McDonald’s enthusiasts express frustration as the chain announces adjustments to its loyalty program. Soon, customers will need more points to redeem free items through MyMcDonald’s Rewards. Currently, 5,500 points are required for items like a Big Mac, Double Fillet of Fish, Double Sausage and Egg McMuffin, and Nine Chicken Nuggets. However, starting March 17, the redemption threshold will increase to 6,500 points, with customers earning 100 points for every £1 spent at McDonald’s.
Presently, 1,500 points are needed for items such as a Medium Coffee or Small Fries, but this will rise to 2,000 points. Additionally, the points needed for a regular McFlurry or an Apple Pie will increase from 2,500 to 3,500, while a Double Cheeseburger or a McChicken sandwich will now require 5,000 points, up from 4,000 points.
On social media, one disappointed fan mentioned, “Not at all happy,” while another inquired about the start date to redeem points before the change. McDonald’s explained that the adjustments in the loyalty scheme are due to escalating food and supply costs. They emphasized that while the point requirements have increased, new redemption options like Chicken Selects, Cheese sides, and a new Sausage Sandwich have been introduced to provide more choices for customers.
In conjunction with the loyalty program changes, McDonald’s introduced new menu items, including the Surf N’ Turf burger, featuring two beef patties, a crispy white fish fillet patty, cheese, onions, pickles, mustard, and ketchup. The Chicken Cheeseburger, consisting of a beef patty, a crispy coated chicken patty, cheese, onions, pickles, mustard, and ketchup, is also available. Customers can enjoy the new Espresso Milkshake, a thick vanilla milkshake served with a shot of espresso to mix in, along with Chilli Cheese Bites accompanied by a tangy tomato sauce.