McDonald's Rewards Points Increase Sparks Customer Discontent
Fast food giant McDonald's has confirmed significant changes to its popular MyMcDonald's Rewards loyalty programme, leaving many customers expressing frustration and disappointment. The company will soon increase the number of points required to redeem free food items across multiple tiers, with the adjustments taking effect from March 17, 2026.
Detailed Points Threshold Adjustments
The points inflation affects nearly all reward categories. Currently, customers need 5,500 points to claim items like a Big Mac, Double Fillet of Fish, Double Sausage and Egg McMuffin, or Nine Chicken Nuggets. From mid-March, this threshold will rise to 6,500 points.
Other notable increases include:
- Medium Coffee or Small Fries: Rising from 1,500 to 2,000 points
- Regular McFlurry or Apple Pie: Increasing from 2,500 to 3,500 points
- Double Cheeseburger or McChicken Sandwich: Going up from 4,000 to 5,000 points
Customers earn 100 points for every £1 spent at McDonald's, meaning these changes effectively require additional spending to achieve the same rewards.
Customer Reaction and Company Justification
Social media platforms have seen an outpouring of negative sentiment following the announcement. One disgruntled fan commented, "Not at all happy," while another questioned, "When does this start? I need to cash in and move on."
A McDonald's spokesperson explained to media outlets that the adjustments "reflect rising food and supply costs" affecting the global fast food industry. They emphasised that while points requirements have increased across all tiers, the company has simultaneously expanded redemption options.
The spokesperson added, "We've introduced a number of fan favourites now available for redemption for the first time. These include our popular Chicken Selects, Cheese sides and delicious new Sausage Sandwich, providing even more choice for our customers."
Broader Menu Innovation Context
This loyalty scheme revision follows McDonald's recent introduction of several innovative menu items to the UK market. Notable additions include:
- The Surf N' Turf Burger - featuring two beef patties, a crispy white fish fillet patty, cheese, onions, pickles, mustard and ketchup
- The Chicken Cheeseburger - combining a beef patty with a crispy coated chicken patty, cheese, onions, pickles, mustard and ketchup
- The Espresso Milkshake - a thick vanilla milkshake served with a shot of espresso for custom mixing
- Chilli Cheese Bites - accompanied by a tangy tomato sauce
These menu developments represent McDonald's ongoing efforts to refresh its offerings while navigating economic pressures that have necessitated the loyalty programme adjustments. The company appears to be balancing cost management with continued product innovation and customer engagement strategies.
