McDonald's Rolls Out Gift Cards with $22 Million Sampling Effort

McDonald's Corp. is out with its own reloadable gift card designed to increase the speed of register sales and give consumers a new gift-giving option. And this week, the QSR plans to celebrate the launch by seeding $22 million worth of cards to consumers.

Starting today through Dec. 13, McDonald's will give away 5 million $1 McDonald's Arch Cards to Southwest Airlines customers at 61 airports and onboard to customers Dec. 14 to 28. In addition, McDonald's will hand out 9 million $1 cards to consumers who buy a three- or five-piece order Chicken Selects strips or a premium chicken sandwich at participating McDonald's restaurants Nov. 29 to Dec. 5, while supplies last.

The QSR is teaming up with American Express to distribute 8 million $1 McDonald's Arch Cards through a consumer mailing, the company said.

McDonald's debuts its new reloadable convenience card with a $22 million sampling push

"McDonald's recognizes our customers are seeking cashless payment options, and the national launch of Arch Card will make purchasing your favorite menu item and gift giving a whole lot easier this holiday season," said Gayle Franger, director, U.S. marketing, in a statement.

The free McDonald's Arch Cards are used toward any McDonald's menu item, or toward the purchase of reloadable McDonald's cards, which are available in $5, $10, $25 and $50 denominations.

McDonald's announcement comes two weeks after rival Burger King launched its Have It Your Way stored value/gift card (PROMO P&I Nov. 23).