Pennies Phased Out: McDonald’s Updates Cash Payments for 2025

Pennies Are Being Phased Out — And McDonald’s Is Changing How Cash Payments Work

In 2025, a big shift is happening in how Americans use money. The U.S. Treasury has ended the production of pennies, and this change is having a ripple effect across stores, restaurants, and especially places like McDonald’s. As the penny becomes harder to find, McDonald’s is updating how it handles cash transactions to make things fair and manageable.

Pennies Phased Out

This new system affects only cash payments — if you pay with a card or mobile wallet, nothing changes. Below, you’ll find a full breakdown of what’s happening, why it matters, and how it impacts everyday customers.

What’s Going On with Pennies in the U.S.

The penny has been an American staple for over two centuries — but now its days are numbered. In 2025, the U.S. Treasury announced that it would end minting new pennies beginning in early 2026.