McDonald's loyalty scheme launches across the UK - here's how to get your 'free' Big Mac

The scheme first launched on 10 January when it was only trialled at a few stores.

Below we explain how 'MyMcDonald's Rewards' works and who can get it. McDonald's fans may also want to check out our McDonald's MoneySaving hacks (please eat responsibly). 

How do I earn points using MyMcDonald’s Rewards?

You'll be able to earn points via the free McDonald's app, which you can download from the Apple or Play store. From there, you can create an account and choose to 'opt-in' to earn rewards. If you've already got the app you'll still need to select the 'opt-in' option too.

Here's how to earn points under the scheme: 

• Points can only be earned via the app, or when using the app at participating drive-thrus or restaurants. To earn points at the till, drive-thru or in-store kiosk you'll need to use a one-time code located in the app. This will be scanned at the checkout. 

• You can earn points on every menu item. This includes drinks and so-called 'meal deals'. You'll earn 100 points for every £1 spent. 

What can I redeem points on? 

Once you have enough points to purchase an item for 'free', you will be alerted on the app and notified of the rewards available. See the table below for a full list of the number of points you'll need to earn and what you can spend them on. If a product isn’t included in the table then it cannot be purchased using points.

Here's what you need to know about redeeming rewards: 

• You can't redeem points on every menu item. Apple pies, large fries, cold drinks, boxes of nine or 20 McNuggets, and wraps are among the exclusions. You also can't redeem points on meals. 

• You'll need to earn a set number of points to redeem certain items. So to reach the 1,500 points threshold for small fries, for example, you'll need to spend £15. It's £25 to reach the 2,500 points threshold, which is enough for a double cheeseburger, while 4,000 points - and a £40 spend - is needed for a Big Mac.

• You can only redeem points on orders placed directly via McDonald's. You can't redeem points on orders made via third parties, such as Just Eat and Uber Eats. 

• You can swap points to make a donation to charity Children in Need. Points are converted into a cash donation, with 1,500 points translating to £1.50, 2,500 points becoming £2.50 and 4,000 points worth £4. 

• Points can be saved, but they will expire if you don't use them. You've got until the last day of the 12th month after points have been earned to spend them. For example, if you earn points on 19 July 2022, you can redeem these points until 31 July 2023.

How do I redeem points?

To redeem points at McDonald's you'll need to take the following steps depending on how you make your purchase: 

• At the kiosk, drive-thru or the front counter: You can select your chosen reward on the MyMcDonald’s app and you'll be given a code. You can then show this code to the person serving you or scan it at the kiosk.

• For delivery and collection, use the MyMcDonald’s App: Select your reward in the 'Rewards & Offers' section of the app and choose ‘Add to mobile order’ before placing your order. 

• Charity donations. We've asked McDonald's how customers can make a donation using points and we'll update this story when we know more. 

Where can I earn and redeem points?

MyMcDonald's Rewards is available at almost all of the chain's approximately 1,300 restaurants across the UK. However, the following 16 locations are not included, so you can't earn or redeem points there:

• Birkenhead

• Bracknell - The Keep

• Chelmsford Riverside

• Croydon

• Croydon Valley Park

• Greenhithe - The Railway Tavern

• Highway Shadwell

• Luton George Street

• Manchester - Arndale Food Chain

• Norwich - Chapelfields

• Shaftesbury Avenue 

• Victoria Station

• Walworth Road

• Waterloo Station

• West One Shopping Centre

• Westfield Stratford City