Recently, McDonald’s has faced criticism over its rising prices, with some customers feeling the pinch more than others, particularly when it comes to their iconic burgers and fries.
The global fast-food chain offers a convenient ‘McDelivery’ service that accommodates orders of any size. However, the service has sparked controversy over unexpected costs.
A recent incident involving a small order and an additional delivery surcharge has stirred frustration among Reddit users.
On Reddit, a customer shared their surprise at discovering an unusual fee in their delivery bill. Alongside the typical delivery and service charges, they encountered a $3.50 ‘small order fee.’
The customer expressed their frustration, stating, “Even with my employee discount, it’s still cheaper to use DoorDash because of this ridiculous fee. I’ve never come across anything like this before.”
Some customers noted that at $3.50, the Reddit user could’ve added another menu item to essentially ‘save’ money on the fast food.
‘Probably because the subtotal was less than $15,’ one Reddit user said. ‘A lot of places, if not most, do this sort of fee for delivery. I usually just find something small that’ll cover it, so I at least won’t be paying for NOTHING.’
‘I always get BOGO double cheeseburgers and I found out yesterday they are charging 50 cents to add mayonnaise to a burger now,’ another noted. ‘Needless to say, that turned me away and I ate at home. So much for trying to expand value. Seems to just be at my closest location though, other ones it doesn’t charge.’
McDonald’s offers delivery through DoorDash, as well as directly through the company’s mobile app
In New York, most small orders, including one for a medium chocolate shake, are subject to a $3.50 ‘Small Order Fee’
Customers who purchase food on the McDonald’s app have access to deals and discounts, even for delivery orders.
These ‘small order’ charges are nothing new for the McDonald’s app. The company first introduced this fee in November 2022, with customers needing to reach a $12 threshold to ditch it.
While DoorDash does not have a dedicated ‘small order fee,’ it does charge customers fees for their McDonald’s delivery service.
In New York, there’s an additional $1.99 delivery fee, a $3 service fee and a $1.99 ‘NYC Regulatory Response Fee’ on a $5.29 McChicken order on DoorDash. With taxes, as well as fees, that $5.29 McDonald’s sandwich becomes $12.74.
‘At DoorDash, our approach to fees is guided by foundational principles including fairness and transparency,’ a spokesperson said. ‘There are no hidden fees, junk fees or surprises at checkout. We’re upfront on pricing. You will always see what you will pay, including fees, before you ever checkout.’
Other food delivery services, like Postmates and Uber Eats boast a similar delivery fee policy.
The Daily Mail previously reported on an investigation found that UK customers buying everyday items on Uber Eats were typically paying at least 20 percent more.
Small delivery fee aside, McDonald’s is trying to win back customers with new additions to their menu.
McDonald’s was criticized for its rising prices, particularly with the $18 Big Mac meal
In 2026, McDonald’s debuted its ‘biggest ever burger’ in the US, the Big Arch, complete with three slices of white processed cheese, crispy and fresh onions, pickles, lettuce and a brand-new tangy ‘Big Arch’ sauce in a sesame and poppy-seed bun.
The small delivery order fee wouldn’t be the first time McDonald’s was accused of sneakily raising prices.
McDonald’s came under fire in 2024 when a now-viral social media post showing Big Mac combos costing $18 or more became the poster child for post-pandemic price hikes for fast food.
The chain introduced a $5 meal deal that summer and worked with US franchisees to lower combo-meal prices. The ‘value menu’ remains a welcome addition to McDonald’s menus nationwide.
‘McDonald’s is not going to get beat on value and affordability,’ Kempczinski said during an investor call at the time.
McDonald’s remains one of the world’s largest franchises, but it is now longer the biggest after being dethroned by Chinese cafe chain Mixue Ice Cream & Tea.
