Panda Express Just Launched a Rewards Program—Here’s What You Need to Know

Rewards programs can be a game changer. We’re thinking of all those times we’ve saved big at Starbucks, Dunkin’, Wendy’s, Target and so many other go-to favorites thanks to the magic of customer rewards programs. And now, that magic is coming to another favorite chain—Panda Express!

That’s right, get ready to save on all the orange chicken you can imagine. The chain has announced the launch of its first-ever customer rewards program. Here’s how to become a member of the program that will help you get your favorite Panda Express goodies for free.

How Does the Panda Express Rewards Program Work?

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The program is a points-based rewards system. That means, through purchases, customers can earn points to redeem “free food and unlock surprise gifts and exclusive benefits,” the chain writes on its website. These gifts and benefits include upgrading meals and free plates, family plates and more!

To redeem points, customers must log into their rewards account and place an order through the chain’s app or website. Customers can also purchase items to earn or redeem points in-store or at any Panda Express drive-thru, as long as they scan their app at checkout. Then, for every dollar consumers spend on qualifying purchases, members will receive 10 “Panda Points.”

Here’s What You Can Earn Through the Rewards Program

There are a variety of benefits and rewards members can unlock through the free rewards program. Not only can fans redeem points for discounted and free products, but they can also “jump the line in-store and check out faster” along with “get[ting] Panda delivered.” Major perks!

For even more “good fortune,” fans can pick up a free gift from select options on their birthday. More specifically, though, members can redeem points for the following rewards deals:

• 200 points: Upgrade to Premium Entree
• 250 points: Upgrade Bowl to Plate
• 250 points: Upgrade Plate to Bigger Plate
• 300 points: Free Small Appetizer
• 350 points: Free Medium Drink
• 650 points: Free Medium A La Carte Side
• 750 points: Free Small A La Carte Entree
• 850 points: Free Cub Meal
• 1,250 points: Free Bowl
• 1,500 points: Free Plate
• 1,750 points: Free Bigger Plate
• 5,000 points: Free Family Meal

How Do I Sign Up for the Rewards Program?

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You can join via the Panda Express website or app. Customers just need to provide their first and last names along with their email addresses.

Once customers join the Panda Express party, they’ll receive a Welcome Gift of 25% off their first order, which can be as much as $10 off. Plus, the first purchase of each month will unlock a Good Fortune Gift that allows customers to access bonus points, special discounts or free food along with a digital fortune cookie message. A total bargain!

If you haven’t signed up yet, there’s a ton of “good fortune [that] awaits,” so there’s no better time than now to join. While dreaming of all things Panda Express, you can also enjoy it in the comfort of your own home thanks to these copycat recipes.

Panda Express Copycat Recipes

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Slow-Cooker Chicken Thighs Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Inspired by: Grilled Teriyaki ChickenHere’s a real sensation: Asian-style slow-cooker chicken thighs and rice. They always go over big with my family. —Gigi Miller, Stoughton, Wisconsin. Here are a few tips for making teriyaki chicken.

Get Our Recipe: Teriyaki Chicken

Chicken and Pineapple Stir-FryWe love how the snappy veggies and pineapple make this stir-fry taste fresh and bright. Add brown sugar and you get a sweet-and-sour dish that’s packed with flavor. —DeEtta Rasmussen, Fort Madison, Iowa

Go to Recipe

Chicken Pot StickersChicken and mushrooms make up the filling in these pot stickers, a traditional Chinese dumpling. Greasing the steamer rack makes it easier to remove them once they're steamed. —Jacquelynne Stine, Las Vegas, Nevada

Go to Recipe

Taste of Home

Saucy Beef with BroccoliWhen I’m looking for a fast entree, I turn to this beef and broccoli stir-fry. It features a tantalizing sauce made with garlic and ginger. —Rosa Evans, Odessa, Missouri

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Spicy Beef & Pepper Stir-FryThink of this stir-fry as your chance to play with heat and spice. I balance the savory beef with coconut milk and a spritz of lime. —Joy Zacharia, Clearwater, Florida

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Taste of Home

Baked Crab RangoonsWhen I'm dining out, crab rangoons are one of my go-to dishes. I decided to create a better-for-you version at home. —Emily Higgins, Wingdale, New York

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Whole Grain Chow MeinMy kids are picky eaters, but teriyaki and hoisin sauces work wonders with them. They love the meatballs, and I swap the noodles for whole grain pasta. —Kelly Shippey, Orange, California

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Baked Egg RollsThese egg rolls are low in fat but the crispiness from baking will fool you into thinking they were fried! —Barbara Lierman, Lyons, Nebraska

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Better Than Fried ShrimpThis crispy shrimp is a healthier alternative to deep-fried varieties. Coating the shrimp with panko bread crumbs, spraying with cooking spray and then baking give this appetizer great taste without all the saturated fat and calories of deep frying. —Cher Schwartz, Ellisville, Missouri

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Taste of Home

Homemade Fortune CookiesOur home is often filled with family and friends, so I'm always cooking up something. I created this recipe when I was looking for a treat to surprise my husband. —Susan Bettinger, Battle Creek, Michigan

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Beef Orange Stir-FryThis dinner for two is loaded with lots of flavor and color. Red pepper flakes add a little kick to the orange beef sauce, and the tender veggies add a pop of color. — Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Pork & Vegetable Spring RollsI thought rice paper wrappers would be a quick, fun way to put salad ingredients into a hand-held snack or meal. I also make this with shrimp or add in cranberries. Go ahead, experiment! —Marla Strader, Ozark, Missouri

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Learn how to make spring rolls at home.

Inspired by: Fried RiceAfter my first child was born, I needed meals that were satisfying and fast. This easy chicken fried rice is now part of our regular dinner rotation. — Alicia Gower, Auburn, New York

Get Our Recipe: Super Quick Chicken Fried Rice

Inspired by: Orange ChickenWe enjoy these tangy nuggets so many ways—over noodles or rice, in sandwiches, even on top of lettuce and cabbage. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon

Get Our Recipe: Crispy Orange Chicken