10 Unburritable Tips to Save the Most Money at Chipotle
Chipotle fans!
Want to get more delicious burrito dough 🌮 for your dough 💰 at Chipotle? Check out our simple tips to save money and get your guac on for less at this popular Mexican grill.
1. Sign up for Chipotle Rewards for free Chips & Guac.
Chipotle, you definitely know how to guac my world! 😍 Whenever you sign up for Chipotle Rewards (online or in the app) and place your first order of $5 or more in the app, online, or at the restaurant, you’ll receive an offer valid for a free Chips & Guac in your Rewards wallet (may take 24-48 hours).
Plus, you’ll get rewarded every time you dine! You’ll earn 10 points for every dollar you spend on most purchases. Then once you’ve earned 1,250 points, you can redeem them for a free, standard, regular-priced entrée item! The reward will be automatically added to your account within 48 hours.
2. Download the app to earn free food faster.
While you can still earn rewards points by placing online orders, the rewards experience works best when you download the free Chipotle app. Not only will you be able to earn points for your restaurant purchases exclusively in the app, but you’ll also be able to get bonus points whenever you complete special bonuses or promotions, like trying new menu items or stopping by during specific dates and times!
Note that in order to earn points for your restaurant purchases, you’ll need to scan your Digital Member Code in the app before checking out at the register. Also, if you forget to bring your phone, be sure to keep your receipt, since you can request that the points be added to your account by filling out a Points Request form.
Hip Tip: If you’re all about scoring cheap food from Chipotle, mark your calendars for October 31st. That’s because every Halloween, Chipotle has a promotion where you can snag up to 50% off a Burrito, Bowl, Salad OR order of Tacos whenever you come dressed in a costume! 👻
3. Get a free reward on your birthday.
What’s better than free food on your birthday?! Not much if you ask me! 😍 If you’re part of the Chipotle Rewards program, you’ll get a special gift on your birthday. Rumor has it that the birthday offer is valid for free Chips & Guac with a $5 purchase – so you can celebrate and get your guac on.
Hip Tip: Want more birthday freebies? Be sure to check out our post for 27 of the BEST Birthday Freebies! And, if you’re eating keto, check out these places that offer free keto food and drinks on your birthday. 🎉
4. Order vegetarian and score free guacamole.
Yep, that’s right. If you want to save a couple of bucks on the chain’s yummy guacamole, order a veggie burrito, bowl or tacos, and you’ll always score free Guac, either with the entrée or on the side.
Hip Tip: If you’re in the mood for guac, but not in the mood to eat out, check out our keto guacamole recipe that will literally guac your world! It’s so good! 🥑
5. Opt for three soft tacos instead of a burrito.
While the size of the flour tortilla used to make a burrito is a little larger than soft flour tortilla used for the taco, you can still get more for your dough by choosing three soft tacos instead of a burrito. Plus, you can get the exact same ingredients whether you choose a burrito or tacos.
And when you order in threes, you’ll save the most! For instance, one chicken soft taco costs $2.55, two chicken soft tacos cost $5.10 (= $2.55 each), and three tacos cost $6.95 (= $2.32 each) – so you’ll save a little bit by ordering three tacos instead of individually (prices may vary by region).
While a chicken burrito also costs $6.95 (same as three tacos), it usually won’t hold as much fillings as three soft tacos. So if you load up each taco to your heart’s content, you’ll definitely be getting more bang for your buck!
6. Or, order a burrito bowl instead.
One way to get the most bang for your buck at Chipotle is to order a bowl instead of a burrito or tacos – and get the tortilla on the side. You see, whenever you order a bowl, you generally get more of everything since they aren’t trying to cram it all into a tortilla. Just be sure to ask for ALL the toppings and a tortilla on the side (yes, it’s completely free!).
Heck, you could even eat half the bowl and then make your own burrito with the other half plus your free tortilla!
Hip Tip: Eating low carb? Make your own restaurant-stylee burrito bowl with our amazing cauliflower cilantro rice recipe! The result is a flavor packed, keto friendly meal that’s both delicious and satisfying. 😋
7. Double wrap your burrito.
But if you forget the tips above and accidentally order a burrito, be sure to load it up with all the free toppings and extras. Then, when your burrito is busting at the seams, simply ask for a “double wrap with tortilla” and you’ll get another warm flour tortilla wrapped in foil to help hold it together, completely free of charge! Note that you’ll have to wrap the burrito yourself, but the extra tortilla is definitely worth it in the end.
8. Don’t limit yourself on protein.
Can’t decide on what meat to order? Don’t limit yourself to only one protein when you can get two for the same price. When you’re ordering, just tell them you want half of both meats. While you’ll pay for the more expensive meat, the good news is that you’ll likely get 3/4 of a scoop of each meat instead of a whole scoop of one kind of meat.
To give you an idea, if you want 1/2 carnitas (costs ~$7.50) and 1/2 steak (costs ~$8), you’ll still be charged for the more expensive meat and your entrée total will cost $8. But, if you want 1/2 steak (~$8) and 1/2 barbacoa (~$8), you’ll only be charged just $8 for half portions of both meats.
9. Ask for all the extras.
Load up! Aside of adding extra meat or guacamole, which both come with an additional charge (unless you’re following tip #4), you can load up your burrito or bowl completely free. As long as you’re ordering a protein, you can load it up with all the extra rice, both types of beans, salsas, or fajita vegetables without paying extra. 🙌🏻
Note that if you’re ordering in the Chipotle app, you’ll get up to three free customizations per meal, and select items will be reflected as half portions. So if you want white rice and brown rice, you’ll get 1/2 of each and it will count as one customization. If you’re in the mood for black beans and pinto beans, you’ll get 1/2 portions of each and that will count as another customization.
10. Make note of Chipotle’s secret menu.
Did you know that Chipotle has a “secret” menu, with options like a Quesarito or Burritodilla? Just mention the names to your restaurant server and he/she should know what you’re talking about. If not, follow the prompts below to order these menu secrets.
The Quesarito is essentially a burrito of your choice wrapped in a full cheese quesadilla instead of a plain flour tortilla (just be sure to order the cheese quesadilla before adding your burrito ingredients to it). Note that Chipotle charges an additional ~$3.50 extra when ordering the Quesarito.
How to order a Quesarito:
- Have the server start off by making a quesadilla by sandwiching a heaping amount of cheese between two tortillas and heating it in the warmer while you wait.
- After that, continue to order your regular burrito. The quesadilla will be wrapped around the burrito toppings and grilled to perfection.
And, the Burritodilla is another burrito + quesadilla combination 😍, but it’s not as ginormous as the Quesarito. It basically takes a quesadilla (another secret menu item!) and adds about half the ingredients from a burrito and then is grilled to gooey perfection. Yum!
How to order a Burritodilla:
- Have the server place a handful of cheese on one side of the burrito and order about half the amount of fillings of a regular burrito on-top of that cheese.
- Next, the server will place another handful of cheese on-top of the fillings, fold it in half, and place it in the giant warmer for a few minutes.
Hip Tip: Speaking of their menu, Chipotle even has a variety of lifestyle bowls geared for specific diets! You can now order a Vegan Bowl, Vegetarian Bowl, Whole30 Salad Bowl, Keto Salad Bowl, or Paleo Salad Bowl. 🙌🏻
I wish the black beans were not spicey. I could eat here if they would make them plain.
I agree with this! My small kids LOVE beans and Chipotle is super limiting to eat with kids because of the amount of spice!
Agree. I had to settle on a kids meal with a quesadilla, brown rice and cheese for my lo. Boring, but we can agree at Chipotle that way…
“Spicy” is totally subjective though- to me, their black beans are so mild that they taste bland on their own. I make up for it w/ plenty of Tabasco and their spicy salsas as toppings. My young children happily eat Chipotle too but they’re used to well-seasoned, spicy food. Fortunately though, they have plenty of options for everyone!
I knew it!! I kept saying something had spice in it and I thought it was the black beans! My husband is very much accustomed to spicy things and said they aren’t spicy to him. Lol
Exactly the point. Why add spice to the beans. If someone wants spice they can add it with the salsa and hot sauces. They reduce the people that will eat here because they add the spice to the beans.
LOL. It’s Tex-Mex…what exactly did you expect, that they’d use only salt and pepper? If the beans are too spicy then you can order plenty of other things there or eat elsewhere, but Chipotle isn’t exactly hurting for business either way. :shrug:
Yes, spicy has different definitions 😂 We don’t think the black beans are spicy at all, and my 2 and 4 year olds eat them no problem. We like spicy things though and our kids are growing up with that too.
The tacos are not any cheaper at our Chipotle
Nope and they tend to really skimp when filling them, so I order them only when I’m not terribly hungry.
Yep!
Hi Tom, prices may vary by region, but three chicken soft tacos are the same price as a single chicken burrito at my store. For instance, one chicken soft taco costs $2.55, two chicken soft tacos cost $5.10 (= $2.55 each), and three tacos cost $6.95 (= $2.32 each) – so you’ll save a little bit by ordering three tacos instead of individually.
Thank you! Many great ideas like the half and half protein. Didn’t think you might get 3/4 of each. Great point! And the burrito bowl and the extra tortilla (free)…didn’t know about that either. Hmmm I think I know where we will be going for dinner tonight!
You’re so welcome, Jackie! 🙂
This is an old trick, I believe Chipotle is now wise to this and only gives you the true half and half (as this is how the three close to me are now treating this request). Curious as if others really feel like it works.
I’m thinking 3/4 portion of two meats might be YMMV. My closest Chipotle is ridiculously stingy with everything. I know there are better Chipotles elsewhere but it is hit or miss since they really aren’t measuring everything out.
#5 Says you’ll pay $2 less for tacos and then it says tacos cost the same price as burrito 🤷🏻♀️ im confused!
Hi Katie! Tacos are cheaper. You will likely pay the same amount ($6.95) for just 1 burrito OR 3 tacos. Pricing can vary by region. Hope that helps!
I don’t know where you live, but a chicken burrito doesn’t cost 6.95 ever. It’s always in the 7-8 range. And ordering tacos is not better because you can order a burrito and get double rice, double beans for completely free.
Katie I was confused by the wording as well, and had to reread.
What she is saying is instead of paying 6.95 for two tacos you can pay the Same but get a third taco free 🙂 when you order three tacos in place of a burrito. 😎
Sorry for the confusion! It should have said three soft tacos instead of two in that paragraph. I have updated the post!
I usually ask for a bowl with extra brown rice, extra corn salsa, extra black beans, extra cheese, extra sour cream. Regular on everything else I want. That regular price bowl feeds the for three days!
My store says you can’t get extra anything. They have to dish out the set amt. And you can’t pay extra for extra stuff.
I’ve only ordered veggie bowls but have never been denied extra rice, beans etc. no matter which Chipotle I’ve ever been to.
Same. I get extra rice etc and spread the bowl out over a couple of meals.
Is their a version of this to save money at Qdoba too? I love them.
Great idea! Thanks for the request, Jane! I’ll be sure to pass that along to the team!
I always ask for a double wrapped burrito because get double meat on it.
This is definitely 2 meals for me
My husband and I get one bowl to split with 2 tortillas on the side. We have more than enough to make 2 burritos out of it!
Our chicken burrito 🌯 when up by $7.25 last time I checked
Off topic, if you’re a Panera rewards member you might have a free pastry or sweet.
Panera rewards are completely specific to the customer. I currently have $5 off online order. Last week I had $2 off you pick two.
Panera rewards is the best! I have received random free salads and the free months of bagels occasionally!!!!
My daughter and I order the kids meals. It;s just the right amount of food and comes with a drink for around $5.
From my experience, ordering in the ap and picking up your food always (for me, every time) results in more meat! The ap food is prepared by employees in the back, not at the front line. Perhaps they have more flexibility or time and load it up. Try it!
Thanks for the info. I was wondering if there was a way to do it online instead of using the app since I don’t have a cell phone that gives me that option.
I was excited to finally try this place awhile back. Ya I didn’t like it!
That rumored birthday reward is pitiful. First, a birthday reward shouldn’t require a purchase. It should be completely free. Second, a birthday reward should be a free entree. I have always hated guac. Now I hate it even more after getting the free chips and guac for joining. I only tasted the onions in the guac, and there weren’t any onion pieces in the miniscule amount I tried. I also don’t like any of their salsas or their queso.
Yea all restaurants should give free entrees to all customers on their birthdays with no purchase…..im being sarcastic.
No place needs to give you anything for free.
A free item is worth more time and loyalty than just a discount. If there is a minimum purchase, then it isn’t free. The whole point of this site is to be able to spend less money.
I joined/signed up at these places with completely free birthday rewards.
•CVS Beauty Club: nail polish worth $0.50(used to be $3 Extrabucks that could be spent on anything)
•Disney Movie Rewards: possible 100 points(didn’t get it last year)
•Dunkin’ Donuts: any size any beverage
•IHOP: stack of pancakes
•la Madeleine: pastry
•Menchie’s: $5 Menchie’s Money
•Pita Pit: pita
•Qdoba: cookie
•Raising Cane’s: 21oz drink
•Sonny’s BBQ: Big Deal meal
•Starbucks: single-serve food item or any size non-alcoholic drink
•Waffle House: waffle
•Zaxby’s: Nibbler
Side Note
I only visit once a month, and without bonus points valid on those visits, it will take 18 months for me to get a free entree at Chipotle. That’s assuming they don’t pull what Cinemark did. Cinemark applied an expiration date to points that were earned when points didn’t expire.
The box to check off to get notifications of follow-up comments by email is missing from this post.
Thanks for the heads up on that, Sara! We’ll be sure to look into it!
Someone once said to ask for taco shells on the side and they’re free lol. I remember it worked
Is guacamole really free with veg purchase? Is that written anywhere in documentation we can show the cashier if they say no its not true ?
I’ve done this at multiple stores and rarely had an issue. Sometimes I’ve had to remind the cashier but I believe it says this on their menu. If you order one of the vegetarian or vegan options online, it automatically says that guacamole is free of charge.
Hi Belle! Yes, you can actually see it written in the app under the Veggie option if you want to check it out! Hope that helps 🙂
Here are some terms of the Chipotle Rewards program.
In no event will Chipotle award points to any Chipotle Rewards account for more than (a) two purchases on one transaction date; (b) two purchases within one calendar week; or (c) four purchases within one calendar month.
A line in the next paragraph contradicts that.
Each Chipotle Rewards participant account is limited to three qualifying purchases per day.
My local Chipotle informed me of a great money-saver…the 3 pointer! If you only get 3 items…for me, that is extra rice, extra beans (both kinds) and gauc, it’s only $5.15! The veg bowl near me is $7.15, so for me, that’s a great savings!