McDonald’s customers are expressing frustration over the recent alteration to the loyalty program. The fast-food giant is set to raise the point requirements for obtaining free items through MyMcDonald’s Rewards. Currently, customers need 5,500 points for popular menu items like the Big Mac, Double Fillet of Fish, Double Sausage and Egg McMuffin, and Nine Chicken Nuggets. However, starting March 17, the threshold will increase to 6,500 points per item, 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 rise from 1,500 to 2,000 points. Moreover, the points required for a regular McFlurry or an Apple Pie will increase from 2,500 to 3,500 points. For a Double Cheeseburger or a McChicken sandwich, the points needed will go up from 4,000 to 5,000 points.
Responding to the backlash on social media, one customer expressed dissatisfaction, while another inquired about the implementation date to redeem their points before the change takes effect. A McDonald’s spokesperson attributed the adjustments to the loyalty program to the escalating costs of food and supplies. They mentioned that while the points threshold has been raised across all tiers, several new fan-favorite items are now available for redemption, including Chicken Selects, Cheese sides, and the new Sausage Sandwich, offering more choices for customers.
The loyalty program modifications coincide with the launch of McDonald’s new menu, featuring innovative items like the Surf N’ Turf burger, comprising two beef patties, a crispy white fish fillet patty, cheese, onions, pickles, mustard, and ketchup. Among the new offerings is the Chicken Cheeseburger, which combines a beef patty, a crispy coated chicken patty, cheese, onions, pickles, mustard, and ketchup. Customers can also enjoy the new Espresso Milkshake, a thick vanilla milkshake served with a shot of espresso, and the Chilli Cheese Bites accompanied by a tangy tomato sauce.