Nando’s has the Black Card and Greggs has its Concierge Card, but did you know that McDonald’s has a Gold Card, which is only given to the most important VIPs?
Over a decade ago, everyone was obsessed with the Nando’s Black Card after Ed Sheeran recieved one, and while I don’t know anyone with the highly exclusive bit of plastic, the mystery surrounding the item is almost mythical at this point. I had no clue McDonald’s has its own version, but, surprise, surprise, it’s only afforded to some of the richest people in the world – and a few good samaritans.
So, what do you get with the McDonald’s Gold card?
Credit: Jimmy Kimmel
The McDonald’s Gold Card basically gives the cardholder free, unlimited food for an unspecified amount of time. It’s sometimes for life, sometimes for 50 years, and sometimes for just a year, but it’s all up to the bigwigs at Maccy Ds who decide the terms and conditions of the card. Sometimes, restrictions are implemented so the card can only be used at specific locations, meaning you’d have to pay for Maccies at any other franchise.
Sadly, the chances of you receiving a McDonald’s Gold Card are slim to none as they usually go to celebs, millionaires, people who have done outstanding work in their communities, and people who have a strong connection to the brand. In 2022, McDonald’s in America ran a competition for people to win a Gold Card, but the fast food chain hasn’t hosted a similar competition since.
Though you won’t be receiving a lifetime supply of McDonald’s anytime soon, if you ask these recipients, they might lend theirs to you for a cheeky midnight McFlurry trip.
Bill Gates
Credit: Photo by Geoff Pugh/Shutterstock
Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates is one of the few people to have recieved a McDonald’s Gold Card, and his is reportedly a lifetime membership that can be redeemed at any location across the world. Just think of all those glorious nuggets he proboably isn’t eating.
It’s not like Bill even needs the free food because he’s got a staggering net worth of $117 billion!
Warren Buffett
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Another uber-rich billionaire, Warren Buffett, spoke about getting his McDonald’s Gold Card in 2007 when he also outed his pal Bill as being a recipient.
“And, ah, here we have my McDonald’s card, which lets me eat free at any McDonald’s in Omaha for the rest of my life. So that’s why the Buffett family has Christmas dinner at McDonald’s. It explains a lot of things,” he said.
“There are just a few of them. Bill Gates has one. His is good throughout the world, I guess. Mine is only good in Omaha, but I never leave Omaha so mine is just as good as his.”
For reference, Warren’s net worth is $145 billion.
Rob Lowe
Credit: Disney
Back in 2017, during an apperence on Jimmy Kimmel Live, actor Rob Lowe outed himself as a McDonald’s Gold Card holder, stating, “This is a real thing that exists, you guys.”
Unlike the other recipients, Rob was given his Gold Card by his friend’s father, who invented the iconic McMuffin. Rob’s card is only usable at the Santa Barbara franchise, but still, it’s free food forever!
Other people to have recieved a McDonald’s Gold Guard include philanthropists and charity workers, but as you can imagine, most people keep hush hush about getting them over fears of being robbed for some chicken nuggs.
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Featured image credit: Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto/Shutterstock & Jimmy Kimmel Live
