Check your balance online, by phone, or in the restaurant

McDonald's lets you see what money is left on your gift card through three main routes: their official website, a customer service phone line, or by asking at any restaurant location. The online method is fastest if you have the card number handy. The phone line works if you prefer speaking to someone. In-restaurant checks take longer but need no technology.

Your balance does not expire as long as the card itself is not damaged. However, some McDonald's gift cards issued before 2009 may have expiration dates printed on them — check the back of your card for any date listed. If your card was purchased recently from McDonald's, a retailer, or a third party, it should have no expiration.

Key Takeaways

  • Visit mcdonalds.com/giftcards and enter your card number and PIN to see your balance instantly online.
  • Call 1-800-244-6227 (McDonald's customer service) with your card number and PIN ready to hear your balance over the phone.
  • Walk into any McDonald's location and ask a crew member to scan your card at the register to display your balance.
  • McDonald's gift cards issued after 2009 have no expiration date, but older cards may have one printed on the back.

Checking balance on the McDonald's website

Go to mcdonalds.com/giftcards and look for the "Check Balance" or "Balance Inquiry" link on that page. You will need two pieces of information: the 16-digit card number (printed on the front) and the 4-digit PIN (usually on the back, sometimes under a scratch-off panel). Enter both and the site will display your remaining balance immediately.

If you cannot find the PIN on your card, it may have been sent to you in a separate email or printed on your receipt when you bought the card. If you still cannot locate it, use the phone method instead, or visit a restaurant and ask staff to help you look it up.

Checking balance by phone

Call McDonald's customer service at 1-800-244-6227. Have your card number and PIN ready before you call. A representative will ask you to provide both, then tell you your balance. This method works during McDonald's customer service hours, which vary but typically run during business hours on weekdays.

If you reach an automated system, follow the prompts to enter your card number and PIN using your phone keypad. Some calls may be routed to an automated balance checker that does not require speaking to a person.

Checking balance in a McDonald's restaurant

Walk up to the counter or drive-through and ask a crew member to check your balance. Hand them the card and they will scan it at the register. The register screen will show your balance, and they can tell you the amount. This method works at any McDonald's location and requires no card number or PIN — just the physical card.

This is the slowest option if the restaurant is busy, but it is the most straightforward if you do not have your PIN or prefer not to enter it online or over the phone.

What to do if your card number or PIN is missing

If your card is damaged and the number is not readable, or if the PIN has worn away, visit a McDonald's restaurant and ask staff to help you. They can sometimes look up the card in their system if you provide the original receipt from when you bought it. Bring that receipt with you.

If you bought the card as a gift and never received a receipt, contact McDonald's customer service at 1-800-244-6227 with as much information as you can provide about when and where you bought it. They may be able to locate the card in their records, though this process can take time.

Understanding card expiration and replacement

Most McDonald's gift cards issued after 2009 do not expire. However, if your card is physically damaged — cracked, bent, or the magnetic strip is worn — it may stop working at the register even if it still has money on it. In that case, contact McDonald's customer service with your card number and they can issue you a replacement card with the same balance transferred to it.

If your card is lost or stolen, contact McDonald's immediately at 1-800-244-6227. They cannot reverse transactions that have already been made, but they can help you understand what happened and discuss your options. Keep your receipt from when you bought the card, as it may help them locate your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I check my balance without the PIN?

Online and by phone, you need both the card number and PIN. In a restaurant, you do not need the PIN — just hand the card to a crew member and they will scan it. If you have lost your PIN, the restaurant method is your best option.

What if the website says my balance is zero but I know I have money left?

The balance may not have updated if a recent purchase is still processing. Wait a few hours and check again. If the balance is still showing zero after 24 hours, call 1-800-244-6227 to speak with a representative who can investigate the card's transaction history.

Do McDonald's gift cards work at all locations?

McDonald's gift cards work at participating U.S. locations. Some franchise-owned restaurants may not accept them — call ahead if you are unsure. The card will not work at McDonald's locations outside the United States.

Can I transfer my balance to another card?

No, McDonald's does not allow you to move money from one card to another. If your card is damaged, contact customer service and they will replace it with a new card that has the same balance. You cannot split a balance across multiple cards.

What happens if I lose my gift card?

McDonald's cannot reverse purchases or refund lost cards. However, if you have the original receipt, contact customer service at 1-800-244-6227 with the receipt information. They may be able to help you locate the card or discuss what options are available based on how the card was purchased.