McDonald’s enthusiasts are expressing frustration following the announcement of a significant alteration to its loyalty program. The fast-food giant is set to raise the required points for redeeming free items through MyMcDonald’s Rewards. Currently, 5,500 points are needed for menu items like 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, with 100 points awarded for every £1 spent at McDonald’s.
Presently, 1,500 points suffice for items such as a Medium Coffee or Small Fries, but this threshold will increase to 2,000 points. The points needed for a regular McFlurry or an Apple Pie will rise from 2,500 to 3,500, and for a Double Cheeseburger or a McChicken sandwich, it will increase from 4,000 to 5,000 points.
In response to the discontent expressed on social media, with one fan stating, “Not at all happy,” and another inquiring about the start date to redeem their points, a McDonald’s spokesperson informed The Sun that the adjustments in the loyalty scheme are a reflection of escalating food and supply costs. The spokesperson further explained that while the points requirements have been increased, new redemption options such as Chicken Selects, Cheese sides, and a new Sausage Sandwich have been introduced to provide customers with more choices.
These changes come as McDonald’s introduces its new menu featuring innovative offerings, including the Surf N’ Turf burger, comprising two beef patties, a crispy white fish fillet patty, cheese, onions, pickles, mustard, and ketchup. Additionally, the new Chicken Cheeseburger, with a beef patty, a crispy coated chicken patty, cheese, onions, pickles, mustard, and ketchup, has been added. Customers can also indulge in the new Espresso Milkshake, a thick vanilla milkshake served with a shot of espresso for mixing, along with the new Chilli Cheese Bites accompanied by a tangy tomato sauce.
