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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?

Like other dining loyalty programs , the Chipotle Rewards program is pretty straightforward.

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. Other items include things like a side of chips for 350 points, a fountain drink for 400 points, a side of guacamole for 500 points, double protein in your order for 700 points and a regular-size entree (meaning no extras) for 1,625 points.

Menu prices vary slightly from location to location, though the point redemption rate for each remains the same. For instance, in Los Angeles, where I am based, a small side of chips costs $2.25 and a regular chicken burrito costs $10.95. But when I visit family in Charlotte, I can get the same items for $1.95 and $9.65, respectively. The chips will cost 350 points, and that burrito will be 1,625 points, no matter where they're ordered.

CHIPOTLE With a little quick math, you can squeeze some extra value from redemptions, too. For example, that entree costs 1,625 points, and chips cost 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, after calculating prices for several menu items in points across many Chipotle locations, I've found that you receive a consistent value of 0.55 to 0.65 cents per point with Chipotle Rewards.

Related: The dining statement credits that save me over $1,000 every year

Perks of Chipotle Rewards

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.

Related: How to keep your points and miles from expiring

Who is Chipotle Rewards best for?

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.

Related: How I'm using dining out and DoorDash to help fund my next vacation

Bottom line

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.

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.