The Arch Card

I was browsing around looking for the McDonald’s McDeal menu (which is apparently different depending on what province you’re in, and no I didn’t find it, the McDonald’s Canada website is completely useless, and yes I know it off by heart for Alberta) and came across this post on the McChronicles weblog:

McDonald’s has rolled out their Arch Card, just in time for the holidays. It’s a great idea.

The McChronicles usually bristles at the concept of debit cards (giving an institution a free cash loan – with the risk of losing the card or leaving change on the card). But these cards offer a great way to give the gift of a nice McDonald’s meal, in denominations as small as $5. That’s cool especially around the holiday season.

You can think of the Arch Card like the Starbucks card – you can load it up (in store only for the time being) and check your balance and recent purchase history online. I think the “free cash loan” idea the McChronicles mention is funny, though correct. Personally, I’d be more worried that using the card will make it seem like I am not spending as much money as I actually am. That’s what happens with my Starbucks card!

Unfortunately, no word on if or when we’re going to get the Arch Card in Canada. Considering it only appeared in the United States last month, it might take a while. Cool idea though!

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