If you like to think outside the bun, then the Taco Bell Rewards program just might be for you. The loyalty program launched over the summer of 2020 as a trial program, but it looks like it’ll be sticking around, which is great news for taco lovers everywhere!

Taco Bell Rewards members earn points on every eligible purchase made through the Taco Bell app in-store or at the drive-thru, which can later be redeemed for a selection of different menu items depending on which membership tier you’re in. Members will also unlock discounts and special offers for using the app, which means your savings don’t stop at the freebies!

How does the Taco Bell Rewards program work?

Taco Bell Rewards is an app-based loyalty program that offers members early access to new menu items, exclusive discounts, special offers, and reward points on every eligible purchase. Members place their orders through the app and collect them at the counter or drive-thru of their favorite Taco Bell to earn the points, which can be exchanged for a variety of menu items, including burritos, nachos, tacos, cinnamon twists, drinks, and more!

What are the benefits of joining Taco Bell Rewards?

When you sign up to be a Taco Bell Rewards member you’ll start seeing the benefits right away. In fact, just for signing up, you’ll receive a free Seasoned Beef Doritos Locos Taco. Vegetarian? No problem! The offer can also be used for a Doritos Loco Taco with Beans instead.

After you’ve whet your appetite with your first freebie, you can start earning points, as well as unlocking the special offers, discounts, and bonus point challenges that are exclusive to members.

If you provide your birthday at sign-up, you’ll also be able to grab a free regular Mountain Dew Baja Blast Freeze on your big day!

How do Taco Bell Rewards points work?

Members will earn 10 points per dollar on eligible purchases made through the Taco Bell app, for every 250 points you earn, you can convert your points into a reward that you can claim on your next visit.

Members that earn 2,000 points within a single calendar year will be promoted to the Fire! membership tier, after which they’ll earn 11 points per dollar on their eligible purchases, as well as unlocking additional offers and discounts, and an expanded rewards menu. This upgraded membership only lasts until the end of the year before you’ll have to reach the 2000 point threshold again, so be sure to take advantage of it!

Does the Taco Bell Rewards program offer a sign-up bonus?

You bet! First-time users will receive a welcome bonus of a free Seasoned Beef (or Bean) Doritos Locos Taco. The offer is good for 14 days after you sign up, so be sure to stop in and treat yourself!

Are there any other benefits to joining?

In addition to the free Doritos Locos Taco you get for signing up, members who share their birthday in the sign-up process will also receive a free Regular Mountain Dew Baja Blast Freeze on their birthdays. Your birthday reward is valid for 31 days after it’s been issued, so it’s really more of a birthday month offer!

How do you join the Taco Bell Rewards program?

Joining the Taco Bell Rewards program is easy! Just download the Taco Bell app and create an account.  You’ll need to provide your name, an email, and your birthday if you’d like to claim the bonus birthday freebie. Once you’ve logged in you’re good to go, and you can claim your free Seasoned Beef Doritos Locos Taco right away.

How do you check your points balance?

Curious how close you are to your next delicious reward? Just sign in to the app and head to the Rewards dashboard. In the top right of the screen, you’ll see three vertical dots, tap them and select “My History” to see your current points balance and when you earned them. Just be aware that points may take as long as 48 hours to be applied to your account after your purchase, so if you just bought something, your balance may not reflect your actual total yet.

Can you add points later if you forget at the checkout?

Unfortunately, there is currently no way to add points to your account if you don’t place your order through the Taco Bell app, but the program is still very new, so this may change in the future!

How do you redeem Taco Bell Rewards points?

If you’ve been earning points and you’re ready to reap the tasty rewards, just log into the Taco Bell app, head to the My Rewards tab, and take your pick! You’ll need to have 250 points before you can claim a reward, but after that, your only limit is your membership tier.

All Taco Bell Rewards members start at the Hot Tier, which rewards include your choice of a Bean Burrito, Chips & Nacho Cheese Sauce, Cinnamon Twists, Crunchy Taco, or a Medium Fountain Drink.

Members who’ve reached the annual 2000 point threshold and have achieved Fire! Tier status can choose from all the items available in the Hot tier, as well as a Chalupa Supreme, Doritos Locos Tacos, Nachos BellGrande, or a Regular Mountain Dew Baja Blast Freeze, all for the same 250 point price.

Do Taco Bell Rewards points expire?

Points will expire 6 months after the end of the calendar month in which you earned them. In other words, whether you make a purchase on the first day of the month or the last, the six-month expiry countdown doesn’t start until the next month begins. Members can also extend the life of their points by converting them into rewards just before they expire. Rewards expire on the 31st day after they’ve been selected, so it’ll give you another month to collect your free item.

Getting the most out of The Taco Bell Rewards Program

If you want to make sure you aren’t missing out on any opportunities for free food, here are our top five tips for making the most of your Taco Bell Rewards membership.

Claim your Freebies!

Since Taco Bell Rewards members get a free Seasoned Beef (or Bean) Doritos Locos Taco for signing up, and a free Regular Mountain Dew Baja Blast Freeze on their birthday, the best way to make sure you’re not missing out is to take advantage and make sure you claim these freebies before they expire.

Use Your Rewards

This might seem obvious, what’s the point of earning rewards if you aren’t going to spend them, right?  But it’s not always that simple. Life gets busy, and using your Taco Bell Rewards might not be the first thing on your mind, but it’s easy to set a reminder when you claim a reward to make sure you use it before it expires.

Take Advantage of Special Offers

Members of the Taco Bell Rewards program get exclusive access to special offers, discounts, and even early access to new or limited-time menu items. Checking on the offers available to you in the app is a great way to not only get more free food but save money while you’re doing it.

Participate in Taco Bell Challenges for Extra Points

Lots of loyalty programs offer their members a few ways to earn extra points, at Taco Bell, members can earn bonus points by completing the Taco Bell Challenges found in the app under the rewards tab. Most challenges will include a dollar amount or a set of items to be included in an order, if you meet the challenge you will automatically receive additional points on top of your regular earnings.

Reach the Fire! Membership Tier

If you’re serious about getting all you can from the Taco Bell Reward program, you’ll want to be sure to earn the Fire! Tier membership upgrade. Earn 2000 points within a calendar year to increase your future points return by 10%, as well as unlocking a few premium menu items for rewards.

What are the members saying?

The program is still pretty new, but the app has a 4.7-star rating after more than 500,000 reviews.  Members appreciate the standard price across rewards, as well as the variety of choices available to them, but have also noted that not all of Taco Bells menu is available in-app, so you might have to place a separate order when you pick up your food if you can’t find what you’re looking for.

Conclusion

Even if you aren’t a Taco Bell regular, the freebies you get just for joining make it worth the time to sign up, but the program itself offers a lot of perks and benefits to those who use it. Since the Taco Bell Rewards program is also so new, we can expect to see updates and improvements in the future.