Shopping for a new Ford? You might have heard about special insider pricing programs that could save you thousands. If you’re lucky enough to qualify for either the X-Plan or A-Plan, you’re in for some serious savings compared to the average buyer walking into a dealership.
What Are Ford’s X-Plan and A-Plan Programs?
Ford offers several discount programs designed to provide preferential pricing to different groups. The X-Plan (Partner Recognition Program) and A-Plan (Employee Pricing) are two of the most sought-after discount options.
X-Plan: The “Friends and Extended Family” Discount
The X-Plan extends special pricing to those with indirect connections to Ford:
- Employees of Ford partner companies and their spouses
- Members of organizations with special relationships with Ford
- People living in the same household as eligible X-Plan participants
- Friends and neighbors sponsored through the “Friends & Neighbors” program
The X-Plan pricing formula is typically:
- Invoice price – 0.4% + $275 program fee
This usually puts X-Plan pricing just slightly above dealer invoice, making it a substantial discount compared to MSRP without requiring any negotiation skills on your part.
A-Plan: The “Ford Family” Discount
The A-Plan offers Ford’s most exclusive pricing tier, reserved for:
- All active full-time Ford employees (hourly and salaried) from their hire date
- Immediate family members of Ford employees including spouses, parents, children, grandchildren, and siblings
- Same-sex domestic partners of eligible employees and their family members
- Employees on approved leave or layoff (first 12 months)
The A-Plan pricing formula is:
- Invoice – Holdback – Advertising Fee + $275 Program Fee
This formula results in the deepest discount available on Ford vehicles, often thousands below dealer cost.
The Savings Difference: X-Plan vs A-Plan
Let’s break down the actual savings with a real-world example for a Ford F-150 XL:
| Price Component | Amount | A-Plan Calculation | X-Plan Calculation |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $37,120 | – | – |
| Invoice | $35,375 | Starting point | Starting point |
| Holdback | $1,074 | Subtracted | Not subtracted |
| Ad fee | $716 | Subtracted | Not subtracted |
| Program Fee | $275 | Added | Added |
| Final Price | – | $33,860 | ~$35,450 |
| Savings off MSRP | – | ~$3,260 (8.8%) | ~$1,670 (4.5%) |
As you can see, the A-Plan provides significantly deeper discounts. In fact, the A-Plan price is even below the dealer’s cost, which is why it’s reserved for those with direct Ford connections.
PIN Allocation: How Many Vehicles Can You Buy?
Both programs limit how many discounted vehicles you can purchase each year:
A-Plan PIN Allocation
- Up to four (4) PINs per calendar year
- PINs remain valid for 12 months after generation
X-Plan PIN Allocation
- Generally two (2) PINs per calendar year
- Some partner companies may allow up to four (4)
- PINs also valid for 12 months
Using Your X-Plan or A-Plan Discount: Step-by-Step Process
The process is surprisingly straightforward for both plans:
- Verify your eligibility for either plan
- Generate your PIN through the appropriate channel:
- A-Plan: www.axz.ford.com or call (800) 348-7709
- X-Plan: Call 1-877-XPLAN-00 or access through your employer’s portal
- Visit a Ford dealership and identify yourself as a plan participant
- Provide your PIN and the last four digits of your Social Security Number
- Choose an eligible vehicle (more on eligible models below)
- Present required documentation (proof of employment, etc.)
- Complete your purchase or lease – no haggling required!
Vehicle Eligibility: What’s Covered and What’s Not
Not all Ford models are available with X-Plan or A-Plan pricing:
Typically Eligible for Both Plans:
- Most mainstream Ford cars, SUVs, and trucks
- Current model year vehicles
- Previous model year vehicles still on dealer lots
Restricted or Excluded Vehicles:
- Ford Bronco (eligible for A-Plan but excluded from X-Plan)
- High-performance models like Mustang Shelby GT350 and GT500
- Ford GT supercar
- F-150 Raptor
- Heavy-duty commercial trucks (F-450 through F-750)
During periods of high demand or limited supply, dealers may choose not to honor X-Plan pricing on certain vehicles, though they’re generally required to accept A-Plan pricing.
Beyond the Price: Additional Benefits and Considerations
No-Haggle Experience
Both plans offer predetermined pricing, eliminating the stress and uncertainty of negotiation. You’ll know exactly what you’ll pay before you even visit the dealership.
Financing Options
- Both plans allow for purchase or lease options
- Leases must be financed through Ford Credit
- Standard financing rates apply – the discount is on the vehicle price, not the interest rate
Transparency Requirements
- Dealers must provide a copy of the factory invoice with your purchase
- Documentation fees are fixed at exactly $100 or $75 (depending on the plan)
- All fees and charges must be clearly outlined
Who Gets the Better Deal: X-Plan vs A-Plan Comparison
| Feature | X-Plan | A-Plan | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discount Level | ~4% below MSRP | ~8-9% below MSRP | A-Plan |
| Eligibility Scope | Broader (partner companies, friends) | Narrower (Ford employees and family) | X-Plan |
| Annual PIN Limit | 2-4 per year | 4 per year | A-Plan |
| Vehicle Exclusions | More restrictions | Fewer restrictions | A-Plan |
| Dealer Participation | Optional on some models | Generally mandatory | A-Plan |
Is X-Plan Worth It If You Don’t Qualify for A-Plan?
Absolutely. While the A-Plan offers deeper discounts, the X-Plan still provides:
- Pricing significantly below what most shoppers would negotiate on their own
- A hassle-free buying experience with no haggling required
- Freedom from dealer add-ons and markup fees
- Transparent pricing you can verify against the invoice
In today’s competitive car market, having access to X-Plan pricing can save you both money and stress. In fact, for popular models with limited availability, having X-Plan access might be the difference between being able to purchase a vehicle at a reasonable price or paying substantial markups.
How to Check If You’re Eligible for X-Plan or A-Plan
A-Plan Eligibility Check
If you work directly for Ford or have immediate family who does, contact Ford’s A/Z Plan headquarters at (800) 348-7709 or visit www.axz.ford.com to verify your eligibility.
X-Plan Eligibility Check
To check X-Plan eligibility:
- Visit Ford Partner
- Contact your employer’s HR department to see if your company participates
- Check with organizations you belong to that might have Ford partnerships
- Ask friends or family who work at Ford if they can sponsor you through the Friends & Neighbors program
Maximizing Your Ford Plan Savings
Here are some tips to get the most from your plan pricing:
- Time your purchase toward the end of the month or quarter when dealers are more motivated
- Compare quotes from multiple dealerships – while plan pricing is fixed, trade-in values and financing offers may vary
- Consider previous model year vehicles which qualify for plan pricing and may offer additional incentives
- Check for special incentives that can stack with plan pricing (military discounts, college grad programs, etc.)
- Review the dealer’s documentation carefully to ensure the correct plan pricing was applied
What If the Dealer Resists Your Plan Pricing?
While rare, some dealerships might try to avoid honoring X-Plan pricing, particularly on high-demand vehicles. If this happens:
- Ask to speak with the sales manager or general manager
- Contact Ford’s customer service line for assistance
- Try a different Ford dealership (dealers must opt into the X-Plan program)
- For A-Plan issues, contact Ford’s A/Z Plan headquarters directly
A-Plan pricing is more strictly enforced, so resistance is less common, but dealers may try to upsell you on accessories or extended warranties to make up for their reduced profit margin.
The Bottom Line: Which Plan Is Right for You?
If you qualify for both, the A-Plan is unquestionably the better choice with its deeper discounts and broader vehicle eligibility. However, the X-Plan still offers substantial value compared to standard retail pricing, particularly for those who want a straightforward, haggle-free buying experience.
Think of it this way: A-Plan pricing is like having a backstage pass, while X-Plan is like having premium seating. Both are better than general admission, but one gets you closer to the action.
Remember that car buying is more than just the purchase price. Consider the entire ownership experience, including service, financing, and vehicle fit for your needs when making your final decision.
