McDonald’s customers fed up with surprise charge for online orders: ‘It’s a rip off’
By Ariel Zilber
Published on March 31, 2026.
McDonald's customers are complaining about a growing list of add-on costs, including delivery fees, service fees, menu markups, and a controversial “small order fee” that automatically applies when customers don't order enough. The charges have sparked outrage on social media, with one customer posting a screenshot showing a $3.50 "small premium order fee" tacked onto their order. The fee, introduced on the McDonald's app in 2022, has been met with backlash from customers who argue it forces them to spend more to avoid an added charge. The fees come as McDonald's plans to offer cheap menu items in an effort to win back customers amid economic uncertainty. Some customers argue that the fees eliminate deals and discounts, while others question why delivery costs are so high when drivers may only receive a fraction of the money.
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