Oh sure, we've all heard rumors, but now it seems us mere mortals have once again been blessed with the opportunity of owning a coveted McGold Card. Generally regarded as the Holy Grail in the world of fast food, the McGold Card entitles the extremely fortunate owner to free McDonald's food for "life."
You might not be the world's biggest fan of McDonald's food, but you have to admit, every now and again—maybe to offer some relief from a hangover or maybe because you're in an airport motel and breakfast stopped at 6:05am—a McDonald's has provided the perfect solution at that precise moment.
In the past, this unique privilege has only been available to elite members of society. Microsoft-founder Bill Gates and actor Rob Lowe both have one. And let's face facts, the only thing more satisfying than having a titanium credit card in your wallet would be either one made from kryptonite...or the McGold Card.
Only once before has the chain offered the public such a treasure; in 2018, McDonald's gave one away as part of a sweepstakes. Now, just in time for the holiday season, the burger behemoth says there will be three McGold Card winners—who each get to choose three friends to gift a McGold Card to as well. By the end of December, there will be 12 new McGold card holders!
Described as "a first-of-its kind holiday celebration happening exclusively on the McDonald's App," the McDonald’s "SZN of Sharing" will offer subscribers daily deals on food and merchandize from December 5 all the way to Christmas. The food deals, which will change every two to three days, include for example, a free 6-piece Chicken McNuggets with a $1 minimum purchase, a Double Cheeseburger for 50 cents or a BOGO (buy one get one) Big Mac.
Both merch drops require users to spend $1 on the app to unlock the items and the first will take place on December 7 and include...
• Chicken McNuggets stockings
• McDonald’s Dream Order PJs
• A McDonald’s AM Wrapper Hoodie and PM Wrapper Hoodie in Egg McMuffin or Cheeseburger prints
• A puzzle featuring McDonald’s dipping sauces
The second drop, set for December 14, features Hamburglar graphic tees, a hoodie and a beanie. How much any of these items will cost when the time comes has not yet been disclosed.
Every purchase made through the app during the "SZN of Sharing" will also give users a chance to win the four coveted cards and the burger-based bounty that comes with them. According to the small print however, "life" translates to two meals per week for 50 years and it's only valid in the USA, plus it's entirely possible that the privilege will only be applicable to outlets close to where you live. Which makes sense when you think about it...imagine someone winning in Hoboken then going to a Micky D's in Honolulu.
"Our fans have been fascinated by the lore of the McGold Card and if it really exists," Tariq Hassan, McDonald's USA chief marketing and customer experience officer, said in a press release. "Now, we’ll make this McDonald’s legend a reality for our fans by giving them the ultimate holiday gift—a chance to win a card and then share access to it with three of their family or friends."
And...when society inevitably collapses and all the super-rich folk flock to the giant Elysium-esque space station in the sky, what will grant you access...is your McGold Card.