Starting in December, eligible American Express Cardmembers will have a new instant redemption option to use their American Express Membership Rewards. By December all U.S. McDonald’s restaurants will allow the use of Membership Rewards points for payment. According to this article, the program will be launched across the U.S. In December and for each customer who completes a transaction during the launch a $1 donation will be made to Ronald McDonald house.

How To Use Membership Rewards At McDonald’s

To use points at the counter at participating McDonald’s restaurants:

1) Pay with an eligible American Express Card at the counter

2) On the payment screen, see the option to use points, and the number of points needed for the order

3) Press the green “Yes” button to use points for the order; receive an on-screen confirmation that points were used

4) 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

Bottom Line

More demotion options are always better than fewer. The ability to use Membership Rewards points instantly for food at McDonald’s makes the point currency one step closer to a cash equivalent.