A standard one-time fee of $45,000 is due upon signing a 20-year franchise agreement.

The cost to buy a McDonald’s franchise in 2026 is substantial, typically requiring a total initial investment between for a traditional U.S. restaurant. This excludes ongoing operational costs like rent, royalties, and marketing fees. Financial Requirements

You must have at least $500,000 to $750,000 in non-borrowed, personal liquid assets to be considered.

For a new restaurant, a 40% cash down payment of the total cost is required, while 25% is required for purchasing an existing restaurant. Initial Investment Breakdown Cost Category Estimated Range Signs, Seating, Equipment & Décor $1.1M – $1.78M Additional Funds (First 3 Months) $250k – $439k Opening Inventory $20k – $45k Travel & Training Expenses $2k – $41k Miscellaneous Opening Costs $54k – $66k Ongoing Fees McDonald's Franchise: Cost, Liquid Capital & Payback 2026