McDonald’s customers are expressing frustration following the announcement of changes to the fast-food giant’s loyalty program. Starting on March 17, the points required to redeem free food items through MyMcDonald’s Rewards will be increased. Currently, customers need 5,500 points for popular menu items like a Big Mac, Double Fillet of Fish, Double Sausage and Egg McMuffin, and Nine Chicken Nuggets, but this will soon rise to 6,500 points.
The point thresholds for other items will also be adjusted. For example, the points needed for a Medium Coffee or Small Fries will increase from 1,500 to 2,000 points. Similarly, the points required for items like a regular McFlurry or an Apple Pie will be raised from 2,500 to 3,500 points. Additionally, to redeem a Double Cheeseburger or a McChicken sandwich, customers will need 5,000 points, up from the previous 4,000 points.
In response to the backlash from customers, a McDonald’s spokesperson explained that the adjustments to the loyalty scheme are a result of the escalating costs of food and supplies. Despite the increase in points needed, the company has introduced new redemption options, including Chicken Selects, Cheese sides, and a new Sausage Sandwich, to provide more choices for customers.
The loyalty program changes coincide with the launch of McDonald’s new menu in the UK, featuring innovative items like the Surf N’ Turf burger with two beef patties, a crispy white fish fillet patty, cheese, onions, pickles, mustard, and ketchup. Other additions to the menu include the Chicken Cheeseburger, Espresso Milkshake, and Chilli Cheese Bites.
Fans took to social media to express disappointment with one saying, “Not at all happy,” while another questioned the start date of the new points system, stating, “I need to cash in and move on.”
