Chipotle giving away $250,000 in Venmo payouts for rewards program

Chipotle runs just got more rewarding.

The fast-casual restaurant chain announced Tuesday that its loyalty program, Chipotle Rewards, is now available nationwide. A pilot program was tested in Phoenix; Kansas City, Kansas; and Columbus, Ohio.

The Newport Beach, California-based company is marking the national launch with a contest, and a freebie for all new members after they complete their first purchase.

“To show people how good it feels to get rewarded, Chipotle is using Venmo payouts to give away up to a quarter of a million dollars, to approximately 25,000 Chipotle fans per day, from now through March 15,” the company said in a statement.

No purchase is necessary to participate in the Venmo cash giveaway and prizes range from $1 to $500. There’s a limit of one entry per person.

To enter, go to ChipotleRewardMe.com and submit the phone number associated with your Venmo account. Winners will be alerted of the payment in the Venmo app within 24 hours, Chipotle said.

How to get rewarded

To start earning free Chipotle, sign up for Chipotle Rewards in the chain’s mobile app or at Chipotle.com/Rewards. For every $1 spent in the restaurant, online, or in the app, earn 10 points.

A free entrée requires 1,250 points, but Chipotle officials say there will be bonuses like extra point days.

The program also will bring “instant gratification to customers with free chips and guac after the first purchase as a member, and with surprise birthday rewards,” the company said.

Earn the free chips and guac after the first purchase as a member of $5 or more. The company says “presentation of Chipotle Rewards account is required.”

The offer expires June 23 and additional restrictions may apply.

Chris Brandt, Chipotle chief marketing officer, said in a statement that customers have been requesting a loyalty program for a long time.

“We’re excited to partner with Venmo to reach their highly engaged network of digital-first customers to launch Chipotle Rewards, where the more you Chipotle, the more you can get free Chipotle,” he said.

Read more at usatoday.com.