How to Add a Gift Card to McDonald’s App 

If you’re a fan of convenience and fast food classics, then you’re probably already familiar with the McDonald’s app. With features like mobile ordering, weekly deals, and loyalty rewards, the app is more than just a digital menu—it’s a personalized dining assistant. And if you’re one of the many customers who has received or purchased a McDonald’s gift card, you may be wondering how to merge that value into your app for easy use. Fortunately, adding a gift card to the McDonald’s app is straightforward and comes with a number of perks.

This guide will walk you through the entire process of adding a gift card to the McDonald’s app, along with tips for leveraging the card effectively. Let’s dig into the details and make your next trip to the Golden Arches quicker and more rewarding.

Why Use the McDonald’s App?

The McDonald’s app isn’t just about ordering food in advance—it gives users access to exclusive app-only deals, allows for loyalty point accumulation (through MyMcDonald’s Rewards), and makes contactless payments a breeze. Here are just a few reasons why integrating your gift card into the app is a smart move:

• Convenience: No need to carry a physical card or cash.
• Quick Checkout: Pay with a few taps using the app.
• Loyalty Points: Every purchase earns points when paying through the app.
• Track Spending: See how much you’re spending and what’s left on the gift card.

Now that you’re sold on the usefulness, let’s explore how to add your gift card.

Step-by-Step: Adding a Gift Card to the McDonald’s App

Before you begin, make sure that you’ve installed the latest version of the McDonald’s app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, and that you’re logged in to your account.

1. Access the “Payments” Section

Open the McDonald’s app and tap on your profile icon in the top-right corner of the home screen. From there, scroll down and tap on “Payments”. This section allows you to manage your different payment options, including adding credit cards, PayPal, and gift cards.

2. Select “Add a New Payment Method”

Once you’re in the payments screen, hit the “Add Payment Method” button. A list of accepted payment options will appear. Select “Arch Card”, which is McDonald’s branding for their gift card.

3. Enter Your Gift Card Information

You’ll need to manually input the details from your physical or digital gift card:

• Card Number: Typically a 16-digit number found on the front of the card.
• Security Code: A 4-digit PIN located on the back, revealed by scratching a silver strip.

After entering this information, tap “Add Card” to register it with your app account. The available balance on the card will now be linked to your McDonald’s app, ready for instant use.

4. Set the Gift Card as a Preferred Payment Method (Optional)

If you’d like to prioritize using your McDonald’s gift card before any other payment method, the app lets you select it as your primary payment method. Just go back to the payments tab, find your Arch Card, and choose “Set as Default”.

Can You Reload a Gift Card in the McDonald’s App?

While you can use a gift card in the app, unfortunately you cannot reload it directly within the app. To add more funds to your McDonald’s gift card, you’ll need to visit a participating McDonald’s location or go to the official website where online reload functionality is offered. Be sure to keep track of your balance to avoid surprises at checkout.

Using the Gift Card to Place an Order

Once you’ve added the gift card, using it in the app is seamless. Begin by placing your desired order in the mobile order section of the app. Once you’ve finalized your meal choices, go to checkout and confirm your payment method. If your gift card is set as the default, it will be applied automatically.

If it’s not the default method, simply tap “Payment” during checkout, choose your McDonald’s Arch Card, and complete the transaction. The app will deduct the order total from the gift card balance.

You’ll also get a digital receipt and reward points, just like with any other form of payment. This makes using a gift card not only practical but also beneficial for unlocking future freebies.

Tips for Managing Your McDonald’s Gift Card

If you plan to use the gift card frequently within the app, keep these tips in mind:

• Track Your Balance: You can view your remaining balance both in-app under the “Payments” section and via McDonald’s website.
• Use for Rewards: Every purchase made with a gift card earns loyalty points—redeem these for free menu items!
• Have a Backup Payment Method: In case your gift card is insufficient to cover an order, it’s good practice to keep a credit card or PayPal also linked.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, things don’t go as smoothly as expected. Here are some common issues users face when adding a gift card and how to fix them.

1. “Invalid Card Number or PIN” Error

This usually means a mistyped number or code. Double-check both and ensure no hidden characters or extra spaces were pasted in if copying from a digital source.

2. Gift Card Declined at Checkout

If your card was successfully added but is declined during payment, it may be due to insufficient balance. Check the current balance and confirm it covers your order total.

3. Payment Freezing or Crashing

Update your app, ensure a strong internet connection, and try force-closing and restarting the app. In persistent cases, reach out to McDonald’s customer support through the app’s help section.

Other Ways to Use McDonald’s Gift Cards

Even if you don’t want to add your gift card to the app, it’s redeemable in several other ways:

• In-Restaurant: Present your physical card at the register during checkout.
• Drive-Thru: Hand over the card at the payment window just like cash.
• Kiosks: Many McDonald’s locations now feature self-service kiosks where gift cards can be swiped or scanned.

However, when compared to the app’s flexibility and reward benefits, digital integration remains the superior route.

Final Thoughts

Adding a gift card to the McDonald’s app turns an already convenient experience into something even smoother and more enjoyable. Whether you’re treating yourself or using up a holiday gift, integrating your Arch Card into the app ensures quicker orders, points on every purchase, and less time fumbling at the drive-thru window.

So the next time you receive a McDonald’s gift card, don’t let it sit at the bottom of your wallet. Open the app, add the gift card, and enjoy a frictionless fast-food adventure with just a few taps!