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Want a Year’s Worth of Free Chick-fil-A? Here’s How to Win a Golden Fan Cup

Chick-fil-A is turning 80 this year, and the Atlanta-based fast-food chain is marking the milestone in a very Willy Wonka way. Instead of golden tickets, the brand is hiding 3,000 Golden Fan Cups inside a nationwide run of collectible drink cups. Find one, and you’ll win a year’s worth of free Chick-fil-A.

What are these cups, exactly, and how can you score a golden one? We’ve got all the juicy details, including whether there are any catches hidden in the fine print. Let’s dig in.

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How can you win free Chick-fil-A for a year?

Think of this as a modern-day golden-ticket hunt—except the treasure comes in the form of chicken sandwiches and nuggets instead of Everlasting Gobstoppers. Chick-fil-A’s sweepstakes is tied to a limited run of collectible cups, with a small number concealing the ultimate prize.

What to know

The fast-food chain is rolling out four retro-inspired collectible Classic Cups, with new designs debuting every few weeks. The promotion started on Jan. 5, 2026.

Randomly mixed into the nationwide distribution are 3,000 Golden Fan Cups, and finding one of these comes with a major reward: free Chick-fil-A for a year. The prize is defined as 52 select entrees, loaded directly into the winner’s Chick-fil-A One account. Winners can choose from the Original Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich, Spicy Chicken Sandwich, Grilled Chicken Sandwich or eight-piece Chick-fil-A Nuggets (original or grilled). Each Golden Fan Cup includes a winning card with a QR code and instructions for claiming the prize.

Classic Cups cost about $3.99 (price may vary by location) and are available only while supplies last. The cups are designed as collectibles and are not refillable. In short, every purchase is a sealed mystery—with a small chance that it comes with a year’s worth of chicken.

How to enter

Want to try your luck at winning a golden cup? You can enter in one of two ways.

Buy a Classic Cup

  • Classic Cups are available at participating Chick-fil-A restaurants, through the Chick-fil-A app or online for about $3.99 (prices may vary slightly by location).
  • You can purchase a cup on its own or as part of a meal bundle that includes an Original Sandwich, fries, a drink and the Classic Cup.

Enter by mail

  • If you don’t want to buy a cup (or just want extra chances), you can submit a mail-in entry. Print your name, address, phone number, email and date of birth on a piece of paper, and mail it to the sweepstakes address: Chick-fil-A Golden Fan Sweepstakes, c/o Merkle Inc., P.O. Box 5013, Kalamazoo, MI 49003-5018.
  • All entries must be postmarked by July 1, 2026, and received by July 9, 2026. Each mail-in entry counts toward random drawings, ensuring your odds are at least as good as buying a cup.

Is it really random?

Yep. The Golden Fan Cups are randomly distributed, and all cups are sealed so customers (or Chick-fil-A employees) can’t preview designs in advance. There’s no shortcut, no strategy and no way to game the system.

By the way, the official odds are approximately 1 in 1,868, so winning is possible but definitely a “cross your fingers” situation.

Are there any caveats?

Sure, and knowing them will set realistic expectations. Here’s what you should know before you enter:

  • It’s not unlimited Chick-fil-A for a year; winners get 52 entrees total (roughly one per week).
  • Prizes are redeemable only at participating Chick-fil-A restaurants.
  • Cup designs are released in limited waves and may sell out before the next one appears.
  • Winners must complete the prize claim and verification process to receive the reward.
  • Chick-fil-A employees and their immediate family members are not eligible.

How long does this sweepstakes run?

Here are the key dates:

  • Classic Cups launch: Jan. 5, 2026
  • Cup availability: While supplies last
  • Sweepstakes period: Through July 1, 2026
  • Mail-in entry deadline: Postmarked by July 1, 2026; received by July 9, 2026

What other promotions is Chick-fil-A hosting for its 80th anniversary?

The Golden Fan Cups are just one part of Chick-fil-A’s 80th-anniversary push, which the brand is framing as “newstalgia,” aka a mix of modern offerings and retro throwbacks. Other highlights include:

  • Frosted Sodas and Floats: These two frosty drinks are joining the permanent menu. Frosted Sodas merge Chick-fil-A’s Icedream with favorite fountain sodas (like Coke, Dr. Pepper and Sprite), while Floats layer soda and Icedream into a fizzy indulgence.
  • Limited-time retro packaging: Look out for retro branding on the Original Chicken Sandwich.
  • Specialty plush cows: These plushies and other anniversary-themed merchandise are rolling out throughout the year.

What’s not part of the party? You won’t spot any chocolate waterfalls or singing Oompa-Loompas—just a sealed cup, a little suspense and the chance that your next Chick-fil-A order is a winner.

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At Reader’s Digest, we’re committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. We rely on reputable primary sources, including government and professional organizations and academic institutions as well as our writers’ personal experiences where appropriate. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.

Source:

  • Chick-fil-A: “Chick-fil-A Kicks Off Year of ‘Newstalgia’ Celebrations with Golden Fan Cup Sweepstakes”

Why Chick-fil-A Never Says 'You're Welcome'

What’s in Chick-fil-A’s Famous Sauce?

The Best Fast-Food Customer Service

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