A cheap McDonald’s order can quickly spiral past $20 when delivery fees pile up, and customers are erupting over what they say is an avalanche of charges that undercuts the chain’s promise to offer value.
Diners took to social media to blast the fast-food giant and its delivery partners over a growing list of add-on costs. Those include delivery fees, service fees, menu markups and — perhaps most galling of all — a controversial “small order fee” that kicks in when customers don’t order enough.
One widely shared Reddit post captured the frustration after a customer spotted a $3.50 “small order fee” tacked onto their order.
“Literally used my employee discount, and it’s still cheaper through DoorDash [because] of this stupid ass fee,” the user wrote, sharing a screenshot of his $20.91 order that included nearly $8 in delivery order fees.
“I’ve never seen this before in my life.”
The post drew more than 1,700 upvotes and hundreds of angry comments.
“1/3 of the total cost is fees in delivery … who cares if there a discount? It’s a rip off already,” one commenter wrote.
Another chimed in: “Since when is $14 at McDonald’s small?? You used to be able to feed a family of 4 for that price.”
Customers ordering through apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats — or even Mickey D’s own app — report paying delivery fees of up to several dollars, service fees that can reach around 15% of the order and extra charges when orders fall below a minimum threshold.
And that’s before tipping, another practice that’s drawing growing gripes.
In one example, an $8.99 order climbed to more than $20 after fees, taxes and gratuity. In another, a $5.29 McChicken ballooned to $12.74 once delivery, service and regulatory fees were added.
The mind-boggling fees come as McDonald’s has been planning to offer cheap menu items going for $3 or less in an effort to win back customers in a time of economic uncertainty.
“What used to be a value meal now feels like buying Ticketmaster concert tickets. Cheap upfront, painful at checkout time,” Ted Jenkin, managing partner at Exit Wealth Advisors, told The Post.
Still, patrons have been pointing to higher menu prices on delivery apps, with some items costing more than they do in-store even before fees are applied.
“Was going to order a daily double which is normally $3.20 … but if I have it delivered it would be $4.40 … before delivery fees,” one user griped.
The biggest flashpoint is the “small order fee,” typically ranging from about $2 to $3.50 and triggered when orders fall below roughly $10 to $15, depending on the platform.
Introduced on the McDonald’s app in 2022, the fee has drawn backlash from customers who say it pressures them to spend more just to avoid an added charge.
“Dude like $15 of your order is fees,” one viral complaint noted.
Some customers say the stack of fees wipes out deals and discounts, while others question why delivery costs are so high when drivers may see only a fraction of the money.
“Delivery price is double and none of it goes to the driver. What a joke,” one commenter wrote.
The backlash comes as McDonald’s has already faced criticism over rising menu prices, including viral posts showing high-priced combo meals. The company has pushed back, highlighting value offerings like its $5 meal deal — though such promotions usually don’t apply to delivery.
For some customers, the response is simple: stop ordering.
“Stop wasting money with any company that does this,” one user wrote.
Others say they’ve abandoned delivery apps entirely, arguing fast food was never meant to come with premium-level pricing.
“Fast food is supposed to be cheap and convenient … get the hell outta here with these premium prices,” another wrote.
Even some commenters defending the fees acknowledged there’s a trade-off.
“Ordering delivery? Expect to get WHACKED with fees!”
The Post has sought comment from McDonald’s, DoorDash and Uber Eats.
