewards they unlock? That’s another story. You get one year (366 days) from the day you earn each reward to use it. If you miss the deadline, it’s gone for good.
You can see all your rewards (and their expiry dates) in the “My Rewards” section of the app.
Can You Use Chillies for Takeaway?
Yes, absolutely. If you’re ordering click & collect or takeaway directly from Nando’s, you can apply your reward at checkout, just make sure you’re logged into your account so it’s linked.
Can You Use Them on Deliveroo?
Nope. Sadly, orders through Deliveroo, Just Eat, Uber Eats, or other third-party delivery services won’t earn Chillies and can’t use your existing rewards. If you want to keep building up points, always order direct from Nando’s.
Money-Saving Hack: Double Your Nando’s Rewards
If you’re eating out with friends or family, ask to pay separately. As long as each person spends £7 or more, they’ll each earn their own Chilli. Over time, that means more freebies for the group, without anyone having to pay a penny extra. Just remember, it’s one Chilli per account per day, so make sure everyone has their card.
How to Earn Chillies Faster Without Overspending
- Aim for the £7 mark. You don’t have to buy a feast; sometimes a wrap and a drink will do it.
- Split the bill smartly. More individual receipts mean more Chillies.
- Keep your card handy. Add it to Apple Wallet or Google Pay so you never miss a scan.
- Log missed Chillies. Forgot to scan? You can upload your receipt in the app within 180 days to get it added.
Is the Nando's Card Worth It?
If you visit Nando’s even a few times a year, this scheme’s a no-brainer. You’re not paying anything extra, the rewards add up quickly, and you can bag your first freebie after just three visits.
The trick is to ensure you’re always ordering directly and scanning your card (or using your phone). Otherwise, you’re leaving free chicken on the table, and nobody wants that.
