McDonald’s enthusiasts are expressing frustration following the announcement of a significant alteration to the company’s loyalty program. In the upcoming change, the number of points required to redeem free items through MyMcDonald’s Rewards will be raised.
Currently, 5,500 points are needed for items such as a Big Mac, Double Fillet of Fish, Double Sausage and Egg McMuffin, and Nine Chicken Nuggets. However, starting March 17, customers will have to accumulate 6,500 points to exchange for these offerings. Points are earned at a rate of 100 points for every £1 spent at McDonald’s.
The point threshold for items like a Medium Coffee or Small Fries will also increase from 1,500 to 2,000 points. Moreover, to obtain a regular McFlurry or an Apple Pie, customers will now need 3,500 points, up from 2,500, while a Double Cheeseburger or a McChicken sandwich will require 5,000 points, raised from 4,000 points.
In response to the news, a McDonald’s spokesperson stated that the adjustments to the loyalty program are a response to the escalating costs of food and supplies. They emphasized that while the points requirement has been raised across all tiers, several popular items are now available for redemption for the first time, including Chicken Selects, Cheese sides, and a new Sausage Sandwich, providing more choices for customers.
This change follows the introduction of McDonald’s new menu, featuring innovative offerings like the Surf N’ Turf burger, which includes 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 have been introduced, offering customers a variety of new flavors to enjoy.