McDonald’s customers are expressing their frustration following the announcement of significant changes to the loyalty program by the fast-food giant. Starting March 17, the number of points required to redeem free items through MyMcDonald’s Rewards will be increased. Currently, customers need 5,500 points to claim items such as a Big Mac, Double Fillet of Fish, Double Sausage and Egg McMuffin, and Nine Chicken Nuggets. However, the new requirement will be 6,500 points for these items. 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 see an increase from 1,500 points to 2,000 points. Furthermore, the points needed for a regular McFlurry or an Apple Pie will rise from 2,500 points to 3,500. To redeem a Double Cheeseburger or a McChicken sandwich, customers will now require 5,000 points, up from 4,000 points.
In response to the backlash, a McDonald’s spokesperson explained that the adjustments to the loyalty scheme are a result of escalating food and supply costs. While the points requirement has been raised across all tiers, the company has introduced several new popular menu items available for redemption for the first time, including Chicken Selects, Cheese sides, and a new Sausage Sandwich, offering customers more choices.
The loyalty program changes come in conjunction with the launch of McDonald’s new menu in the UK, featuring innovative additions like the Surf N’ Turf burger with two beef patties, a crispy white fish fillet patty, cheese, onions, pickles, mustard, and ketchup. The menu also includes the Chicken Cheeseburger, combining a beef patty, a crispy coated chicken patty, cheese, onions, pickles, mustard, and ketchup, along with the new Espresso Milkshake and Chilli Cheese Bites with a tangy tomato sauce.
Customers have taken to social media to express their discontent with one fan stating, “Not at all happy,” while another inquired about the start date of the changes, mentioning the need to redeem points before the increase takes effect.