Menards Rebate Program Lawsuit: $4.25M Settlement Across 10 States

The Menards rebate program lawsuit ended in December 2025 with a $4.25 million multistate settlement over the retailer’s long-running “11% Rebate” promotion. Ten state attorneys general alleged the Eau Claire, Wisconsin chain advertised the offer as a discount when it was actually a mail-in program that paid out only in store credit. The same agreement also resolved price-gouging allegations tied to the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Menards did not admit wrongdoing.1Wausau Pilot and Review. Menards to Pay $4.25M in Multistate Settlement

What the States Said Menards Did Wrong

The core allegation was simple: Menards’ “11% OFF” and “11% OFF EVERYTHING” ads gave shoppers the impression they were getting an immediate price cut, but nothing came off at the register.2Minnesota Attorney General. Menards Settlement To actually collect the 11%, customers had to clip a receipt, fill out a paper form, and mail both to a P.O. Box in Elk Mound, Wisconsin. Six to eight weeks later, a “Menards Merchandise Credit” check arrived that could only be spent in-store, not online.3Rebates International. Rebate Tracking

The states also faulted Menards for how it presented the rebate processor. Customers were led to believe “Rebates International” was an independent company, when in fact the name is a registered trademark of Menard Inc. and is not a separate entity.4Rebates International. Track Rebate5Wisconsin DATCP. Menards Multistate Settlement Price displays that already showed the 11%-reduced figure, and rebate rules buried in fine print, reinforced the misleading picture.6Ohio Attorney General. Ohio, 9 Other States Reach $4.25 Million Settlement

A second piece of the case involved pandemic price gouging. Wisconsin’s filing alleged that after Governor Tony Evers signed an executive order on March 12, 2020, triggering the state’s price-gouging protections, Menards raised prices on four-gallon containers of purified water at its Onalaska and Johnson Creek stores.7Wisconsin DOJ. Assurance of Voluntary Compliance – Wisconsin Other states cited price increases on garbage bags, isopropyl alcohol, dish soap, and neoprene gloves.8Illinois Attorney General. Attorney General Raoul Secures Settlement With Menards Over Deceptive Rebate Advertising

Do Customers Get Any Money Back?

No. The $4.25 million goes to the participating states, not to individual shoppers. A spokesperson for the Illinois Attorney General’s office said the funds would be used for “future consumer protection efforts.”9Illinois Times. Menards Settlement There is no consumer claim form, no restitution pool, and no per-customer refund attached to this agreement.

What Changes for Shoppers Using the 11% Rebate

The settlement gave Menards 90 days from the December 17, 2025 effective date to make several changes to the program.10Illinois Attorney General. Assurance of Voluntary Compliance The changes that most directly affect customers:

The rebate itself is not going away. What changes is how it can be advertised, how long you have to send it in, and how much information the tracker has to show you.

Which States Participated and What They Received

Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, and Iowa co-led the investigation, joined by Arizona, Kansas, Michigan, Nebraska, Ohio, and South Dakota.11Wisconsin DOJ. Menards Multistate Settlement Press Release The disclosed state shares:

What Happens if Menards Doesn’t Follow the Agreement

If a participating attorney general finds Menards out of compliance, the state must give written notice and 30 days for a corrective plan. If that fails, the state can go to court seeking equitable relief. The 30-day cure period does not apply in emergencies posing immediate threats to public health or safety.10Illinois Attorney General. Assurance of Voluntary Compliance