McDonald’s customers are expressing frustration following the announcement of a significant alteration to its loyalty program. The popular fast-food chain is set to raise the points requirement for free items under the MyMcDonald’s Rewards program. Currently, customers need 5,500 points to redeem items like a Big Mac, Double Fillet of Fish, Double Sausage and Egg McMuffin, and Nine Chicken Nuggets. However, starting March 17, the points needed for these items will increase to 6,500, with customers earning 100 points for every £1 spent at McDonald’s.
Additionally, the points needed for items such as a Medium Coffee or Small Fries will go up from 1,500 to 2,000 points. Furthermore, the threshold for items like a regular McFlurry or an Apple Pie will rise from 2,500 points to 3,500, and for a Double Cheeseburger or a McChicken sandwich, customers will now need 5,000 points, up from 4,000 points.
In response to the backlash on social media, one fan expressed dissatisfaction, while another inquired about the implementation date to redeem their points before the change takes effect. A spokesperson for McDonald’s explained that the adjustments in the loyalty program are a response to increasing food and supply costs. They highlighted that while the points requirement has been raised across all tiers, new fan-favorite items like Chicken Selects, Cheese sides, and the new Sausage Sandwich are now available for redemption, offering customers more choices.
The loyalty program changes coincide with the introduction of McDonald’s new menu, featuring innovative items like the Surf N’ Turf burger, a unique combination of two beef patties, a crispy white fish fillet patty, cheese, onions, pickles, mustard, and ketchup. Additionally, the new Chicken Cheeseburger, Espresso Milkshake, and Chilli Cheese Bites are now available, providing customers with a variety of new options.