Check your balance online, by phone, or in the restaurant
You can find out how much money is left on a McDonald's gift card in three ways: through the McDonald's website or mobile app, by calling customer service, or by asking a crew member at any McDonald's location. The fastest method is usually the app or website, which shows your balance instantly. You will need the 16-digit card number printed on the back of the card.
McDonald's does not charge a fee to check your balance, and you do not need to create an account to do it. The balance information is available 24 hours a day through the digital methods, though the in-restaurant option depends on store hours.
Key Takeaways
- The McDonald's mobile app and website both show your card balance when you enter the 16-digit card number from the back of the card.
- You can call McDonald's customer service at 1-800-244-6227 to have a representative check the balance over the phone.
- Any McDonald's restaurant will check your balance at the counter at no cost, though this requires a visit during store hours.
- Your balance does not expire as long as there is money on the card, but unused cards may be subject to inactivity policies depending on when the card was issued.
Using the McDonald's app or website
Open the McDonald's mobile app or go to mcdonalds.com on a computer or phone. Look for a "Gift Card Balance" or "Check Balance" link, usually found in the menu or account section. Enter the 16-digit card number from the back of your gift card and the 4-digit PIN if one is printed on the card (not all cards have a PIN).
The balance will display immediately. You can also add the card to your McDonald's app account if you want to track multiple cards or receive notifications about promotions. This step is optional and does not affect your ability to use the card.
Calling McDonald's customer service
Call 1-800-244-6227 to speak with a representative who can check your balance. Have your gift card number ready. The representative will ask for the 16-digit number on the back of the card and may ask for the last four digits of the card as a security measure.
Customer service hours vary, but the line is typically available during extended hours. Wait times can be longer during peak times like lunch or dinner hours. If you reach an automated system, you may have the option to check your balance through the phone menu without speaking to a person.
Checking your balance in a restaurant
Walk up to the counter or drive-thru at any McDonald's location and ask a crew member to check your gift card balance. Hand them the card, and they will scan it or enter the number into the register. The balance will appear on their screen, and they will tell you the amount.
This method works at any McDonald's in the United States, including franchise locations. You do not need to make a purchase. The process takes less than a minute.
What happens if your card has no balance
If your gift card shows a zero balance, you cannot use it to make purchases. McDonald's does not reload or refund depleted gift cards. However, if you believe the balance is incorrect or if the card was damaged and the balance was lost, you can contact customer service to report the issue.
Keep your receipt if you purchased the card with a credit or debit card. McDonald's may be able to look up the transaction and investigate if there was an error. Gift cards purchased with cash have no receipt trail, which makes recovery more difficult.
Understanding gift card expiration and inactivity
McDonald's gift cards do not expire as long as there is money on them. However, some older cards issued before 2010 may be subject to inactivity fees if the card has not been used for a certain period. Check the terms printed on your specific card or contact customer service to confirm whether your card has an inactivity policy.
If your card was issued recently, you do not need to worry about expiration or inactivity fees. Use the card whenever you want without pressure to spend the balance by a certain date.
Troubleshooting balance check problems
If the app or website will not read your card number, make sure you are entering all 16 digits correctly and that you have not made a typo. The number should be printed on the back of the card in raised or flat text. If the card is damaged or the number is worn away, you may not be able to check the balance online.
If you entered the number correctly but the system says the card is not found, the card may not have been activated when it was purchased, or it may be a promotional card that works differently. Contact customer service with your card number and the date you received it. They can look up the card in their system and tell you whether it is active.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a McDonald's account to check my gift card balance?
No. You can check your balance through the website or app without creating an account — just enter your card number. Creating an account is optional and only useful if you want to save multiple cards or track your balance over time.
What if I lost my gift card but remember the number?
Call customer service at 1-800-244-6227 with your card number. They can tell you the balance and may be able to help if the card was lost or stolen, though McDonald's policies on replacement cards vary. Having your receipt from the original purchase strengthens your case.
Can I check the balance on someone else's gift card?
Yes. Anyone with the 16-digit card number can check the balance through the website, app, or by calling customer service. Gift cards are not tied to a specific person, so the balance is accessible to whoever has the card number.
Why does the app show a different balance than the restaurant?
This is rare but can happen if a purchase was made very recently and has not yet processed through the system. Wait a few minutes and check again. If the discrepancy persists, contact customer service with both balance amounts and the time you checked.
Is there a fee to check my balance?
No. McDonald's does not charge any fee to check your gift card balance through any method — the app, website, phone, or in-restaurant.