savingsspot.co.uk McDonald’s, a global fast-food giant, is almost as famous for its deals and promotions as it is for its Big Macs and fries. For savvy consumers in the United Kingdom, there are numerous ways to enjoy your McDonald’s favourites without breaking the bank. This article delves into the various strategies and opportunities to save money at McDonald’s, from app-exclusive offers to seasonal promotions.
The McDonald’s App: Your Gateway to Savings
The cornerstone of securing the best McDonald’s deals is undoubtedly the MyMcDonald’s app. Available on both iOS and Android, this app is a treasure trove of exclusive offers, discounts, and the all-important McDonald’s Rewards scheme. By simply downloading the app and creating an account, you unlock a world of savings that are not available to walk-in customers.
The app frequently features deals such as:
- Percentage discounts on entire orders (e.g., 20% off your order).
- Buy-one-get-one-free (BOGOF) offers on popular items like McFlurries or breakfast muffins.
- Free items with a minimum spend (e.g., free fries with a £10 purchase).
- Discounted meals deals.
- Special offers for new app users.
These offers change regularly, often weekly, so it’s crucial to check the app frequently to avoid missing out. The app also uses location services to tailor deals to your nearest restaurant, ensuring relevance and availability.
McDonald’s Rewards: Earn Points with Every Purchase
The MyMcDonald’s Rewards scheme, accessible through the app, allows you to accumulate points with every purchase. Every penny spent earns you one point. These points can then be redeemed for various menu items, effectively giving you free food or discounts on future orders. There are different reward tiers, offering better redemptions item, for example:
- 1,500 points: Can be redeemed for items small Fries, Hash Browns, or a regular McCafé® coffee.
- 2,500 points: Options such as a Double Cheeseburger, Vegetable Deluxe or Apple Pie are available.
- 4,000 points: Enjoy bigger rewards, like a Big Mac, McChicken Sandwich, or a 6-piece Chicken McNuggets box.
The app keeps track of your points balance and clearly indicates when you have enough points to redeem a reward. It’s a simple and effective way to get more for your money, particularly if you’re a regular McDonald’s customer.
Seasonal Promotions and Limited-Time Offers
McDonald’s is renowned for its seasonal promotions, often tied to holidays, events, or new product launches. These limited-time offers can represent significant savings. Examples include:
- Monopoly at McDonald’s: This hugely popular promotion runs periodically, usually for several weeks. Customers receive game pieces with selected menu items, offering chances to win instant prizes (often food items) or collect property sets for larger prizes, including cash, cars, and holidays.
- Summer Promotions: During the summer months, McDonald’s often features deals on cold drinks, ice cream, and lighter meal options.
- Festive Menu: Around Christmas, the Festive Menu introduces special items and accompanying deals.
- Breakfast Offers: McDonald’s frequently runs promotions on its breakfast menu, such as discounted McMuffins or free coffee with a breakfast purchase.
These promotions are typically heavily advertised in-store, on television, and online, so keep an eye out for announcements.
Other Ways to Save at McDonald’s
- Student Discounts: While McDonald’s doesn’t offer a nationwide, standardized student discount, some individual restaurants may offer deals to students with a valid student ID. It’s always worth asking at your local branch.
- Voucher Codes: Although less common than app-based deals, McDonald’s occasionally releases voucher codes through newspapers, magazines, or online promotions. These codes can be used for online orders or presented in-store.
- Surveys: Sometimes, your McDonald’s receipt may include an invitation to complete a customer satisfaction survey. Completing the survey often rewards you with a voucher for a free item or a discount on your next purchase. Keep your receipt and look for these opportunities.
- “Saver Menu”: The “Saver Menu” offers a selection of items at lower price points, making it a budget-friendly option for a quick snack or a smaller meal. While not a discount *per se*, it’s a way to control spending.
Maximising Your McDonald’s Savings
To get the most out of McDonald’s promotions, consider these tips:
- Check the App Regularly: Make it a habit to check the MyMcDonald’s app at least once a week, as new deals are frequently added.
- Combine Offers: Sometimes, it’s possible to combine app-based deals with other promotions, such as using a percentage discount on a meal that’s already part of a limited-time offer.
- Be Flexible: If you’re not set on a specific item, be open to trying different menu options that are currently on promotion.
- Order Through the App: Ordering and paying through the app not only gives you access to exclusive deals but also streamlines the ordering process, especially during busy periods.
- Keep up on Social Medias: From time to time, deals are published via social media channels.
Conclusion
Enjoying McDonald’s doesn’t have to mean spending a fortune. By leveraging the MyMcDonald’s app, participating in the rewards scheme, staying informed about seasonal promotions, and being aware of other saving opportunities, you can significantly reduce the cost of your meals. Whether you’re a student on a budget, a family looking for value, or simply someone who loves a good deal, there are plenty of ways to enjoy your McDonald’s favourites while keeping your wallet happy.
