It might surprise you, but Warren Buffett, the 6th richest man in the world with a net worth of over $147 billion, has a unique perk in his wallet: a McDonald’s Gold Card that gives him free meals for life at any McDonald’s in Omaha, Nebraska.
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Yes, that’s right – the Oracle of Omaha gets free McDonald’s in his hometown whenever he wants and he’s not shy about using it. In a memorable 2007 interview with CNBC, Buffett joked about his fondness for the card, saying, “So that’s why the Buffett family has Christmas dinner at McDonald’s. It explains a lot of things.”
Buffett’s love for McDonald’s isn’t just about the food; it reflects his famously modest lifestyle. Despite his billions, Buffett lives simply, sticking close to his Omaha roots and enjoying the occasional fast-food meal.
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According to the HBO documentary Becoming Warren Buffett, he’s so committed to his daily McDonald’s breakfast that he spends no more than $3.17 each morning, choosing his order based on how “prosperous” he’s feeling. One day might call for a $2.61 sausage patty meal, while a good day merits a $3.17 bacon, egg and cheese biscuit.
And Buffett isn’t the only billionaire with a prestigious McDonald’s Gold Card, officially known as a “McGold Card.” His close friend and fellow billionaire Bill Gates also has one – but with a notable upgrade. Gates’ Gold Card is valid worldwide, meaning he can pick up a free meal at any McDonald’s, from Tokyo to Paris. Buffett poked fun at this difference in the same 2007 interview, saying, “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.”
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Despite their access to free McDonald’s, Buffett and Gates are still known for their frugal habits. Buffett once decided to treat Gates to lunch at McDonald’s on a trip to Hong Kong, but there was a twist. As Gates later recounted, Buffett pulled out a stack of McDonald’s coupons to pay for their meal, creating a humorous moment between two billionaires accustomed to multi-billion-dollar deals. “Remember the laugh we had when we traveled together to Hong Kong and decided to get lunch at McDonald’s? You offered to pay, dug into your pocket and pulled out … coupons,” Gates recalled.
These McGold Cards are incredibly rare and exclusive. McDonald’s hasn’t revealed exactly how many exist, but it’s safe to say that only a handful of individuals receive this lifetime free meal privilege.
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In 2018, McDonald’s offered one lucky person a chance to join the elite ranks of McGold cardholders. As part of a promotion to boost its online ordering system, McDonald’s launched a contest giving away free food “for life.” The winner would receive a McGold Card for two free meals a week for 50 years, valued at $52,350. In 2022, they brought the contest back, awarding 12 cards to fans.
Buffett’s McDonald’s Gold Card isn’t just a quirky billionaire perk – it’s a window into his unpretentious way of living. He’s a billionaire with access to any luxury, yet he’s perfectly happy sticking to his routine, savoring his McDonald’s breakfasts and joking about his family’s Christmas dinner traditions. For Buffett, wealth is more about simple joys and a good laugh with friends than any grand show of riches.
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