15 Fast Food Restaurants That Accept EBT

Nicole Spector
miodrag ignjatovic / iStock.com
miodrag ignjatovic / iStock.com

It used to be that fast food was meant to be the cheaper option, but with rising food costs and inflation that doesn’t always seem to be the case. It would be nice to be able to be able to use your food stamps or EBT card at your favorite restaurant just to take some stress out of your day.

Before visiting a fast-food establishment with the intention of using your EBT card, it’s a good idea to call ahead or check online to confirm that they accept EBT payments and to inquire about the specific items that can be bought using your card.

See Also: 6 Genius Things All Wealthy People Do With Their Money

Quick Take: SNAP Benefits

As the cost of food in the U.S. soars, more and more Americans are relying on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, the largest federal nutrition assistance program. The program provides benefits to eligible low-income individuals and families by enabling them to purchase eligible food in authorized retail food stores via an Electronic Benefits Transfer card.

Some fast-food restaurants also accept EBT cards, making it easier for individuals and families to access meals on the go.

15 Fast Food Places That Will Take EBT

Consumers may think that they can only use their SNAP benefits at traditional grocery stores, but they can actually use their EBT cards at a number of other places including Dollar General, 7-Eleven, and select drug stores like Walgreens.

While these fast-food restaurants may accept EBT payments, not all locations participate in this program. Additionally, the types of food items eligible for purchase with EBT may vary based on local regulations and restaurant policies. They can even use their EBT cards at the following fast food restaurants:

  1. Burger King

  2. Carl’s Jr.

  3. McDonald’s

  4. Domino’s

  5. KFC

  6. Little Caesars

  7. Subway

  8. Popeye’s

  9. Taco Bell

  10. Wendy’s

  11. El Pollo Loco

  12. Papa John’s

  13. Dairy Queen

  14. Quiznos

  15. Del Taco

Remember that SNAP benefits rules vary state by state. GOBankingRates has noted below in which states these fast food restaurants take EBT cards. None of these chains accept EBT cards in all 50 states.

1. Burger King

Burger King is the second largest hamburger chain in the U.S., after McDonald’s. It has more than 18,700 locations in more than 100 countries. Burger King accepts EBT cards in Arizona and California. You can enjoy burgers, fries, and other tasty treats at Burger King using your EBT card at participating restaurants, which is a great way to get a hot meal.

2. Carl’s Jr.

Serving customers since 1941, Carl’s Jr. has more than 1,000 locations across the U.S. and operates in 28 countries. Carl’s Jr. accepts EBT cards in Arizona and California. This fast-food chain offers a variety of burgers, sandwiches, and sides and at certain restaurants, you can use your EBT benefits.

3. McDonald’s

No other restaurant is as famous for fast food as McDonald’s, which was opened in 1955. The home of the Happy Meal takes EBT cards in Arizona, California and Michigan.

4. Domino’s

Domino’s was originally called DomNick’s and rebranded as Domino’s in 1965. Today, there are more than 14,400 locations in more than 85 countries. Domino’s accepts EBT cards in Arizona and California.

5. KFC

Fried chicken hasn’t been the same since a man named Harland Sanders came along with his secret recipe many moons ago. KFC accepts EBT cards for meal purchases in states that participate in the Restaurant Meals Program. Kentucky Fried Chicken, known for its delicious fried chicken, also accepts EBT payments in certain areas including Arizona and California. Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Rhode Island and Virginia offer this program only in certain cities or counties.

6. Little Caesars

Little Caesars was actually founded by a pair named Mike and Marian. They poured their life savings into opening a little pizza store in Garden City, Michigan. Fast forward decades later and business is booming, with over 4,000 locations in the U.S. But only a few Little Caesars locations in San Diego, California take EBT cards.

7. Subway

Famed for its foot-long sandwiches, Subway operates more than 37,000 restaurants in more than 100 countries. The fast food chain accepts EBT cards in Arizona, California and Rhode Island. Subway is famous for its customizable sandwiches and salads and many locations accept SNAP.

8. Popeye’s

The beloved fried chicken chain opened 50 years ago in Louisiana and has spread its Southern loving across the world. Get your fix of spicy fried chicken and sides at Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, as it accepts EBT cards in Arizona and California. The chain also accepts EBT cards in select cities and counties in Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Rhode Island and Virginia.

9. Taco Bell

Back when Taco Bell was born in 1962, tacos sold for just 19 cents. Surely we’ve come a long way since then. But America hasn’t lost its appetite for this quasi-Mexican cuisine. Taco Bell has over 7,000 locations in the U.S. Select locations in Arizona and California take EBT cards.

10. Wendy’s

With more than 6,500 restaurants worldwide, Wendy’s has become a go-to fast food chain. Wendy’s does take EBT cards, but only in a handful of California counties.

11. El Pollo Loco

Opened back in 1980 and acquired by Denny’s, Inc. in 1983, El Pollo Loco now operates close to 500 locations across the U.S. El Pollo Loco locations in California and Arizona accept EBT cards. This restaurant specializes in flame-grilled chicken and SNAP benefits at restaurants and select stores when eligible.

12. Papa John’s

Enjoy pizza, wings, and more from Papa John’s using your EBT card at participating locations. If your state participates in the Restaurant Meals Program or RMP which currently includes Arizona, California, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan and Rhode Island.

13. Dairy Queen

Craving ice cream or a quick bite? Some Dairy Queen locations accept EBT for certain food items. Being ice cream royalty has its benefits as Dairy Queen accepts food stamps and takes part in the EBT program in the United States. However, locations will vary as currently only participating states such as Arizona, Maryland, Rhoda Island, Illinois, California and Michigan participate actively.

14. Jack In the Box

This fast-food chain offers a diverse menu that includes burgers, chicken sandwiches and tacos, with EBT payment available at certain locations. It’s another fast food restaurant that accepts food stamps or EBT cards through the RMP program which includes states such as Arizona and California.

15. Del Taco

Mexican-inspired fare like tacos and burritos can be bought with EBT at Del Taco in certain areas. Approximately 103 locations accept this form of payment if they can process it, but it varies by franchise location and ownership.

How Do I Apply for SNAP?

Applying for SNAP benefits can be done online or by visiting a local SNAP office. You must meet certain eligibility requirements, depending on your location.

SNAP benefits are very particular depending on where you live. If enrolled in SNAP, before heading to a supermarket or fast food chain, it’s strongly recommended to check your state guidelines on what is and isn’t allowed, lest you waste a trip or budget for something your benefits don’t actually cover.

Final Take To GO

Consumers who participate in SNAP should be aware that they can pay for their fast food at a number of chains with their EBT cards — but only if they live in certain states, most commonly California and Arizona. Certain fast food chains have also expanded EBT card usage in Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Rhode Island and Virginia — but only in select cities or counties.

By offering EBT payment options, these fast-food restaurants provide greater accessibility and convenience to individuals and families who rely on government assistance for their food needs, allowing them to enjoy a quick meal without compromising their dietary or budgetary requirements.

FAQ

  • Can you buy hot food with an EBT card in California?

    • California is by far the most liberal state when it comes to EBT benefits, as it is the only one in which all 11 fast food restaurants on this list permit EBT card usage. That said, you cannot buy hot food with it from a supermarket.

  • Where else is EBT accepted in California?

    • EBT cards are widely accepted in California. You can use them to buy food on Amazon, as well as at a vast array of grocery vendors including:

      • ALDI

      • Brothers Marketplace

      • Cardenas Markets

      • ExtraMile by Jacksons

      • Food 4 Less

      • FoodMaxx

      • Gong's IGA Market

      • Jacksons Food Stores

      • Lucky Supermarkets

      • Mar Val Foods

      • Pavilions

      • Rancho San Miguel Markets

      • Safeway

      • Sam's Club Scan and Go

      • Save Mart Supermarkets

      • Sprouts Farmers Market

      • Stater Bros.

      • Super King Market

      • Superior Grocers

      • Target

      • The Market by Superior

      • Vons

      • Walmart

      • Whole Foods

    • But the best way to discover where you can use your EBT card in California, is to use this EBT locations map finder.

  • Where can I pay with an EBT card for fast food?

    • You can pay with EBT for fast food at the following chains in select states:

      • Burger King

      • Carl's Jr.

      • McDonald's

      • Domino's

      • KFC

      • Little Caesars

      • Subway

      • Popeye's

      • Taco Bell

      • Wendy's

      • El Pollo Loco

  • Can you buy hot food with an EBT card in Florida?

    • You cannot buy hot food with your EBT card in Florida.

  • What can I not buy with my EBT card in California?

    • In addition to hot food, you cannot buy:

      • Tobacco products, such as cigarettes, cigars, etc.

      • Pet food

      • Alcohol

      • Non-food items, such as soap, toothpaste, toilet paper, etc.

      • Vitamins, medicines and dietary supplements

      • Prepared food intended for on-site consumption

      • Firearms, ammunition and explosives

      • Live animals

      • Gift baskets if the value of non-food items is over half of the purchase price

      • Fees -- including retailer fees for the delivery of food and grocery bag fees

  • Which counties can I buy restaurant food with an EBT card in California?

    • The California Restaurant Meals Program allows eligible homeless, disabled or elderly people -- ages 60 and above -- participating in CalFresh to use their CalFresh benefits to purchase hot, prepared food from partnering restaurants. Here's the list of California counties enrolled in the California Restaurant Meals Program:

      • Alameda County

      • Fresno County

      • Los Angeles County

      • Mariposa County

      • Monterey County

      • Orange County

      • Riverside County

      • Sacramento County

      • San Diego County

      • San Francisco County

      • San Luis Obispo County

      • Santa Clara County

      • Santa Cruz County

      • Siskiyou County

      • Tehama County

Caitlyn Moorhead contributed to the reporting for this article.

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 15 Fast Food Restaurants That Accept EBT

Advertisement