McCafé Awards: Everything You Need to Know 2026

McCafé Awards

McDonalds has launched its McCafé Rewards program to make it easy to get benefits.

McCafé Rewards Program

To earn rewards in this program, you must first download the McDonald’s mobile app found on the App Store or Google Play. Then access the QR code by pressing “Rewards” and present it at checkout before paying.

Earning points

The McCafé program now runs entirely digitally in the MyMcDonald’s Rewards app. The physical stickers once affixed to cardboard cups were discontinued by McDonald’s Canada in August 2022. After seven qualifying purchases of McCafé hot beverages or fries of any size, you’re entitled to the reward. Purchases made with the app can be done at the counter, at a kiosk, or at the drive-thru. They also count when part of a larger order, such as a combo.

Redeeming points

The rewards available are McDonald’s hot beverages (except single or double espresso) and fries of all sizes (excluding poutine and other fries offers).

To claim a free hot drink, simply:

go to the “offers” section of the McDonald’s app
select “Hot drink, medium size, free”
then press “Add to mobile order”
then choose the desired drink.

If more than one item is ordered, the free reward will apply to the qualifying item at the highest price.

The status

There are no statuses in the McCafé Rewards program.

Frequent questions

How to register for the McCafé program

Download the McDonald’s mobile app found on the App Store or Google Play.

When can you get a McCafé award?

With the purchase of 7 hot McCafé drinks or French fries portions, any size, you can get a hot drink or a medium-size French fries portion for free.

How many coffees do I need to buy to get a free one at McCafé?

The McCafé program now runs entirely digitally in the MyMcDonald’s Rewards app (the physical on-cup sticker system was discontinued by McDonald’s Canada in August 2022). After 7 qualifying hot McCafé drinks purchased (brewed coffee, latte, cappuccino, mocha, tea, Deluxe Hot Chocolate), you get the 8th free. Every qualifying purchase automatically adds a stamp to your virtual card under the Rewards tab as soon as you scan your code at checkout or order through the app. No minimum spend is required, and you can combine several visits over the month to reach the threshold faster.

Can the free McCafé coffee be any size?

Yes, the free hot drink earned through the McCafé program applies to any qualifying hot drink in the McCafé lineup, regardless of size (small, medium, large). You can choose a large specialty latte or a simple brewed coffee, depending on your preference. Once unlocked, the reward appears in the MyMcDonald’s Rewards app under the Rewards tab. To use it, simply present the code at checkout or select the option during a mobile order, and the drink is added to your order for free.

Does the physical McCafé sticker system still exist?

No. McDonald’s Canada discontinued the physical stickers affixed to cardboard cups as of August 2022, in favor of fully digital tracking in the MyMcDonald’s Rewards app. Physical cards already completed before this change could be redeemed until December 31, 2023, but that window has now passed. Today, only your digital progress in the app counts toward earning a free drink or fries portion.

Can the McCafé program be combined with MyMcDonald’s Rewards points?

Yes, this is one of the major advantages of the McDonald’s system. A single transaction can both advance your McCafé card (adding a stamp after a qualifying drink) AND earn you MyMcDonald’s Rewards points (100 points per dollar spent on the entire order). Both programs coexist in the same app and are managed separately. This means you can work toward a free drink faster while also accumulating points redeemable for other rewards like fries, a McMuffin, or even a Big Mac.