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Buffett's 'McGold Card' Grants Lifetime Free McDonald's in Omaha, Gates' Version is Global

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Warren Buffett reportedly possesses a rare "McGold Card" granting him lifetime free McDonald's meals in his hometown of Omaha.
  • While Buffett's card is limited to Omaha, Bill Gates reportedly has a version that works globally, though Buffett jokes his own card is just as good as he rarely leaves Omaha.
  • These exclusive cards, originating from McDonald's founder Ray Kroc, were historically given to friends and business partners, with limited public access even during special promotions.

Billionaire investor Warren Buffett, known for his astute business sense, apparently enjoys a perk that many can only dream of: lifetime free McDonald's meals. This privilege stems from a highly exclusive "McGold Card," a rare item that cannot be bought and grants him unlimited access to food at McDonald's locations in his hometown of Omaha, Nebraska. Buffett has openly shared his enjoyment of this benefit, even mentioning that his family has celebrated Christmas dinners at McDonald's thanks to the card.

Bill Gates' version of the card has even better treatment, not limited to a single city but applicable to McDonald's outlets worldwide.

— Warren BuffettComparing his McGold Card to Bill Gates' version.

However, Buffett's legendary status in the business world is matched by a humorous anecdote about his McGold Card. He revealed that his friend, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, possesses a version of the card with even broader privileges – it's reportedly valid at McDonald's restaurants worldwide. Buffett, with his characteristic wit, quipped that his own card is "just as good" because he "never leaves Omaha."

The origins of these coveted cards trace back to McDonald's founder, Ray Kroc. Kroc informally distributed these lifetime "VIP cards" to friends, business associates, and notable figures. Recipients included actor Rob Lowe, television host Regis Philbin, and former Michigan Governor George Romney. His son, Mitt Romney, once shared that his father had a pink card entitling him to a free burger, fries, and milkshake daily for life.

My card is just as good because I never leave Omaha.

— Warren BuffettJoking about the limitations of his McGold Card.

While the exact terms varied among cardholders, the common thread was their extreme rarity and near impossibility of acquisition for the general public. McDonald's made a brief exception in 2022 during a "Share Together" promotion, offering a chance to win a McGold Card. Three winners received cards valid for up to 50 years, each allowing for two free meals per week. These promotions offered a glimpse of the long-held privilege previously reserved for an elite few, underscoring the enduring allure of such exclusive benefits.

It's one of the most interesting perks of his investment career.

— Article authorDescribing the significance of Buffett's McGold Card.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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