Don't Skip This Money Saving Step The Next Time You Order McDonald's

The cost of fast food can really add up over time. In 2023, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the average American household spent about $3,933 annually on food away from home, which includes fast food. That's why finding ways to save on these orders is crucial for many. One option you might explore is the MyMcDonald's Rewards program, which can help you save on every purchase. You collect points on every qualified item you buy and redeem them on future orders. Doing this makes each dollar you spend on fast food work a little harder (unlike these 10 ways people waste money at restaurants). It's also important to note that points cannot be gifted or transferred.

A reward system might be your preferred method to save money if you are a frequent visitor to McDonald's or any other fast food chain. You know, if you can't start your day without a medium iced coffee with vanilla syrup or can't watch a movie without a pack of medium fries with cheese sauce on the side. This makes each visit not just about grabbing a bite, but about gaining a little extra from your regular routine. Here's an in-depth look at how this program works, as well as how to claim points if you order McDonald's from the app, drive-thru, or over the counter.

To begin, download the McDonald's app and opt into the program by agreeing to participate. Once your enrollment is confirmed, you earn points each time you make a purchase. For every dollar spent on the qualified purchases, you receive 100 points. Yet, not all purchases will earn you points. While food and drink qualify, taxes, delivery fees, and surcharges do not. Similarly, loading funds onto a McDonald's Arch Card (gift card) doesn't generate points. However, when you make an eligible purchase using your Arch Card, you earn points. The program also rewards steady purchases and once you reach 1,500 points, you can redeem it in exchange for free items on the menu. 

To earn points at the counter, present your four-digit code before payment, or simply order through the app to automatically add points to your account. If you forget to provide your code, you can still earn points by submitting your receipt details within seven days of purchase. Make sure to include the restaurant number, the date and time you visited, the order total, and any other receipt specifics. All these are to be submitted through the app. There's a section labeled "Add Missing Points from Receipt." However, this method is limited to one submission every 30 days. It may take 24 hours for points from a receipt submission to reflect in your account. Be patient, and double-check that the details match the receipt.

Redeem the 2,000 points tier for smaller items like a Premium Roast Coffee or a Vanilla Cone. The 6,000 points tier gets you a McDouble, McMuffin breakfast sandwich, Egg McMuffin (choose from Bacon 'N Egg McMuffin or Sausage 'N Egg McMuffin,) Junior Chicken, and Snack Size McFlurry. At the highest tier of 14,000 points, customers can claim large items like a Big Mac Extra Value Meal, or a 20-piece McNuggets. Also, try this trick to save money on your next visit to Starbucks. 

For in-store or drive-thru orders, generate a four-digit code under "Use at Restaurant," and then present it before placing your order. Rewards can also be redeemed for McDelivery orders placed via the McDonald's app. However, orders through third-party platforms like Uber Eats or DoorDash are not eligible for redemption. Currently, only one reward can be redeemed per order. MyMcdonald's Rewards points are valid for six months from the date of earning. Unused points will expire on the first day of the following month after this period.

Participants can opt out at any time by clicking on "Profile" via app. From there, move to "MyMcDonald's Rewards" and you will find where to toggle off the participation option. Opting out automatically forfeits any accumulated points and you also lose your access to other rewards, and promotions being offered at the time. To rejoin is just as easy, all you need do is reactivate the toggle button.