Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft, and Warren Buffett, the renowned billionaire investor, are among the select few who enjoy a unique perk – free McDonald’s for life, courtesy of the exclusive McDonald’s Gold Card.
Gates’ Gold Card grants him access to free meals at any McDonald’s restaurant worldwide. Whether in Tokyo, Paris, or Delhi, Gates can indulge in his favorite cheeseburgers without reaching for his wallet. “Bill Gates has one. His is good throughout the world, I guess,” Warren Buffett said, highlighting the global validity of Gates’ card.
In contrast, Buffett’s card is limited to McDonald’s locations in his hometown of Omaha, Nebraska. “I never leave Omaha, so mine is just as good as Bill’s,” Buffett joked during a 2007 interview. He even attributed the Buffett family’s Christmas dinner tradition to McDonald’s, saying, “That’s why the Buffett family has Christmas dinner at McDonald’s. It explains a lot of things.”
The exact number of McDonald’s Gold Card holders remains a mystery, adding to the card’s allure. While Gates and Buffett have publicly acknowledged their cards, McDonald’s has kept the selection process and criteria under wraps.
Gates has expressed his love for cheeseburgers on his blog, although he remains mindful of their environmental impact. This rare privilege showcases McDonald’s appreciation for these billionaires, who otherwise prioritize simplicity in their dining choices ¹ ².
*Details about the McDonald’s Gold Card:*
– *Validity:* Bill Gates’ card is valid worldwide, while Warren Buffett’s is limited to Omaha, Nebraska
– *Privileges:* Free meals at McDonald’s restaurants
– *Selection Process:* Kept secret by McDonald’s
– *Number of Cardholders:* Unknown, adding to the card’s exclusivity
In 2022, McDonald’s ran a competition that allowed some non-billionaires to experience the Gold Card privilege, sparking interest in the exclusive program.