Sponsored message
Audience-funded nonprofit news
radio tower icon laist logo
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Subscribe
  • Listen Now Playing Listen
News

Chipotle just settled a lawsuit over cashing out gift cards. Here's how to get a refund

A sign on a glass window that reads "Chipotle Mexican Grill."
Restaurant chain Chipotle has settled a lawsuit alleging it violated California law by not letting customers cash out gift cards with less than $10 left on them.
(
Spencer Platt
/
Getty Images
)

This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.

Topline:

Chipotle has agreed to settle a lawsuit alleging the restaurant chain broke California law by not allowing customers to cash in gift cards with less than $10 left on the balance.

Why it matters: California law allows consumers to redeem gift cards with balances of less than $10 for cash.

What's next: Chipotle denied any wrongdoing as part of the settlement. In addition to paying civil penalties, fines and investigative costs, Chipotle must also put up a website where customers can request a refund for any gift card carrying a balance of less than $10. They'll also have to make sure new gift cards and certificates include a notice explaining that the customer can redeem the gift card for cash if it's balance is less than $10 and directing them to the website where they can do so.

How do I get a refund? Visit Chipotle's website here. You'll need to have the gift card's identifying information.

You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.

Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.

If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.

Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief

Make your tax-deductible donation today

A row of graphics payment types: Visa, MasterCard, Apple Pay and PayPal, and  below a lock with Secure Payment text to the right