McDonald’s has always been a favourite among fast-food lovers, and with the introduction of the MyMcDonald’s Rewards programme, the experience has become even more rewarding. But for those who actively collect and redeem points, a key question often arises: do McDonald’s points reset every year?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into how McDonald’s rewards work, whether points reset or expire, and tips to maximise your rewards.
What Is the McDonald’s Rewards Programme?
The McDonald’s Rewards Programme, known as MyMcDonald’s Rewards, is a customer loyalty initiative designed to give back to customers for their continued patronage.
It enables diners to earn points on every purchase, which can then be redeemed for a variety of rewards or donated to charity. This programme is particularly popular in the UK, where fast-food enthusiasts can enjoy even more value from their meals.
How the Programme Works?
- For every £1 spent, customers earn 100 points.
- Points accumulate in your account and can be exchanged for menu favourites like fries, burgers, and beverages, or even contributed towards good causes.
Where You Can Use It?
- Points can be earned and redeemed at participating McDonald’s locations across the UK.
- Both in-store and app orders are eligible for points collection.
Benefits of the Programme
- Free food rewards: Customers can treat themselves to menu items using points.
- Charitable donations: For those who prefer giving back, points can be donated to support Ronald McDonald House Charities.
- Simplicity: The programme integrates seamlessly with the MyMcDonald’s App, making it easy to track points and rewards.
Do McDonald’s Points Reset or Expire Every Year?
A common misconception among MyMcDonald’s Rewards users is that points reset at the end of the calendar year. However, this is not the case. McDonald’s points follow an expiration timeline rather than an annual reset system.
- Points Expiration Policy: Your points will expire on the first day of the month after the sixth month from the day they were earned. For example, if you earn points in January, they will expire on August 1st.
- Why Points Expire: This policy encourages customers to redeem their points regularly and prevents the programme from becoming overloaded with unused balances.
- Key Takeaway: Staying informed about your points’ expiration date is crucial to ensuring that you don’t miss out on rewards. Regular activity, such as making purchases or redeeming rewards, helps keep your account active and prevents point loss.
How Can You Check Your McDonald’s Reward Points?
Tracking your points is straightforward with the MyMcDonald’s App, which is available for download on both iOS and Android devices. This app is your central hub for managing your rewards and staying informed about your points balance.
Step-by-Step Guide to Checking Points:
- Log in to the App: Open the MyMcDonald’s App and log in using your registered credentials.
- Access the Rewards Section: Tap on the Rewards tab in the main menu.
- View Your Points Balance: The app will display your current points total along with the expiration date of your oldest points.
Additional Features:
- The app also provides information about the rewards available for your points balance.
- You’ll receive notifications about upcoming promotions or opportunities to earn bonus points.
Why It’s Important?
Regularly checking your points balance ensures you are aware of your expiry timelines, helping you plan redemptions effectively.
How Can You Prevent McDonald’s Reward Points From Expiring?
Managing your points actively is key to ensuring they don’t expire. Here are some practical strategies to help you make the most of your MyMcDonald’s Rewards:
- Redeem Points Regularly:
- Make it a habit to use your points before they expire.
- Even small redemptions for items like fries or beverages can ensure you benefit from the programme.
- Stay Active on the App:
- Use the MyMcDonald’s App to track your points and rewards.
- Log in frequently to check for exclusive offers and promotions that encourage you to redeem points.
- Monitor Expiry Dates:
- The app provides clear information about when your points are due to expire.
- Set reminders for yourself if necessary to ensure you redeem them on time.
- Participate in Promotions:
- Keep an eye out for bonus point events or special promotions that may help you earn more points quickly, allowing you to redeem them before expiry.
- Plan Your Purchases:
- Strategise your orders to maximise points usage, especially for high-value rewards.
By taking these proactive steps, you can avoid losing points and ensure you get the most out of the McDonald’s Rewards Programme.
How Does McDonald’s Rewards Compare With Other Loyalty Programmes?
In a competitive market, loyalty programmes are an effective way for businesses to retain customers. McDonald’s Rewards stands out with its unique approach to rewarding loyal diners, but how does it measure up against other popular programmes in the UK?
Point Value Per Pound Spent
McDonald’s offers 100 points for every £1 spent, which is significantly higher than many competitors when considered purely on numerical value.
- Costa Coffee Club: Offers 5 points for every £1, with each point valued at 1p towards free drinks.
- Greggs Rewards: Does not have a fixed point-per-pound system but instead rewards customers with free products after a certain number of purchases.
While McDonald’s points might seem more generous numerically, the value of rewards depends on redemption options.
Redemption Options
McDonald’s Rewards allows customers to:
- Redeem points for menu favourites such as fries, burgers, and beverages.
- Donate points to charities like the Ronald McDonald House Charities.
Other programmes offer varied rewards:
- Costa Coffee Club: Points can only be redeemed for drinks.
- Greggs Rewards: Offers free bakes, drinks, and birthday treats, providing a more personal touch.
Expiration Policy
McDonald’s points expire on the first day of the month after six months from earning, providing a clear timeline.
- Costa Coffee Club: Points expire after 12 months of inactivity.
- Greggs Rewards: Points expire if the account remains inactive for 12 months.
McDonald’s has a shorter expiration period, which requires more active management by customers.
Additional Perks
- McDonald’s occasionally runs promotions, such as double points events or special offers.
- Costa and Greggs also offer exclusive benefits, such as early access to products or birthday rewards.
Verdict:
McDonald’s Rewards is ideal for regular diners who frequently purchase food and beverages. However, customers who prefer longer expiration periods or more diverse reward options may find other programmes more appealing.
Can You Earn More McDonald’s Points Faster?
Yes, there are several strategies to boost your McDonald’s points accumulation, allowing you to enjoy rewards sooner. Here’s how:
Take Advantage of Promotions:
- McDonald’s frequently offers bonus point events or limited-time promotions where customers can earn double or triple points on specific menu items or during certain hours.
- Keep an eye on the MyMcDonald’s App or promotional emails for updates.
Use the App for Every Purchase:
- Orders made via the app often qualify for exclusive point bonuses or special deals.
- Ensure you scan your app or provide your account details for every in-store purchase to guarantee you earn points.
Bundle Your Purchases:
- Opt for meal deals or bundles instead of individual items. Larger purchases typically earn more points, helping you accumulate rewards faster.
Refer Friends:
- Some loyalty programmes offer referral bonuses, so check if McDonald’s Rewards provides extra points for inviting new users.
Participate in Surveys or Feedback Campaigns
- Occasionally, McDonald’s rewards customers with bonus points for participating in surveys or providing feedback on their experience.
By incorporating these strategies, you can significantly speed up your points collection, unlocking rewards and maximising your benefits.
What Happens to Your Points if You Stop Using the McDonald’s App?
The McDonald’s Rewards Programme relies on consistent engagement through the app. If you stop using the app, your points may be at risk of expiring or becoming inaccessible.
Points Expiration Due to Inactivity:
- Your points will expire on the first day of the month after six months from earning, regardless of app usage.
- If you stop using the app entirely and fail to make purchases within this timeframe, your points will be lost.
Missing Out on Promotions:
- Inactivity means you may miss special promotions, double point events, or bonus opportunities.
- Regular engagement keeps you informed about exclusive deals that could enhance your rewards experience.
Account Accessibility:
- While reinstalling the app or logging back into your account won’t reset your points, prolonged inactivity might make you forget your balance or lose track of expiration dates.
How to Stay Active Without Overcommitting?
- Make at least one purchase every six months to reset the expiration clock on newly earned points.
- Log into the app periodically to stay informed about your balance and upcoming offers.
By maintaining occasional activity, you can keep your account active and your points intact, ensuring you make the most of McDonald’s Rewards without needing to use it constantly.
Frequently Asked Questions About McDonald’s Reward Points
How long are McDonald’s reward points valid in the UK?
Points are valid until the first day of the seventh month after they are earned.
Can expired points be reinstated?
No, once points expire, they cannot be reinstated.
What rewards can you redeem with your points?
Rewards range from menu favourites like fries and burgers to charitable donations.
Are McDonald’s points transferable to other accounts?
No, points are non-transferable and can only be used by the account holder.
How often should you redeem points to avoid expiration?
Redeem points within six months of earning them to ensure they don’t expire.
Can you earn points on every purchase?
Yes, you earn points on eligible purchases made through the app or in-store.
Do points reset if you reinstall the app?
No, reinstalling the app does not affect your points balance.
