If you‘re looking for the perfect gift for the McDonald‘s lover in your life (or want to treat yourself), you can‘t go wrong with a McDonald‘s gift card. These handy cards let the recipient indulge in all their Mickey D‘s favorites, from iconic Big Macs and Chicken McNuggets to McCafé drinks and decadent desserts. And with so many purchasing options, it‘s easy to get your hands on one.
Whether you prefer the convenience of grabbing a gift card while you‘re out running errands or the ease of buying online and even customizing the design, this comprehensive guide will walk you through all the best places to pick up a McDonald‘s gift card.
The Popularity of Gift Cards
Gift cards have become a gifting staple for good reason. They‘re easy to purchase, small enough to mail, and let the recipient choose exactly what they want. In fact, gift cards have been the most requested holiday gift for 15 years running, according to the National Retail Federation.
And when it comes to fast food gift cards, McDonald‘s is a top choice. With nearly 40,000 locations worldwide and a menu full of crowd-pleasing eats, it‘s no surprise that McDonald‘s gift cards are a popular pick.
In-Store Retail Options
Many major retailers keep a selection of gift cards on hand, so you can cross one more item off your shopping list when you‘re already out and about. Here are some of the top stores that stock McDonald‘s gift cards:
Walmart
America‘s biggest retailer carries a variety of McDonald‘s gift card designs and denominations both in-store and on Walmart.com. Basic designs are available in amounts ranging from $5 to $100, while Walmart-exclusive designs may only be offered in $25 or $50 values.
Expert tip: Check your local Walmart‘s weekly ad for special promotions on gift card purchases, like bonus cards with purchase or fuel points at Walmart gas stations.
Target
This popular big-box chain sells McDonald‘s gift cards at all locations as well as Target.com. Like Walmart, available designs and values may differ between in-store and online offerings, but $5, $10, $25, and $50 amounts are commonly stocked.
Expert tip: If you‘re a Target RedCard holder, you can save an additional 5% on in-store gift card purchases.
Grocery Stores
Many supermarkets, including Kroger, Safeway, Publix, and more, sell a selection of third-party gift cards that often includes McDonald‘s. At Kroger and Kroger-owned grocery chains like Ralph‘s and Smith‘s, you‘ll often find a wide range of McDonald‘s gift card designs and values, from $10 cards perfect for stocking stuffers to $100 cards for more substantial gifts.
Expert tip: Around the holidays, many grocery chains offer fuel points or store cash bonuses for gift card purchases. Stock up on gifts while earning extra savings on gas or groceries.
Drug Stores
When you swing by Walgreens or CVS to pick up a prescription or restock your toiletries, you can also grab a McDonald‘s gift card from their in-store racks. Most locations carry $25 cards, and some may have other values in stock.
Expert tip: Check your store‘s loyalty app for digital coupons offering a percentage off or dollar amount discount on gift card purchases.
Buying McDonald‘s Gift Cards Online
If you can‘t make it to a store or simply prefer the convenience of shopping from home, plenty of retailers sell McDonald‘s gift cards through their websites. Along with the retailers mentioned above, consider these popular online sources:
Amazon
The internet‘s superstore sells just about everything, including McDonald‘s gift cards. Most designs come in $25 and $50 values, and Prime members enjoy free shipping.
Expert tip: Look out for occasional Lightning Deals on Amazon offering discounted McDonald‘s gift cards. These limited-time offers can sell out quickly, so be ready to buy when the deal starts.
GiftCards.com
As you might guess from the name, this site specializes in gift cards of all kinds. They have a diverse selection of McDonald‘s card designs in denominations from $5 to $100, and you can even customize a Visa gift card with a McDonald‘s-themed design for an extra personal touch.
Expert tip: Sign up for GiftCards.com‘s email newsletter for notifications about sales, discounts, and limited-edition card designs.
PayPal
If you‘ve got a PayPal account, you can easily order McDonald‘s digital gift cards in a range of values. You‘ll get an email with a claim code that can be redeemed at participating McDonald‘s locations.
Expert tip: Keep an eye on your PayPal account around the holidays or special occasions like Father‘s Day. PayPal occasionally offers discounted digital gift cards as a promotional deal.
Buying In-Restaurant
Of course, you can always head to your nearest Golden Arches to pick up a gift card in person. Most standalone McDonald‘s restaurants sell gift cards in various amounts, from $5 to $50 or more. While the drive-thru may not offer them, you can ask for gift cards at the counter inside.
According to a McDonald‘s customer service representative, gift card designs and denominations may vary by location. "Restaurants typically carry more gift card options around the holidays," the representative said.
And if you‘re already dining in, why not grab a couple gift cards as an easy way to get ahead on your holiday or birthday gift shopping? With new designs frequently released to celebrate different seasons and occasions, you can tailor your gift card choice to the recipient.
Expert tip: If you don‘t see the gift card design or denomination you want, ask a crew member if they have any additional options behind the counter.
The Arch Card: McDonald‘s Reloadable Gift Card
For dedicated McDonald‘s fans, the Arch Card is a great option. This reloadable card can be purchased at participating McDonald‘s locations in any amount between $5 and $100. Once you have an Arch Card, you can add value to it at any time in-restaurant, through the McDonald‘s app, or on the Arch Card website.
Unlike other gift cards, the Arch Card is meant to be reused over and over again. It‘s an ideal choice for students, commuters, or anyone else who finds themselves frequently enjoying McDonald‘s meals and snacks. Plus, registering your Arch Card online provides balance protection in case the card is ever lost or stolen.
Expert tip: If you‘re a regular McDonald‘s customer, consider loading a larger amount onto your Arch Card upfront. Some restaurants offer a bonus $5 or $10 Arch Card when you purchase $25 or more in a single transaction.
How to Pick the Perfect McDonald‘s Gift Card Amount
Not sure how much to load onto a McDonald‘s gift card? Here are some common values and what they‘ll usually buy, based on average U.S. menu prices:
- $5: A small McCafé beverage or classic menu items like a cheeseburger, hamburger, or McChicken
- $10: A complete Extra Value Meal with sandwich, side, and drink, or a Crispy Chicken Sandwich combo
- $25: A Big Mac Bundle Meal for 2 or a 40-piece Chicken McNuggets
- $50: Food and beverage for a family of 4 or multiple meals for a college student
Of course, it‘s always better to estimate a little high. After all, any unused balance will remain on the card until the recipient is ready for their next McDonald‘s run. You can also use the handy Arch Card balance checker on the McDonald‘s website or app to see the remaining value whenever you need.
Creative Ways to Give McDonald‘s Gift Cards
A gift card tucked in an envelope is a classic choice, but why not have a little fun with your McDonald‘s-themed presents? Try one of these creative gift card presentation ideas:
- Fold a sheet of paper into an envelope shape and paint it to look like a McDonald‘s French fry carton
- Use red and gold curling ribbon to transform a gift card into a happy meal balloon
- Sew a gift card into a plush Ronald McDonald stocking
- Slip a McDonald‘s gift card inside a pack of McDonaldland cookies
- Buy a collectible Happy Meal toy and pair it with a gift card for a nostalgic gift set
But remember, no matter how cute or creative the packaging, it‘s crucial to keep your gift cards secure. "Only buy gift cards from reputable sources, and treat them like cash," warns the Federal Trade Commission. "If possible, buy gift cards online directly from the store or restaurant. This can help you avoid scams."
Conclusion
Whether you‘re searching for a last-minute birthday gift or a token of appreciation for your child‘s teacher, a McDonald‘s gift card is a convenient and crowd-pleasing choice. And with countless purchasing options, it‘s easier than ever to get your hands on one.
For the picky shopper, we recommend buying directly from McDonald‘s restaurants or the Arch Card website for the widest selection. Drug stores and supermarkets are also great choices, especially if you can snag a promotion that earns you fuel points or store loyalty cash.
No matter where you decide to buy, inspect your gift card before purchasing and remember to keep your receipt in case there are any issues with activation. With these expert tips in mind, you‘re ready to get gifting and giving with McDonald‘s gift cards.
