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 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).