When I first joined the NHS, one of the things I quickly looked up was the McDonalds NHS Discount. Like many, I was curious if NHS staff actually get offers at places like McDonald’s — and it turns out, there are ways to save.
While it doesn’t offer a permanent nationwide NHS discount, staff can still access exclusive deals through the MyMcDonald’s app, the Blue Light Card, or local branch promotions.
I was genuinely surprised by how many perks come with the job, and in this guide, I’m sharing exactly how to check for and claim any McDonald’s NHS discount, along with extra tips for saving on your usual order.

Does McDonalds Offer an NHS Discount?
McDonalds does not offer a permanent NHS discount across all UK branches. However, NHS staff may still find occasional deals or local discounts.
Some restaurants participate in NHS promotions through platforms like the Blue Light Card or offer NHS-exclusive deals via the MyMcDonald’s app.
During special events or awareness weeks, they may also introduce limited-time offers for healthcare workers. It’s always worth checking both the app and your local branch, as some franchises choose to recognise NHS ID voluntarily.
To summarise:
- No official nationwide McDonalds NHS discount
- Check the MyMcDonald’s app for personalised offers
- Look out for Blue Light Card promotions or local branch discounts
Can I Use McDonalds with Blue Light Card for Discount?
Officially? No! McDonald’s does not officially offer a permanent Blue Light Card discount across all UK branches. However, some local franchises may choose to honour it at their discretion. It’s always worth checking the NHS Blue Light Card app for limited-time offers or asking in-store if your local McDonald’s accepts it.
How to Get the McDonalds NHS Discount Offer
How To Avail McDonalds NHS Discount Offer
Download the MyMcDonald’s App
Download the official app from Apple store if on ios or Google Playstore if on android.
Register with your NHS email ID
Open the app and create a new account using your NHS email id to sign up.
Wait for 48 hours for offer to appear
Allow 48 hours minimum if you do not already see the McDonalds NHS discount offer in the offers section already.
Explore Offers Section
When you click view all on the offers section, you should scroll down till the end of offers. You should be able to see NHS discount offer for McDonalds now.
Redeem McDonalds NHS Discount
Click the avail discount offer and add it to cart. This means, the discount is automatically applied once you are done with your cart. During the payment, you will see the 20% McDonalds NHS discount is applied automatically to your payments.
Limitations to the Offer
The only drawback to this offer is that you can only use this offer once per week, with the limit resetting every Monday. It’s also important to note that this discount can’t be used alongside other deals or promotions.
Alternatives to McDonalds NHS Discount
If McDonalds doesn’t have an active NHS discount, several other food and drink chains do offer permanent or regular savings for NHS staff. The complete NHS discount list can be found here.
Here are some reliable options:
- Burger King NHS Discount
Often available through Blue Light Card or NHS ID presentation in-store. - KFC NHS Discount
Select branches participate via Blue Light Card. Offers vary by location. - Greggs NHS Discount
20% off in many stores with Blue Light Card. - Costa Coffee NHS Discount
Periodic offers through Blue Light Card, especially for hot drinks. - Pret A Manger NHS Discount
Occasionally offers exclusive deals for NHS staff, either directly or through key worker programmes.
Tip: Always check the Blue Light Card app or your NHS benefits platform for up-to-date offers before heading out for McDonalds NHS discount or any other you are seeking.
Extra Ways to Save at McDonald’s (Even Without NHS Discount)
Even if there isn’t a specific McDonalds NHS discount available, there are still plenty of ways to get a better deal at McDonalds:
- User Uber One Subscription– £4.99/month or £49.99/year
- This sounds dumb but if you frequently use cabs and order online food, this can save you good money. You should definitely give
- Use the MyMcDonald’s App Offers
- The app regularly features discounts like 20% off your order, £1.99 meal deals, or free items with purchase. Offers change weekly.
- Collect Loyalty Points
- Every purchase through the app earns points, which can be redeemed for free items—like coffee, fries, or burgers.
- Look Out for Student Discounts
- If you have a valid student ID or UNiDAYS access, some branches offer student deals (separate from NHS offers).
- Bundle Meals and Saver Menu
- Opt for meal deals or saver items to cut costs. These often offer better value than ordering individual items.
Conclusion
While McDonalds doesn’t have a permanent NHS discount across all UK branches, NHS staff can still find occasional offers through the MyMcDonalds app, Blue Light Card, or local in-store deals. It’s always worth checking these channels before placing an order.
Personally, I have tried burger king but for some reasons the secret formula for the coke wins the game. I would love to check if anyone else feels the coca cola from McD tastes a lot different the ones bought at stores.
If you’re looking for guaranteed NHS savings other than McDonalds NHS discount, restaurants like Burger King, Greggs, and Costa Coffee tend to offer more consistent NHS staff discounts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does McDonalds have an NHS discount?
Currently, you can avail McDonalds NHS discount using NHS email ID, and the offer can be availed once a week, which resets every Monday. It does not offer a permanent, nationwide NHS discount. However, some local branches may provide NHS staff discounts, and limited-time offers may appear through the MyMcDonald’s app or Blue Light Card.
How can NHS staff get McDonald’s discount offers?
The easiest way is by regularly checking the MyMcDonald’s app and Blue Light Card app. NHS staff can also ask in-store if their local branch offers any exclusive discounts with NHS ID.
How can NHS staff get McDonalds discount offers?
The easiest way is by regularly checking the MyMcDonald’s app and Blue Light Card app. NHS staff can also ask in-store if their local branch offers any exclusive discounts with NHS ID.
Which restaurants give NHS discounts?
Popular UK chains offering NHS staff discounts include:
1. Burger King
2. Greggs
3. KFC
4. Costa Coffee
5. Pret A Manger
6. Nandos
Does McDonalds accept the Blue Light Card?
It does not officially accept Blue Light Card everywhere, but occasional offers may be available. Always check the Blue Light Card website or app for current deals.