American Express and McDonald’s announce that starting today they will debut the capability for eligible U.S. Card Members enrolled in the Membership Rewards® program to seamlessly use points, in select locations, in real-time for food and beverages at the counter in McDonald’s restaurants. This capability is expected to roll out to all participating McDonald’s U.S. locations by December 2014.
“Card Members love using Membership Rewards points in everyday, relevant ways, and we’re leveraging our technology to make it easy and seamless to redeem points in real-time,” said Leslie Berland, executive vice president, Digital Partnerships & Development at American Express. “When Card Members pay with their American Express Cards at McDonald’s, this technology adds flexibility and choice to that payment experience.”
As part of the launch, each time a Card Member uses points for their McDonald’s order, American Express will make a $1 donation to the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC)1, helping to support programs that directly improve the health and well being of children.
“We’re constantly looking for ways to make life easier for our customers, including multiple payment options,” said Kevin Newell, executive vice president, chief brand and strategy officer, McDonald's USA. “American Express has been on the cutting edge of commerce innovation, complementing our mission to add more value to our customers’ overall restaurant experience. In addition, American Express’ commitment to donate to RMHC makes using Membership Rewards points at McDonald’s even more rewarding.”
Dining with Points at McDonald’s
As it rolls out to participating McDonald’s restaurants in the coming months, American Express’ unique technology will enable eligible Card Members to easily use Membership Rewards points for their McDonald’s orders – there are no codes and no registration needed.
To use points at the counter at participating McDonald’s restaurants:
- Pay with an eligible American Express Card at the counter
- On the payment screen, see the option to use points, and the number of points needed for the order
- Press the green “Yes” button to use points for the order; receive an on-screen confirmation that points were used
To use points at the drive-thru, after paying with an eligible American Express Card, Card Members can use points for their order via the American Express Mobile app or online at americanexpress.com.
About the Membership Rewards Program
The Membership Rewards program from American Express offers more than a million rewards from more than 500 brands. The program allows Card Members to earn one point for virtually every dollar charged on eligible, enrolled American Express Cards, with many opportunities to earn points faster. Membership Rewards points are redeemable in a wide selection of reward categories. Points have no expiration date, and there is no limit on the number of points a Card Member can earn. For more information about the Membership Rewards program, visit: membershiprewards.com or call 1-800-AXP-EARN (297-3276).
About American Express
American Express is a global services company, providing customers with access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build business success. Learn more at americanexpress.com and connect with us on facebook.com/americanexpress, twitter.com/americanexpress and youtube.com/americanexpress.
About McDonald’s USA
McDonald's USA, LLC, serves a variety of menu options made with quality ingredients to approximately 27 million customers every day. Nearly 90 percent of McDonald's 14,000 U.S. restaurants are independently owned and operated by businessmen and women. Customers can now log online for free at approximately 11,500 participating Wi-Fi enabled McDonald's U.S. restaurants. For more information, visit www.mcdonalds.com, or follow us on Twitter @McDonalds and Facebook www.facebook.com/mcdonalds.
Trademarks and/or registered trademarks are owned by their respective companies.
1 Total donation amount up to $500,000.
Contacts:
Amy Marino, 347-224-9394
amy.marino@aexp.com
