Arch Card®: McDonald’s Gift Card FAQs

Have questions about your Arch Card? We’re here to help.

Let’s get you the information you need to use your McDonald's Arch Card to the fullest!

How do I check the balance on my Arch Card?

Need to know if your Arch Card is running low? Visit the McDonald’s Arch Card Balance page to check your balance. If you uploaded funds to your Arch Card Balance in the McDonald's app using a physical Arch Card or other payment method, your balance is available in the McDonald's app under Payment Methods in your profile. It will also appear when selecting it during checkout.

How do I reload my Arch Card?

Need some ways to add cash to your Arch Card? There are two easy ways:

Visit any participating McDonald’s restaurant and ask a crew member at the counter to reload your physical Arch Card
Reload physical Arch Cards online by visiting the McDonald’s Arch Card Reload page.
For reloading your Arch Card Balance in the McDonald’s app, you can add funds during checkout or from your profile. Your balance will update once funds are added. If the update is not present, try refreshing the app before contacting support.

My Arch Card is lost, stolen or damaged. What should I do?

Be sure to keep your activation and reload receipts; you will need them to replace a lost or stolen card.

Submit a request for replacement of a lost, stolen or damaged card via the Contact Us Form. Cards will only be replaced upon submission of acceptable supporting documents which may include activation receipt, purchase receipt, account summary, online purchase electronic receipt and/or a picture of your damaged card. For properly submitted claims, a new card will be issued for the remaining balance at the time of deactivation.

If your request qualifies, please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery of replacement Arch Cards.

What should I do if I transferred a physical Arch Card and something looks wrong?

Confirm that the card details were entered correctly and that the transfer was completed successfully. For more information about a McDonald's Arch Card reload, visit the McDonald's Arch Card reload page. If the issue continues, contact Customer Care with your card and transaction details at 1-800-244-6227.

Where can I buy Arch Cards?

Whether you want to buy one or have a bulk order in mind, it’s easy to purchase Arch Cards. Just ask a crew member at a participating McDonald’s restaurant, or place an order online for personal orders or for business and bulk ordering. Physical Arch Cards are also available for purchase from participating third-party retailers. Arch Cards cannot be used on McDelivery® orders.

Where can I use my Arch Card?

You can use physical Arch Cards at any of the 13,000+ participating McDonald's restaurant locations throughout the U.S. when ordering via the Drive Thru, at the Front Counter or the Kiosk. To use Arch Cards to pay for mobile pickup orders in the app, please upload your funds to your Arch Card Balance. Excludes McDelivery.

Can I use my Arch Card Balance for in-restaurant purchases?

Not at this time. Your balance can only be used for mobile orders in the app—find a McDonald's location near you. Arch Card Balance is currently not available for delivery, in‑restaurant purchases at the Kiosk, Drive Thru, or Front Counter, but we are working on getting those options up and running soon!

Can I transfer my Arch Card Balance to another Arch Card Balance account?

Transferring funds between two Arch Card Balances is not available at this time.

Can I get a refund or cash back if I have a balance on my gift card? If so, how?

Arch Cards are not refundable or redeemable for cash unless required by law. Check the Cash Out Requirements to determine if you are eligible for cash back. From there, if cash out is supported in your state, you can visit our virtual cash-out platform to continue the process. You will be redirected to a third party site to complete your request and follow the instructions provided. If your request qualifies for cash back, allow 4-6 weeks for your funds to be issued.

I am not satisfied with my order and want a refund. Can my refund be returned to my Arch Card Balance?

If you've already received your food and need a refund, please visit the restaurant and speak with a crew member. Refunds will be issued to a payment method selected at the restaurant and are not returned to your Arch Card Balance. Processing times may vary.

Can I add an Arch Card as a payment method for mobile orders?

Yes, you can now upload funds from a physical Arch Card or eGift Card to your Arch Card Balance in the McDonald’s app to order ahead for pickup using Mobile Order & Pay. Excludes McDelivery.

Why aren't my funds loaded in the McDonald's app?

Most funds appear shortly after being added. If your Arch Card Balance has not updated, confirm the transaction was completed and refresh the app. If the issue persists, please visit McDonald's Feedback or contact Customer Care at 1-800-244-6227.

Can I split my payment between Arch Card Balance and another method?

Split payment is not supported at this time. If your Arch Card Balance is less than your order total, you may need to add more funds or use another payment method.

Why was my Arch Card Balance payment declined?

Common reasons include insufficient balance, reload payment issues or temporary technical disruption. Refresh app and confirm balance.

Are there any purchases that don’t qualify for points?

Qualifying purchases where an active reward, mobile offer or promotional offer is redeemed will earn points, but you will only earn points for U.S. dollars actually spent in the transaction. When a McDonald's Arch Card or Arch Card Balance in the app is used to make a qualifying purchase, you will earn points. The following are not considered qualifying purchases and will not earn any points:

taxes, bags and bottle fees, and other surcharges or fees
loading any money on a McDonald's Arch Card (gift card)
delivery fees for orders placed using the McDonald’s app

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