Does McDonald’s Take PayPal in 2023? Alternative Method!

As of 2023, McDonald’s does not take PayPal directly. You can use its Prepaid card in select locations. This payment method was implemented in the fast-food chain in 2012.
It can be a bummer to know that McDonald’s does not take PayPal directly as a payment method.
How to Make Indirect PayPal Payments at McDonald’s?
You can use your PayPal account by linking it to a digital wallet at McDonald’s.
Fortunately, McDonald’s accepts almost all digital wallets. You can integrate your PayPal account into one of these payment methods.
This category has various options, like Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay. Once your PayPal is linked to the digital wallet, follow the steps below:
- Go to a McDonald’s location and head to the checkout desk.
- Open your digital wallet.
- Select your PayPal account from the wallet.
- Hold your phone close to the contactless reader to pay.
- Wait until you see the confirmation on the screen.
And just like that, you can use PayPal at any McDonald’s location as well as online on the application.
Does McDonald’s Drive-Thru Take PayPal?
Yes, select McDonald’s drive-thrus will accept PayPal.
It is important to note that not all drive-thrus accept PayPal directly. That is the same case as a McDonald’s location. However, you can still use the digital wallet to which you have linked your PayPal.
Luckily, almost all McDonald’s drive-thrus accept digital wallets. So, you can use PayPal this way anywhere.
What Other Fast Food Accepts PayPal?

Dunkin Donuts, Subway, Chick-Fil-A, Burger King, Applebee’s, and Starbucks accept PayPal.
Other than the names mentioned above, here is a list of some restaurants that take PayPal:
- KFC
- Outback Steakhouse
- Firehouse Subs
- Chili’s
- Panera Bread
- Papa John’s
- Hardee’s
- Whataburger
- Jamba Juice
- Chipotle
- The Cheesecake Factory
- Rubio’s
- Peet’s Coffee
- White Castle
- Jersey Mike’s Subs
- Starbucks
What McDonald’s Locations Take PayPal?
Select McDonald’s locations and take PayPal directly. Others accept this payment method via a credit card, debit card, or digital wallet.
Not all McDonald’s locations take PayPal. However, most diners in the UK and US do accept this payment method.
Although you can not use it directly, you can opt for an indirect method. Either way, PayPal is available as a payment option.
Can I Link PayPal to the McDonald’s App?
Yes, you can link your PayPal account to the McDonald’s application using a Google Pay digital wallet.
Linking a PayPal account to the McDonald’s app is quite simple. First, make sure your Google Pay account is set up.
Do the same with your McDonald’s application. Download, install, and set it up on your device.
Once done, follow the steps below:
- Open the McDonald’s application and navigate to “Profile.”
- Check the available options and tap on “Add Payment.”
- Enter information about your Google Pay using the PayPal card.
- Tap on Save
Optional: You can also set it as the default payment method for your next purchases.
When on the checkout screen, check if the digital wallet is available as a payment method.
What Items Can You Buy With PayPal?
With PayPal, you can buy entertainment services, sports, beauty, fashion, and travel products and accessories.
PayPal is available at some of the most popular retailers. That includes names like Best Buy, Costco, Amazon, Fragrance X, Kylie Cosmetics, Puma, Foot Lockers, League of Legends, Steam, Nautica, Forever 21, Zara, Air BNB, Qatar Airways, Apple, Playstation, Oracle, Wayfair, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Grubhub.
As you may guess, these include stores of all categories. You can buy everything with PayPal, from food and grocery to electronics, fashion, toys, and beauty products.
Are There Any Fees for Using PayPal at McDonald’s?
No, there are no fees for using PayPal at McDonald’s.
Fortunately, McDonald’s does not charge an additional fee for using PayPal as a payment method.
Even if you pay indirectly with it, you only fulfill the desired bill. There are no extra charges for PayPal with a card or digital wallet.
Can I Get a Refund Through PayPal From McDonald’s?
Unfortunately, McDonald’s may not be able to refund you through PayPal.
Generally, the refund amount is sent using a popular payment option. Although PayPal is quite common, it is not widely used at McDonald’s. Hence, you will have to opt for another option for a refund.
You can read more about how to request a refund through PayPal from its official website. It will give you a clearer picture of this subject regarding different retailers.
Check out our following articles for other PayPal queries:
- Does Costco Take PayPal? Know How To Use
- How to Use PayPal at Walgreens
- Can You Use PayPal in-store at Lowes?
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, this guide clears all your doubts about PayPal at McDonald’s. The fast food chain does accept this payment method.
Some locations take it directly, while others may use it via indirect means. But one thing is common. PayPal can be used at most McDonald’s locations in one way or another.
All you need is to set up your PayPal account. Make sure to connect it to a digital wallet.
It is even more convenient than carrying a card with you. Not only does it improve security, but it also helps you keep your hygiene in check.

I'm Annie Rondeau, a writer and content creator for QueryBoomer, where I specialize in providing insightful reviews about brands, stores, products, and retailers. Whether you're searching for information on the latest trends, products, or companies, my articles are the go-to resource for accurate and reliable information. I hope you find my content helpful in your quest for information about brands and products.