McDonald’s Is Giving Away Free Big Macs For The Rest Of The Year — But There’s A Catch

When we hear the words “free Big Mac,” angels start to sing. But pipe down, angels — we need to hear how we can get our hands on the iconic McDonald’s sandwich without spending a single dollar According to a July 29th McDonald’s tweet, the fast food chain will be handing out complimentary Bic Macs in celebration of the hamburger’s 50th birthday. But there’s a catch.

In order to participate in the Big Mac giveaway, you’ll have to start hunting for MacCoins, “a global currency for a global icon.” Starting on August 2nd, one MacCoin will be equal to one free Big Mac in 50 countries around the world.

Each MacCoin will feature one of five unique designs used to represent the five decades of the Big Mac. USAToday.com reports that the ’70s-era MacCoin will illustrate the decade’s flower power. The ’80s MacCoin will feature pop art, the ’90s will show off bold shapes, the ’00s MacCoin centers around technology, and the ’10s design will revolve around communication.

So, how exactly can one start their MacCoin collection? On Thursday, August 2nd, 14,000 participating McDonald’s restaurants will begin giving away MacCoins with the purchase of a Big Mac. Then, on Friday, August 3rd, the coins will become redeemable for a free Big Mac.

MacCoins will remain redeemable throughout the remainder of 2018, so we recommend opening a MacCoin savings account.

The idea to turn the Big Mac into currency came from the influence the Big Mac has held over global economies since the late ’80s. Since 1986, The Economist has used the value of the sandwich to measure “the purchasing power of international currency,” USAToday.com reports.

I need some of these!

— Lui Calibre (@LuiCalibre) July 29, 2018

Head to your local McDonald’s on Thursday to begin collecting MacCoins like they’re going out of style. Then redeem to savor the deliciousness that is the Big Mac.