Looking for fast food or restaurants that accept EBT? Good news: We’ve found a list of restaurants that accept EBT! Starving? Let’s dig in.
Some fast food and restaurant places accept EBT, but not all. But no need to worry—below, we’ve listed 32 popular restaurants that do accept EBT.
So, let’s check out these restaurants and see how it works
What is Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT)?
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps millions of Americans access food through Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards.
This is the largest federal nutrition assistance program that offers vital support to low-income individuals and families.
While traditionally used for groceries, in some states, EBT cards are to be used at restaurants under the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP).
This means eligible individuals can purchase prepared meals from participating restaurants.
This program is a lifeline for individuals who
- May not have access to cooking facilities
- Unable to prepare meals.
- Lacks the means and supplies to cook at home.
So, who is eligible to use EBT? The eligible individuals are mostly the elderly, disabled, or homeless.
Below is a comprehensive guide on how to use EBT at restaurants, eligibility criteria, and a list of Restaurants that accept EBT.
How Can I Use EBT at Restaurants?
To use your EBT card at restaurants, you must live in a state that participates in the RMP. These states include California, Arizona, Michigan, Rhode Island, Maryland, and others. Here’s how it works:
- Locate Participating Restaurants: Look for the “SNAP Restaurant Meals Program” logo at participating locations.
- Swipe Your Card: Use your EBT card at the restaurant’s point-of-sale (POS) system and enter your PIN.
- Eligible Purchases Only: Ensure you’re buying eligible prepared meals under the program.
Now, are you wondering how to use EBT at grocery stores? Some states also allow purchases from deli sections of grocery stores if they participate in RMP.
Also, at the time of checkout, let the cashier know first that you will be using an EBT card. They’ll swipe your card and give you a voucher.
However, you need to keep the price within the SNAP balance while buying meals from restaurants that accept EBT. If the value of the meal exceeds the limit, you have to cover the rest with cash or a card.
Fast Food & Restaurants That Accept EBT Near Me?
Here’s a list of popular chains that accept EBT under the RMP program. Note that availability varies by state:
#1. Church’s Chicken
Church’s Chicken is famous for its fried chicken. Crispy, flavorful, and simply delicious. Their menu also features mashed potatoes, coleslaw, and biscuits. Each dish has that Southern touch, perfect for comfort food lovers.
Generous portions make it a great value. Can I Use EBT at Church’s Chicken? If you are from Arizona, then good news! You can enjoy your SNAP benefits at its Arizona locations using EBT.
#2. Burger King
Burger King is famous for its burgers. They’re the “Home of the Whopper,” after all. Their menu has sandwiches, fries, and onion rings.
What makes them special? That flame-grilled taste.
It gives their burgers a smoky, bold flavor. Perfect for burger lovers everywhere.
Does Burger King accept EBT? Yes! Burger King is one of the restaurants that accept EBT and that too at 112 locations. Find them in Arizona, California, and Maryland.
#3. Baja Fresh
Baja Fresh is a popular fast-casual spot. They serve tasty Mexican food made fresh. Think tacos, burritos, and crisp salads. What makes them special? Quality ingredients. They use fresh, local produce daily.
Love zesty salsa or grilled meats? You’ll find plenty to enjoy. Does Baja Fresh accept EBT? Good news for EBT users in California! Some Baja Fresh locations accept it.
#4. Charley’s Philly Steak & Wings
Charley’s Philly Steak & Wings is a go-to spot for delicious eats. They’re popular for their signature Philly cheesesteaks.
Pair that with tasty wings, and you’re set. Their menu also offers gourmet fries and loaded baked potatoes.
Perfect for all kinds of cravings. Does Charley’s Accept EBT? You will find plenty of Charley’s restaurants that accept EBT in California.
#5. Carl’s Jr.
Carl’s Jr. is a fan’s favorite for big, bold burgers. The Western Bacon Cheeseburger is a fan favorite.
Their menu also includes chicken sandwiches and breakfast options. Carl’s Jr. is all about generous portions and bold flavors.
If you’re craving something hearty, this is the place. Can I use EBT at Carl’s Jr.? Yes! Over 208 Carl’s Jr. locations in California and Arizona accept EBT.
#6. Dairy Queen
Dairy Queen is super popular. They make awesome frozen treats. Think soft-serve and those famous Blizzards.
Burgers and chicken? They have those too. They always aim for tasty food, always. Families and folks love Dairy Queen.
Does Dairy Queen Accept EBT? Yes! You can find some Dairy Queens restaurants that accept EBT in Arizona.
#7. Del Taco
Del Taco is a fast food hit. Mexican flavors fill their menu. Tacos and burritos? They have them. Burgers and fries are also there.
The “Del Taco” is quite famous for Mexican and American food with beef, lettuce, and cheese, all wrapped up. Does Del Taco Accept EBT? Its California outlets take EBT. Over 141 stores accept the card.
#8. Wendy’s
Wendy’ is a fast food favorite. They are best for their fresh, never-frozen beef and signature square burgers.
Does Wendy’s Accept EBT? Yes! Although it has over 6,500 locations globally, Wendy’s restaurants that accept EBT cards are only found in select zones in California.
Be sure to check if your local Wendy’s is one of the eligible locations.
#9. El Pollo Loco
El Pollo Loco, founded in 1980, specializes in flavorful, flame-grilled chicken. With nearly 500 locations across the U.S., they’ve become a go-to for tasty, healthy meals.
The restaurant’s menu features charbroiled chicken, salads, and other delicious options.
Does El Pollo Loco Accept EBT? El Pollo Loco accepts EBT at select locations in California and Arizona. If you’re using SNAP benefits, check for eligibility before heading out.
#10. Subway
Subway is famous for fresh, customizable sandwiches. They have over 37,000 locations worldwide. Does Subway Accept EBT? In the U.S., there are some Subway restaurants that accept EBT.
This includes states like Arizona, California, and Rhode Island. These locations let you use your SNAP benefits.
Purchase prepared meals with your EBT card. Look for the “EBT Accepted Here” sign. Or ask the staff to confirm.
#11.Papa John’s
Papa John’s is a pizza lover’s dream. They’re famous for their signature crust. Fresh toppings make every slice better.
Does Papa John’s Accept EBT? Only certain Papa John’s locations accept EBT. They’re part of the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP).
In states like Arizona and California, you can use EBT. Order pizza, wings, and more. Always check if your local store participates.
#12. Taco Bell
Taco Bell has been serving its iconic Mexican-inspired menu since 1962. Does Taco Bell Accept EBT? With over 7,000 spots nationwide, you can discover Taco Bell restaurants that accept EBT in states like Arizona and California.
At participating locations, qualified buyers can utilize their EBT cards to buy hot meals such as tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and combo feasts.
#13. Popeyes
Popeyes accepts EBT at specific locations. It takes EBT in Arizona, California, Illinois, and more. Also, there are 15 authorized spots in California.
Locations include Los Angeles, San Diego, and Riverside. Use your SNAP benefits for chicken, seafood, biscuits, and more.
Non-food items aren’t covered. Popeyes is expanding to more states. Be sure to confirm with your local store before visiting.
#14. Domino’s Pizza
Domino’s predominantly accepts standard payment methods. EBT is taken at elite locations. They don’t usually join the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP). But, there are a few exceptions. Around 60 Domino’s locations accept EBT cards. These restaurants that accept EBT are mostly in California.
#15. McDonald’s
McDonald’s has been around since 1955 and has now become the largest hamburger chain in the U.S., with 41,800 locations worldwide.
They offer classic fast-food items like burgers, sandwiches, fries, desserts, and drinks.
While most locations don’t accept EBT, there are 194 spots in California, Arizona, and Michigan where you can use your EBT card.
#16. Little Caesars
Known for its hot-and-ready pizzas, Little Caesars accepts EBT at selected locations in California and Arizona. I suggest you enquire with the outlets before taking your EBT card out. They offer classic and Detroit-style deep-dish pizzas, perfect for a quick meal on a budget. It’s a must-try place for pizza lovers.
#17. Denny’s
A popular diner chain, like Little Caesars, Denny’s accepts EBT at specific locations in California. It’s a great place to enjoy a hearty breakfast, with menu options ranging from pancakes to signature sandwiches.
#18. Jamba Juice
At select locations in California, Jamba Juice allows EBT users to purchase smoothies, bowls, and other healthy, plant-based beverages, making it an ideal alternative for people looking for healthy food options.
#19. El Pollo Loco
El Pollo Loco Known for its Mexican-style grilled chicken, El Pollo Loco is a healthier option and participates in the RMP at 249 locations in California. They offer a classic range of Mexican dishes like burritos, tacos, and family-sized big meals.
#20. Sonic Drive-In
Sonic, with its classic drive-in service, accepts EBT at selected locations. The menu includes burgers, hot dogs, and shakes, offering a fun dining experience.
#21. Wingstop
Wingstop specializes in chicken wings with various flavours, and they accept EBT at participating locations, primarily in California.
#22. Fatburger
This burger joint offers big, juicy burgers and accepts EBT in select areas. It’s an excellent choice for those craving a substantial meal.
#23. Dickey’s Barbecue Pit
Known for its slow-cooked barbecue, Dickey’s offers a wide range of smoked meats and sides, with EBT accepted at certain locations.
#24. Pizza Hut
Pizza Hut offers a variety of delicious pizzas, including customizable options for the crust, such as pan, stuffed crust, and hand-tossed.
Alongside pizza, you can also enjoy pasta, wings, and sides like breadsticks at Pizza Hut. However, in California and Arizona, around 227 Pizza Hut locations accept EBT.
#25. KFC
KFC, short for Kentucky Fried Chicken, is famous for its crispy fried chicken. Many KFC locations in states that participate in the Restaurant Meals Program take payment through EBT cards.
Specifically, 140 KFC outlets in Arizona and California allow you to use your EBT card to buy meals.
#26. Tam’s Burgers
Tam’s Burgers offers classic American food like tacos, burritos, burgers, cheeseburgers, sandwiches, crispy chicken, fries, and drinks. This spot is a famous burger spot in California, and select locations accept EBT cards.
#27. Starbucks
Starbucks may accept EBT in certain circumstances, mainly at locations inside grocery stores.
While company-operated Starbucks stores don’t accept EBT as a form of payment, according to a customer service representative, people have reported success using their EBT cards at Starbucks spots located inside larger retailers like Target or grocery stores.
#28. Jack in the Box
With a menu full of burgers, chicken sandwiches, and tacos, Jack in the Box is a popular fast-food chain. Some locations, mainly in Arizona and California, accept EBT card payments through the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP).
#29. Rally’s Hamburgers
Rally’s Hamburgers is another fast-food chain that accepts EBT in some areas of California and across all of Arizona. They serve classic American fast food like burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, chicken bites, wings, fries, and milkshakes.
#30. Papa Murphy’s
This take-and-bake pizza chain allows customers to use EBT at all outlets to purchase uncooked items like pizzas, salads, and desserts.
The pizzas are prepared fresh, but since you bake them at home, they fall within EBT-eligible food categories. Be sure to check if your local Papa Murphy’s participates in the program.
#31. Golden Corral
Golden Corral, a popular buffet chain, accepts EBT at certain locations for eligible items. However, availability can depend on specific restaurant locations and state guidelines under the Restaurant Meals Program.
It’s best to contact your local Golden Corral to confirm if they accept EBT.
#32. Whole Foods Market
Known for its organic and natural food offerings, Whole Foods accepts EBT at all locations across the U.S.
You can use EBT to purchase eligible grocery items, including fresh produce, dairy, and pantry staples.
The store makes it easy to shop by automatically separating EBT-eligible items during checkout. You can also use EBT for in-store pickup or delivery through the Amazon platform.
But how do we know about the location of these restaurants that accept EBT? Let’s find out!
What Can I Buy With an EBT Card?
Well, EBT cards can be used to purchase:
- Hot prepared meals from authorized restaurants under RMP.
- Grocery items like fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and bread outside of RMP.
However, Restaurants that accept EBT will not cover for:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tobacco products
- Non-food items
- Service gratuities or sales tax on prepared meals
Does the EBT card have a spending limit? EBT card spending is determined by your total monthly allotted benefits.
So, basically, there’s no fixed daily spending limit. While you can use your benefits freely throughout the month.
But keep in mind that individual stores may have their own internal policies regarding maximum transaction amounts.
Some Restaurants that accept EBT set daily spending limits. It depends on the chain and state. Always check before ordering to avoid surprises!
How To Find Locations of Restaurants That Accept EBT?
If you’re looking for a restaurant that accepts EBT, there’s a simple way to find one near you.
You can use the SNAP Retailer Locator, which lets you search by street address, city, or zip code to see which places nearby are part of the program.
If you want more ways to find restaurants that accept EBT, locating outlets that perform under the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) is easy with these steps:
Look at The Signage at Restaurants
Participating restaurants typically display a sign indicating they accept EBT under the RMP. This sign may include a fork and knife symbol.
Gather Info from State-Specific Websites
Many states with RMP programs offer interactive maps. These maps list participating restaurants on official websites. California has the CalFresh tool to find restaurants.
Make use of the USDA SNAP Retailer Locator.
This tool allows you to enter your address or zip code to find nearby SNAP-authorized retailers, including restaurants that accept EBT.
Contact the Local SNAP Office
You can also contact your local SNAP office for a list of participating restaurants in your area.
Requirements and Eligibility Criteria for Using EBT at Restaurants
What are the eligibility criteria for using EBT at restaurants? Well, not everyone can use an EBT card at restaurants. The RMP is designed for specific groups of SNAP recipients:
- Senior: People aged 60 or older.
- Disabled: Those receiving disability concessions.
- Homeless: People without a settled habitation.
Generally, SNAP rules vary by state. This means eligibility is determined by your state’s SNAP office, and your benefits must be coded for RMP use. Also, what’s allowed in one place may not be in another.
The restaurants that accept EBT span different states in the US. For example, in California, eligibility is verified automatically during transactions. Before shopping, check your local guidelines. Planning ahead saves time and frustration. No one wants a wasted trip. Or worse, finding out your meal isn’t covered!
How Do I Know If I Have RMP EBT?
To determine if you have RMP EBT, you have to meet RMP eligibility first. This includes being elderly (60+), disabled, or homeless.
Next, contact your local SNAP office. Confirm your eligibility and check if your EBT card is RMP-coded.
Lastly, check your SNAP benefits documentation for any indicators that you are enrolled in the RMP.
NOTE: In states like California, eligible recipients are automatically coded for RMP use.
Therefore, you may not need extra steps to confirm when you buy meals from restaurants that accept EBT.
How To Apply for RMP EBT?
If you believe you qualify for RMP EBT, here’s how to apply:
- Visit Local SNAP Office: Go to your local Department of Human Services office to inquire about the RMP program.
- Submit Eligibility Papers: Provide documentation proving your eligibility (age or disability status).
- Await Clearance: Once qualified, your SNAP concessions are updated. RMP pass is included automatically. No need to apply separately for RMP as you will be automatically enrolled in participating states.
For more exact info, visit resources like USDA SNAP or California’s RMP site.
FAQs:
Q1. What restaurants accept EBT near me?
The availability of restaurants that accept EBT varies by state and location. Here are some chains that may accept EBT: Burger King, Subway, Taco Bell, Papa John’s, Popeye’s, Wendy’s, and more.
To find restaurants near you, use the USDA SNAP Retailer Locator tool. Check your state’s Department of Human Services website for a list of participating spots.
Q2. Can I use my EBT card at restaurants in California?
Yes, California has an extensive Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) that allows eligible SNAP recipients to use their EBT cards at participating restaurants.
In California, you can use your EBT card at various restaurant chains including Subway, El Pollo Loco, Jack in the Box, Denny’s, etc. California automatically codes eligible EBT cards for RMP use.
Q3. Does McDonald’s take EBT in NY?
No, McDonald’s does not currently accept EBT payments in New York. New York State does not participate in the Restaurant Meals Program.
Q4. Does Starbucks take EBT in New York?
No, Starbucks does not accept EBT payments in New York or any other state. Starbucks is not part of the Restaurant Meals Program.
