Fast food was once considered a budget-friendly choice, but with increasing food prices and inflation, that’s only sometimes true.
Using your food stamps or EBT card at your preferred fast-food restaurant would be convenient to alleviate some daily stress.
Before heading to a fast food place with the plan to use your EBT card, it’s wise to call ahead or check online to verify if they accept EBT payments and to find out which menu items are eligible for purchase with your card.
SNAP Benefits Overview
With food prices rising across the U.S., more Americans are turning to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the largest federal nutrition assistance initiative.
SNAP supports qualifying low-income individuals and families, allowing them to purchase eligible foods at authorized retailers using an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card.
Certain fast food restaurants now accept EBT cards, offering a convenient option for those who need to grab a meal quickly.
15 Fast Food Chains That Accept EBT
While many people associate SNAP benefits with traditional grocery stores, EBT cards can be used at various locations, including Dollar General, 7-Eleven, and select drugstores like Walgreens.
Although some fast-food restaurants accept EBT, participation varies by location, and the specific food items eligible for purchase can differ based on local rules and restaurant policies. Here are some fast chains where you might be able to use your EBT card:
- Burger King
- Carl’s Jr.
- McDonald’s
- Domino’s
- KFC
- Little Caesars
- Subway
- Popeye’s
- Taco Bell
- Wendy’s
- El Pollo Loco
- Papa John’s
- Dairy Queen
- Quiznos
- Del Taco
Remember that SNAP benefit regulations vary by state, and these restaurants do not accept EBT cards in every state. GOBankingRates has detailed which states allow EBT payments at these fast food chains.
1. Burger King
Burger King, the second-largest hamburger chain in the U.S. following McDonald’s, operates more than 18,700 restaurants globally. In the United States, you can use EBT cards at Burger King locations in Arizona and California.
This allows you to enjoy their famous burgers, fries, and other menu items at participating locations, providing a convenient option for a hot meal.
2. Carl’s Jr.
Since its inception in 1941, Carl’s Jr. has grown to more than 1,000 locations across the U.S. and operates in 28 countries.
In Arizona and California, some Carl’s Jr. restaurants accept EBT cards. You can use your benefits to purchase a range of burgers, sandwiches, and sides at participating locations.
3. McDonald’s
McDonald’s, renowned for its iconic fast food and the Happy Meal, has been a staple since 1955. The fast-food giant accepts EBT cards in Arizona, California, and Michigan, allowing you to use your benefits at select locations.
4. Domino’s
Known initially as DomNick’s before rebranding to Domino’s in 1965, this popular pizza chain operates over 14,400 stores in more than 85 countries.
In the U.S., Domino’s accepts EBT cards in Arizona and California, allowing you to use your benefits for pizza and other menu items at participating locations.
5. KFC
Famous for its secret recipe fried chicken, KFC accepts EBT cards at locations in states participating in the Restaurant Meals Program.
In Arizona and California, as well as select cities or counties in Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Rhode Island, and Virginia, you can use your EBT card to purchase KFC meals.
6. Little Caesars
Founded by Mike and Marian Ilitch, Little Caesars began with a modest pizza store in Garden City, Michigan, using their life savings.
Today, the chain boasts over 4,000 locations across the U.S. However, only a few Little Caesars outlets in San Diego, California, accept EBT cards.
7. Subway
Known for its customizable foot-long sandwiches, Subway operates more than 37,000 restaurants in over 100 countries.
In the U.S., you can use your EBT card at Subway locations in Arizona, California, and Rhode Island, making it a convenient option for fresh sandwiches and salads.
8. Popeye’s
Popeye’s Louisiana Kitchen, famous for its spicy fried chicken, was established 50 years ago in Louisiana and has since expanded globally.
You can use your EBT card at Popeye’s locations in Arizona and California, as well as in select cities and counties in Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Rhode Island, and Virginia.
9. Taco Bell
Taco Bell has grown significantly since its inception in 1962, when tacos were priced at just 19 cents. With over 7,000 locations in the U.S., select Taco Bell restaurants in Arizona and California accept EBT cards, offering a range of fast-food Mexican-inspired options.
10. Wendy’s
Wendy’s is a well-known fast-food chain with a global presence of over 6,500 restaurants. While Wendy’s does accept EBT cards, it is limited to a few counties in California.
11. El Pollo Loco
Established in 1980 and later acquired by Denny’s, Inc. in 1983, El Pollo Loco operates nearly 500 locations across the U.S. You can use EBT cards at El Pollo Loco restaurants in California and Arizona.
Known for its flame-grilled chicken, El Pollo Loco allows SNAP benefits for eligible food purchases at participating restaurants and select stores.
12. Papa John’s
At Papa John’s, you can use your EBT card for pizza, wings, and more at participating locations. This option is available in states participating in the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP), including Arizona, California, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, and Rhode Island.
13. Dairy Queen
If you’re in the mood for ice cream or a quick meal, some Dairy Queen locations accept EBT for specific food items.
Dairy Queen participates in the EBT program in various states, including Arizona, Maryland, Rhode Island, Illinois, California, and Michigan. However, availability can vary by location.
14. Jack In the Box
Jack In the Box offers a broad menu of burgers, chicken sandwiches, and tacos, with EBT payments accepted at select locations. This fast-food chain participates in the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) in Arizona and California, allowing you to use food stamps or EBT cards.
15. Del Taco
Del Taco accepts EBT at specific locations for Mexican-inspired dishes like tacos and burritos. Approximately 103 Del Taco restaurants accept EBT, depending on the franchise location and ownership.
How to Apply for SNAP Benefits
You can apply for SNAP benefits online or by visiting your local office. Eligibility requirements vary depending on your location.
SNAP regulations can differ significantly based on where you live. If enrolled in SNAP, you must review your state’s guidelines regarding eligible purchases before visiting a supermarket or fast-food restaurant. This helps ensure you don’t waste time or budget on items your benefits won’t cover.
Final Notes
SNAP recipients should note that while using their EBT cards at various fast-food chains, this option is generally available in specific states, notably California and Arizona.
Some fast-food chains accept EBT cards in other states, such as Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Rhode Island, and Virginia, but this is limited to certain cities or counties.
