Best credit card to use at McDonald's

Updated October 30, 2026

Chase Freedom Flex earns the most at McDonald's: 5% cash back. McDonald's usually codes as fast food. Activate the bonus with Chase (free). This rate runs through December 31, 2026. Up to $1,500 of spending a quarter, then 1% cash back.

Check with your own cards

Top 10 cards at McDonald's

1. 1
   Chase Freedom Flex 5%
   Chase · No annual fee

   • Activate the bonus with Chase (free)
   • This rate runs through December 31, 2026
   • Up to $1,500 of spending a quarter, then 1% cash back
2. 2
   U.S. Bank Cash+ 5%
   U.S. Bank · No annual fee

   • Pick fast food as a bonus category (each quarter)
   • Up to $2,000 of spending a quarter, then 1% cash back
3. 3
   Amex Gold 4%
   American Express · $325 a year

   • Up to $50,000 of spending a year, then 1x Amex Membership Rewards
4. 4
   Capital One Savor Rewards 3%
   Capital One · No annual fee
5. 5
   Chase Freedom Unlimited 3%
   Chase · No annual fee
6. 6
   Costco Anywhere Visa by Citi 3%
   Citi · No annual fee
7. 7
   Wells Fargo Autograph 3%
   Wells Fargo · No annual fee
8. 8
   Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards 3%
   Bank of America · No annual fee

   • Pick dining as a bonus category (until you change it)
   • Up to $2,500 of spending a quarter, then 1% cash back
9. 9
   Bilt Obsidian 3%
   Bilt · $95 a year
10. 10
    Chase Sapphire Preferred 3%
    Chase · $95 a year

From the issuers' terms

• Chase Freedom Flex: “Dining American Red Cross” creditcards.chase.com, checked 2026-10-26.
• U.S. Bank Cash+: “5% cash back on two categories you choose” usbank.com, checked 2026-10-24.
• Amex Gold: “4X POINTS At Restaurants Worldwide, on up to $50K” americanexpress.com, checked 2026-10-24.

How this is ranked

Every personal card earnrate tracks, each set up at its best for this purchase: the right bonus-category pick, any activation done, and no spending cap used up yet. Points are counted at 1¢, what most are worth as cash or travel credit; transferring them to airlines or hotels can be worth more. Annual fees aren't subtracted here; to weigh them against your own spending, use My spending.

Related

fast food · Starbucks · In-N-Out Burger · Taco Bell · Chick-fil-A