When to use your FPL Wildcard and other chips
In the 2026/27 Fantasy Premier League season you get each chip twice: one set for the first half of the season and one for the second. First-half chips must be used by gameweek 19 or they are lost. Good chip timing can be worth dozens of points.
The four chips
- Wildcard: unlimited free transfers for one gameweek. The changes are permanent.
- Free Hit: unlimited free transfers for one gameweek, then your squad goes back to how it was.
- Bench Boost: your four bench players' points also count for one gameweek.
- Triple Captain: your captain scores triple instead of double points for one gameweek.
Only one chip can be played per gameweek. In 2026/27 the first set can be used up to gameweek 19 and the second set from gameweek 20.
When to Wildcard
- Your team needs three or more changes that you would otherwise have to pay hits for (injuries, players who lost their place, a fixture swing).
- Before a run of good fixtures for several teams, so the new squad benefits for weeks, not one gameweek.
- To set up other chips: many managers Wildcard the week before a Bench Boost so all 15 players have good fixtures.
Common mistake: wildcarding after one bad week. One poor score is noise; a squad with structural problems is a reason.
When to Free Hit
The Free Hit is strongest in blank gameweeks, when several teams don't play and you would otherwise field fewer than 11 players, or in a double gameweek, when you can field a squad of players with two matches for a single week. Using it in a normal week usually gains little because your own team would have scored similarly.
When to Bench Boost
Best in a double gameweek when all 15 of your players are likely to start, ideally twice. A Bench Boost on a bench of non-starters often adds only a handful of points.
When to Triple Captain
Best on a nailed, high-scoring player with two fixtures in a double gameweek, or a very favourable single fixture. Avoid using it on a rotation risk.
Don't let chips expire
Because first-half chips are lost after gameweek 19, plan their use in advance. If no double gameweek appears before then, pick the strongest single fixture rather than wasting the chip.
Find out how many points this costs you
Enter your FPL team ID. PointsLeak replays your season and shows the 3 mistakes that cost you the most points. Free, no signup.
FAQ
How many Wildcards do I get in FPL 2026/27?
Two: one for the first half of the season (up to gameweek 19) and one for the second half (from gameweek 20).
Can I play two chips in the same gameweek?
No. Only one chip can be active in any gameweek.
Does the Free Hit change my team permanently?
No. After the Free Hit gameweek your squad reverts to the one you had before.