A McDonald's customer expecting a quick delivery meal ended up with a bill nearly double the $22 subtotal after added charges, including a small-order fee. But online, many people said the bigger mistake was ordering fast food for delivery in the first place.
Here's what to know
The complaint appeared in a Reddit post on r/mildlyinfuriating titled "McDonald's small order fee…," where the poster shared a screenshot of a Quarter Pounder with Cheese Deluxe meal and two McChickens. The image showed a $22.67 subtotal, but the final charge was $38.11.
Although the small-order fee drew initial attention, replies quickly turned into a broader critique of how expensive app-based delivery can be.
Responses included comments such as, "I dont understand those that do fast food delivery," and, "Why pay an extra $20 on this meal rather than just going to get this yourself?"
Another person described running into the same issue: "I tried just ordering a couple of double cheeseburgers, came out to like 6 something. With the extra fees alone it came out to like 23 dollars and that doesnt count a tip."
More background
The discussion didn't stay centered on McDonald's pricing alone. Much of the thread became a broader complaint about the way delivery apps can sharply raise the cost of a relatively cheap meal.
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Several commenters argued those charges were easy to avoid, especially given how common McDonald's locations are.
That sentiment came through in one reply: "With a McDonald's on every corner it's mildyinfuriating people pay to have this delivered at all," directing the criticism more at the customer's choice than at the restaurant.
For others, the larger point was that the chain no longer feels like a bargain once the extra costs are included. One commenter compared the fees to paying for "a $16 taxi ride" for the food, while another said people are "just now realizing that McDonald's is mid for it's price."
Even the few more understanding reactions were still conditional, with one person suggesting someone might place that kind of order when "drunk or high," calling it a "responsible choice."
What can be done?
A recurring message in the thread was that delivery undercuts fast food's appeal as a quick, low-cost option.
Most advice was to skip delivery and pick up the meal yourself. One commenter derided the price by saying people should "just make a bowl of cereal or something."
Convenience fees can stack up fast, especially on a small order. With a $22 subtotal, even a handful of extra charges can undo the affordability many people still associate with McDonald's.
Where can I learn more?
Complaints like this tend to pop up whenever delivery and service fees turn a cheap meal into an expensive one. Related coverage looks at delivery charges, McDonald's pricing, app fees on small orders, and a separate dispute with DoorDash.
• At Domino's, a delivery fee made one customer's usual $5 tip feel swallowed by corporate.
• At McDonald's, prices doubled in 10 years while shareholders pocketed nearly $40 billion.
• In California, Big Mac prices split by $1.20 as McDonald's AI tracked willingness to pay.
• On Flashfood, a 99-cent service fee hit shoppers who spent under $12.
• On DoorDash, a chatbot offered a full refund, then denied it after cancellation.
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