The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives, helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. That's why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality.
Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Advertiser disclosure
The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives, helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. That's why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality.
Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Guides
Say 'queso': Why Chipotle is my go-to restaurant rewards program
TPG's director of travel content Eric Rosen has used points and miles to visit some of the world's most remote corners, including swimming with whale sharks off Western Australia's Ningaloo Coast, exploring the wilds of Botswana's Okavango Delta and tasting the high-altitude wines of Argentina's Mendoza region.
July 22, 2026 • 8 min read
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don't cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
Comments
By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
Related stories
Quick summary
Chipotle Rewards is a dining loyalty program that allows members to earn points with each purchase at Chipotle, which can be redeemed for free or discounted menu items.
Redemption rates for points vary by item and location, generally ranging from 0.53 to 0.79 cents per point per TPG's valuations as of June 2024.
Members receive perks such as monthly reward drops, birthday treats and early access to new menu items.
The program is especially beneficial for regular Chipotle diners, families and groups who can pool orders for faster point accumulation.
What to consider
Points can be redeemed for various menu items, collectibles or charitable donations, with redemption thresholds fixed but cash prices varying by location.
To keep points and perks active, at least one qualifying purchase must be made each year.
Bonus points and special offers are available through limited-time promotions and qualifying activities.
What you'll miss from the article
A detailed breakdown of redemption values and strategies to maximize your Chipotle Rewards points for the best possible value.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
I’m not what you would call a fast-food connoisseur. You won’t find me tearing into mass-made burgers or footlong subs except, perhaps, while dashing through an airport on an all-too-short connection between flights.
I do, however, regularly stop by my neighborhood Chipotle to pick up healthy fast-casual meals that fill me up without emptying my bank account. What I order depends on the day — sometimes I’m a carnitas burrito bowl kind of guy, while other days, I just want simple chicken tacos and a side of guacamole.
Regardless of what I decide to order, I always make sure to log my purchase in the Chipotle Rewards app, one of the only loyalty program apps on my phone that’s not all about airline miles or hotel points. Doing so ensures I earn points with each purchase that can then be redeemed for a free item later.
CHIPOTLE
I’m always surprised at how quickly I rack up those points. Every few visits, I find that I’m entitled to a complimentary side, addition or even a full menu item.
That’s why Chipotle Rewards is one of my go-to dining loyalty programs (alongside about 21 million other active members).
Whether you are new to dining at Chipotle or just haven't enrolled in its loyalty program yet, here’s everything you need to know about Chipotle Rewards to make the most of it. And if you see me in a Chipotle near you, be sure to say hi ... and to save me some chips.
How does Chipotle Rewards work?
Chipotle’s loyalty program is called Chipotle Rewards. By becoming a member, you can earn points every time you make a purchase at Chipotle. You can then redeem those points whenever you like for free or discounted items on your next order.
You even get a free order of chips and guacamole just for signing up and making a $5 minimum purchase. Credit card bonuses are all well and fine, but show me another program that rewards you with tasty guac just for becoming a member.
CHIPOTLE
In addition to earning and redeeming points, Chipotle Rewards members are treated to a variety of monthly reward drops called “Freepotle.” The program automatically deposits them into your account each month. All you have to do is check and then either order through the app or in-store and make a $5 minimum purchase to unlock the reward.
How do you earn and redeem Chipotle Rewards points?
You earn 10 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases in the Chipotle app or in-store. If you’re logged into your account in the app, you’ll earn the points automatically. In-store, you have to open the app and scan your QR code (from the app or your Apple Wallet) at the register to earn points.
CHIPOTLE
You can redeem Chipotle Rewards points at fixed rates for various items, including food, collectibles and even charitable donations. Menu items start at 85 points for a side of tortillas and range up to 9,750 points for a build-your-own Chipotle order that feeds four to six people.
CHIPOTLE
Prices vary slightly from location to location, though the number of points needed for each remains the same. The following shows some of the more popular menu options, what they cost (both in points and cash) at two locations in cities I visit often — Los Angeles and Charlotte — and their redemption rates:
Item
Points cost
Typical cost
Redemption rate
Side of chips
350
LA: $2.15
Charlotte: $1.95
LA: 0.61 cents per point
Charlotte: 0.56 cents per point
22-ounce fountain drink
400
LA: $3.15
Charlotte: $3.15
LA: 0.79 cents per point
Charlotte: 0.79 cents per point
Side of guacamole
500
LA: $2.95
Charlotte: $2.95
LA: 0.59 cents per point
Charlotte: 0.59 cents per point
Chicken burrito
1,625
LA: $10.20
Charlotte: $9.50
LA: 0.63 cents per point
Charlotte: 0.58 cents per point
Steak burrito bowl
1,625
LA: $11.95
Charlotte: $11.50
LA: 0.74 cents per point
Charlotte: 0.71 cents per point
Build-your-own order
9,750
LA: $63
Charlotte: $52
LA: 0.65 cents per point
Charlotte: 0.53 cents per point
With a little quick math, you can squeeze some extra value from redemptions, too. For example, a chicken burrito entree (my go-to order) costs 1,625 points, and a side of chips costs 350 points. But if you order them together, you'll only need to redeem 1,775 points total, saving you 200 points. So, don’t rush to redeem your points as soon as you have enough for one item. Instead, think ahead to whether another, even better, redemption is within reach.
Between geographic price differences and the fact that redemption rates aren’t pegged to specific dollar amounts, the value of each point you redeem can vary slightly. However, my above calculations for several menu items purchased in Los Angeles and Charlotte show that you'll generally receive 0.53 to 0.79 cents per point in value, depending on what you order.
In addition to a solid return on spending, Chipotle Rewards members are treated to a few other fun, innocuous perks.
Members can earn bonus points with limited-time “Extras” for ordering specific items. You can set your notifications to alert you when new Extras come online.
Members can also earn various “badges” and 25 to 125 bonus points for qualifying activities, like spending a certain amount of money or placing a certain number of orders in a set time period.
By being a member, you can get access to new or limited-release menu items early as well.
Additionally, members get a reward for their birthday each year. The options include a small side of guacamole, a small side of queso, chips and a fountain drink.
CHIPOTLE
Just remember that keeping your points and perks requires making at least one qualifying purchase each year.
Chipotle Rewards is a solid loyalty program for folks who tend to eat at the fast-casual chain anywhere from a few times a week to a few times a year.
BRANDON BELL/GETTY IMAGES
Chipotle’s easy-to-understand menu, where you can pretty much customize any main dish that you order with the proteins and accompaniments you want, makes the quick-service option a great choice for families with picky eaters and groups of co-workers, each of whom might want a dish their own specific way. In fact, put the group order under your Chipotle Rewards account, and you’ll earn points for everyone’s meals.
Chipotle Rewards has become one of my go-to dining loyalty programs for a few reasons. I like the straightforward formula of return on my spending, and I’m always happy to see that I’ve accrued enough points for a free menu item, almost without even trying. The program gamifies loyalty in fun ways, too, with “Freepotle” drops, birthday treats and more. That’s why I always keep it updated on my phone and ready to scan in-store on my next visit.
Comments
By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
