McDonald's UK Implements Major Rewards Points Increase from March 17
McDonald's app users across the United Kingdom are advised to utilise their current rewards points promptly, as a significant change to the MyMcDonald's Rewards programme is scheduled to take effect from Tuesday, March 17, 2026. This adjustment will see the points required for redeeming free menu items increase across all tiers, impacting popular staples such as the Big Mac and Chicken McNuggets.
Substantial Points Hike Across All Reward Tiers
The fast-food giant has confirmed that its existing tiered rewards system will undergo a comprehensive revision. According to company statements, this modification is being implemented to reflect rising food and supply costs. The changes mean that customers will need to accumulate more points to earn their favourite free items, with some tiers requiring up to £10 worth of additional spending to reach the new thresholds.
Detailed Breakdown of New Points Requirements:- Tier One: Previously requiring 1,500 points (£15), now increased to 2,000 points (£20). This tier includes items such as Hash Browns (before 11am), Small Fries, Side Salad, Medium soft drinks, Regular McCafé drinks, and Mini McFlurries.
- Tier Two: Increased from 2,500 points (£25) to 3,500 points (£35). This category features the Cheeseburger, Chicken McNuggets (four-piece), Mayo Chicken, Regular McFlurry, Medium Fries, Cheesy Bacon Flatbread (before 11am), and Apple Pie. Notably, the Vegetable Deluxe was part of this tier but was removed from menus in February 2026, along with other meat-free options like Veggie Dippers and Spicy Veggie Wraps.
- Tier Three: Raised from 4,000 points (£40) to 5,000 points (£50). Items in this tier include the Double Cheeseburger, McChicken Sandwich, Chicken McNuggets (six-piece), Filet-O-Fish, Medium milkshake, Chicken Salad, and Sausage and Egg McMuffin (before 11am).
- Tier Four: The highest tier has increased from 5,500 points (£55) to 6,500 points (£65). This premium category now includes the iconic Big Mac, Chicken McNuggets (nine-piece), Double Filet-O-Fish, McSpicy, McCrispy, McPlant, and Double Sausage and Egg McMuffin (before 11am).
Charitable Donations Also Affected
In addition to menu item redemptions, the points required for charitable donations will also be revised from March 17. According to reports from Martin Lewis' MSE team, a 2,000-point donation will now translate to a £2 donation instead of the current £1.50 donation from tier one. Beneficiaries of these donations include BBC's Children in Need, Fareshare, and McDonald's own Ronald McDonald House Charity (RMHC).
Context and Customer Impact
The MyMcDonald's Rewards programme allows customers to collect one point for every penny spent at participating outlets, with additional bonus points available through app-exclusive deals. The McDonald's UK app, which manages this rewards programme, has seen more than 14 million downloads as of early 2026, serving approximately four million customers daily across the UK and Ireland.
This points increase coincides with another menu refresh scheduled for March 2026. The seasonal update will feature the return of the Double Big Mac and Spicy Chicken McNuggets, alongside classic Easter treats including Mini Eggs and Creme Egg McFlurries. New limited-edition items will also debut, such as the Mini Eggs Frappe and the UK introduction of the McGriddle breakfast sandwich.
Customers are encouraged to review their current points balance and consider redeeming them before the March 17 deadline to maximise value under the existing points structure. The changes represent one of the most significant adjustments to McDonald's UK rewards programme in recent years, directly affecting how millions of customers interact with the popular fast-food chain.
