The McDonald’s app is hands down one of the best, easiest to use, and most convenient fast-food apps out there. Customers find it convenient to use the app for ordering food and keeping track of rewards; applying coupons, paying, and looking up menu items. You can even use the app to place delivery orders (instead of having to go through a 3rd party app like GrubHub or Doordash).
With all that said, however, one area where the app is lacking is that it still isn’t possible to add gift cards as a payment method. This may surprise some users who are used to digital wallets and using gift cards in other food service apps. But while you can use other forms of payment, such as credit or debit cards or even Apple Pay, the app does not support the addition of McDonald’s gift cards.
For anybody looking to use a McDonald’s gift card you will have to go in-store or through the drive-thru.
Using Gift Cards at McDonald’s
Current Status of Gift Cards and the App
At this time, you cannot directly add a McDonald’s gift card as a payment method within their mobile app. This means you won’t be able to use your gift card balance when placing orders through the app for pickup or delivery.
Workarounds and Alternative Methods
While direct integration isn’t available yet, there are a few ways to still benefit from your gift card:
- In-Store Use: The most straightforward method is using your physical gift card or its code at the restaurant itself. This works for counter orders, drive-thru, and even kiosk payments where available.
- Arch Card (Limited): If your gift card is the reloadable “Arch Card” type, you can check its balance and manage it online through McDonald’s website. However, this won’t work for one-time-use gift cards.
- Third-Party Delivery: Some services like DoorDash or Uber Eats may allow adding your McDonald’s gift card as a payment when ordering through their apps. This isn’t guaranteed, and may have restrictions depending on the platform.
Why the Limitation and Future Outlook
The exact reason behind this app restriction isn’t publicly stated by McDonald’s. It could be technical limitations, security concerns, or simply a feature not yet prioritized.
However, there’s hope for change. Many customers have voiced their desire for app integration, and McDonald’s often updates its app with new features. It’s possible future versions will include gift card support.
Summary Table
| Method | Can Use Gift Card | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| In-Store (Counter, Drive-Thru, Kiosk) | Yes | Most reliable way to use gift cards |
| McDonald’s App | No | Can’t add card directly as payment |
| Arch Card Online (Reloadable Only) | Yes | Limited to checking balance, not ordering |
| Third-Party Delivery Apps | Maybe | Depends on the app, may have restrictions |
Key Takeaways
- The McDonald’s app does not allow gift card addition.
- Alternative payment methods are necessary for app use.
- Physical redemption is required for gift card use.
Understanding Gift Card Addition Limitations
In this section, we will discuss the specifics of integrating gift cards into the McDonald’s mobile app and the restrictions users face, along with the payment alternatives available.
Overview of McDonald’s App Features
The McDonald’s app offers a variety of features to enhance customer experience. Users can find deals, order food for pickup or delivery, and earn rewards points. The app supports numerous payment methods, making purchases quick and simple.
Specifics of Gift Card Usage
The Arch Card, McDonald’s own gift card, can be used to buy food and services at participating restaurants. Users can check their balance and reload the card. However, one cannot add an Arch Card as a payment option directly in the app.
Restrictions on Gift Cards within the App
While the McDonald’s app is versatile, it does not accept gift cards as a form of payment. This means that users cannot register their gift card in the app to make mobile purchases or pay for their orders.
Alternatives for Payment and Rewards
Customers have various payment options in the McDonald’s app, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and cash in restaurants. They can also use Apple Pay for contactless transactions. For deals and rewards, the app offers a platform to collect and redeem points on eligible products without the need for a physical gift card.
