McDonald’s UK loyalty points are changing on 17 March – here’s what you need to know

If you’re a fan of free food (aren’t we all) you might want to sit down for this one.  

The MyMcDonald’s Rewards programme in the UK is about to get a makeover starting March 17th and it’s changing the way you earn and redeem your points.  

Sadly, this means your usual free coffee or cheeseburger might cost you a little more in points than before. 

What’s changing? 

Currently McDonald’s UK gives you 1 point for every 1p you spend and you can redeem rewards starting from 1,500 points (£15).  

But after 17 March, the number of points required for each reward is going up across the board.  

How to get the most bang for your McDonald’s points (before March 17th!) 

If you’ve been stacking MyMcDonald’s Rewards points you know not all rewards are created equal. Some give you way more value than others - the trick is picking the most expensive item in each tier. That way, your points feel like a steal instead of just… points. 

Here’s the lowdown on what you can grab right now, before the new system kicks in: 

1,500 points (£15 spend) 

Small treats like coffees, soft drinks, and hash browns live here. Want the biggest bang? Go for a hash brown. It usually costs around £1.99 and drinks are often cheaper or available on app deals, so the hash brown gives your points more punch also they are so good... wow I really want a hash brown now. 

2,500 points (£25 spend) 

This tier has classics like the cheeseburger or six-piece nuggets. The nuggets usually cost a bit more than the cheeseburger (£4–£5), so if you want to stretch your points, grab the nuggs and feel smug about it. 

4,000 points (£40 spend) 

Big bites like the McChicken Sandwich and Filet-O-Fish sit here. The McChicken usually edges out as the priciest option (around £4.99) so it’s the one that makes your points feel like a win in this tier. 

5,500 points (~£55 spend) 

The top tier is all the crowd favourites: Big Mac, McSpicy, etc. The Big Mac usually costs about £5.39, making it the major pick if you want your points to count for the most. 

Put it all together and here’s the takeaway: if you’re chasing a free Big Mac under the current system, you’d need to spend roughly £55 in the app to earn enough points. Not bad, but after 17 March, you’ll need to shell out even more for the same reward. 

Why this matters 

These changes mean that the MyMcDonald’s Rewards programme is less generous than before, which has already caused a stir online. Fans are talking about using up their points before 17 March to avoid the higher thresholds. 

Even if you’re not a hardcore points collector it’s worth seeing if you’ve got any rewards going spare - especially if you’d enjoy the odd freebie like a coffee or hash brown for your morning commute. Every point counts and with these new thresholds the little treats are now going to cost significantly more in points. 

Tips to make the most of your points 

• Redeem soon: If you’re close to a reward under the current system, grab it before 17 March. That way you get the best value and don’t end up paying extra points later. 

• Check your points expiry: McDonald’s points now expire 6 months after earning. Even if you’re saving for a bigger reward, make sure they don’t vanish before you can use them. 

• Watch for bonus promotions: McDonald’s regularly offers extra ways to earn points, like app-exclusive deals. Keep an eye on these campaigns for extra points-maxing freebie potential. 

Why is this happening? 

The updated rewards system reflects a broader trend of loyalty programmes tightening up as businesses balance rising costs with customer perks. While it might feel like a sting to loyal customers, it’s not all doom and gloom: if you’re strategic and redeem points before 17 March, you can still enjoy your favourite free treats without paying more. 

Think of it as your friendly heads-up: plan your rewards, spend wisely and make the most of your rewards before points-flation hits you. 

Key takeaways (Get it?) 

• New thresholds start 17 March 2026 - everything costs more points. 

• Small items: 1,500 to 2,000 points 

• Small meals: 2,500 to 3,500 points 

• Bigger items: 4,000 to 5,000 points 

• Premium favourites: 5,500 to 6,500 points 

• Use your points before the switch to get the best value. 

• Points expire in 6 months, so don’t hoard them too long. 

• Look out for app promotions to earn extra points.