McDonald’s customers are expressing strong disappointment following the announcement of adjustments to the loyalty program by the fast-food giant.
Starting March 17, MyMcDonald’s Rewards will require more points for redeeming free items. Currently, 5,500 points are needed for popular items like a Big Mac, Double Fillet of Fish, Double Sausage and Egg McMuffin, and Nine Chicken Nuggets. However, this requirement will increase to 6,500 points.
For smaller items like a Medium Coffee or Small Fries, the points needed will also see an increase from 1,500 to 2,000 points. Additionally, the threshold for items such as a regular McFlurry or an Apple Pie will rise from 2,500 points to 3,500 points. To redeem a Double Cheeseburger or a McChicken sandwich, customers will now need 5,000 points, up from 4,000 points.
Responding to the backlash, a McDonald’s spokesperson explained that these changes were made to adjust to the escalating costs of food and supplies. They emphasized that while points requirements have gone up, new redemption options like Chicken Selects, Cheese sides, and a Sausage Sandwich have been introduced to provide more choices for customers.
The alterations come alongside the launch of McDonald’s new menu, which includes innovative items like the Surf N’ Turf burger, featuring two beef patties, a crispy white fish fillet patty, cheese, onions, pickles, mustard, and ketchup. Another addition is the Chicken Cheeseburger, consisting of a beef patty, a crispy coated chicken patty, cheese, onions, pickles, mustard, and ketchup. Furthermore, customers can enjoy the new Espresso Milkshake, a thick vanilla milkshake served with a shot of espresso, and the Chilli Cheese Bites paired with a tangy tomato sauce.