McDonald’s enthusiasts are expressing frustration following the announcement of a significant alteration to its loyalty program. The chain, known as Maccies, will soon require more points to redeem free items under the MyMcDonald’s Rewards scheme. Currently, items like a Big Mac, Double Fillet of Fish, Double Sausage and Egg McMuffin, and Nine Chicken Nuggets cost 5,500 points, but as of March 17, the requirement will increase to 6,500 points. For every £1 spent at McDonald’s, customers earn 100 points.
The points needed for certain items will also rise. A Medium Coffee or Small Fries, which currently require 1,500 points, will increase to 2,000 points. Similarly, the threshold for a regular McFlurry or an Apple Pie will go up from 2,500 points to 3,500 points. To redeem a Double Cheeseburger or a McChicken sandwich, customers will now need 5,000 points, up from 4,000 points.
In response to the changes, one social media user expressed dissatisfaction, while another inquired about the start date to cash in their points. A McDonald’s spokesperson explained that the adjustments were made due to escalating food and supply costs. They highlighted that while the points have increased, several fan-favorite items are now available for redemption, including Chicken Selects, Cheese sides, and a new Sausage Sandwich, providing customers with more options.
These changes come as McDonald’s introduces new menu items, such as the Surf N’ Turf burger, featuring two beef patties, a crispy white fish fillet patty, cheese, onions, pickles, mustard, and ketchup. Another addition is the Chicken Cheeseburger, which includes a beef patty, a crispy coated chicken patty, cheese, onions, pickles, mustard, and ketchup. Additionally, customers can enjoy the new Espresso Milkshake, consisting of a thick vanilla milkshake with a shot of espresso, and the Chilli Cheese Bites served with a tangy tomato sauce.