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If you’re an EBT card holder and looking for affordable options for meals, you may be considering McDonald’s as an option. However, it is not widely accepted at all McDonalds locations. There are some areas where EBT cards or food stamps can be used at McDonald’s restaurants, and we have something to tell you below.
It is important to note that in most cases, McDonald’s does not accept EBT cards or food stamps for payment, but there are some that offer the option. If you’re looking for a place to utilize your EBT card, you can check out the locations that are part of the SNAP Retailer Locator. McDonald’s locations in certain states and territories do accept EBT cards. When using your EBT card at an eligible McDonald’s location, the process is fairly simple. Let’s find out more.
What is EBT Card?
EBT stands for Electronic Benefits Transfer. It is a form of payment or stamp provided by the government of the United States that allows individuals with low incomes to access food, medical, and other types of assistance at lower rates. EBT cards are accepted at certain stores, depending on the state in which you live.
Does McDonald’s Accept EBT in 2023?
The majority of McDonald’s restaurants in the U.S. do not accept EBT for payment. However, there are some locations that do accept EBT for qualifying items on their menu. To find out if your local McDonald’s location accepts EBT, you will need to contact them directly.
In certain states, such as California and Arizona, there are special programs that allow individuals to use their EBT cards at certain McDonald’s restaurants. In California, for example, the Family Assistance Program allows EBT users to purchase certain items from McDonald’s with their EBT cards.
For more information about using EBT at McDonald’s, you can check the locations that are part of SNAP Retailer Locator. You can also contact your local McDonald’s restaurant to get direct information.
SNAP EBT Food Stamps Benefits at McDonald’s
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides funds for individuals and families with low incomes to purchase food. SNAP EBT benefits can be used to purchase certain items from the McDonald’s menu, such as:
- Salads
- Fruit and yogurt parfaits
- Egg McMuffin Sandwiches
- McCafe beverages (including smoothies and frappes)
- Other sandwiches and breakfast items
However, you cannot use your SNAP benefits to purchase meals that include high-calorie items such as French fries or other fried foods.
Things You Cannot Purchase Using a SNAP-Only EBT Card at McDonalds
If you only have a SNAP-only EBT card, then you won’t be able to purchase any items from McDonald’s. This is because McDonald’s only accepts EBT cards with combined SNAP and TANF benefits. which products you can not buy the list is here
- Any meal that includes a toy
- Pie
- Medicine
- alcoholic beverages
- tobacco products
- hot foods
- non-food items
- pet food
- paper products
- Happy Meal
Products and Services that are Not Eligible for EBT
As mentioned earlier, some items are not eligible for EBT at McDonald’s. This includes any meal that includes a toy, pie, medicine, alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, hot foods, non-food items, pet food, and paper products. Additionally, Happy Meals are also not eligible for purchase with an EBT card.
How to Use EBT at McDonald’s (Steps)
If McDonald’s accepts EBT, then the process for using your card is fairly simple. The process for using EBT at McDonald’s is the following steps:
- Locate a McDonald’s restaurant that accepts EBT
- Ask the cashier if they accept EBT
- Select your qualifying items from the McDonald’s menu
- Swipe your EBT card in the terminal and enter your PIN
- The cashier will provide you with a receipt and your remaining EBT balance.
Is TANF A Good Alternative to EBT at McDonald’s?
The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program provides funds for qualifying individuals and families to purchase food and other necessary items, including meals from McDonald’s and other food points. Therefore, TANF is a good alternative to EBT where McDonalds does not accepts EBT. There are some perks of TANF when purchasing at McDonald’s:
- You will be able to purchase certain meals from the McDonald’s menu with your TANF benefits.
- You will also have access to discounted meals and other discounts at almost all McDonald’s locations.
- And you may also be able to purchase food items that are not available at regular McDonald’s locations.
What Other Forms of Payments Does McDonald’s Take?
McDonald’s accepts several forms of payment other than EBT. You can pay for your meal with:
- Cash
- Debit/Credit cards
- Apple Pay
- Google Pay
- PayPal
- Mobile pay
- Gift cards
- Checks
Additionally, McDonald’s has its own app that allows customers to order and pay for their meals from their smartphones. This can be a convenient option for those who don’t have cash or other forms of payment on hand.
McDonald’s Locations that Accept EBT
It is important to note that not all McDonald’s locations accept EBT. You will need to contact your local McDonald’s restaurant to find out if they accept EBT. You can also check online or call the customer service line to inquire about locations that accept EBT.
Who is Eligible for EBT Benefits?
Not everyone in the United States can use EBT food stamps. In order to be eligible for EBT benefits, you must meet certain criteria.
- Have a low income and meet certain income guidelines set by the government, no more than $2,000 in assets, which vary by state and household size
- Be a U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen, such as a legal permanent resident or refugee
- Live in the state where they are applying for benefits
- Meet certain work requirements, if applicable
Fun-Fact! McDonald’s is the largest user of beef worldwide. The food chain use over 300,000 tons of beef every year.
Other Fast-Food Restaurants that Take EBT
Other than McDonald’s, there are some other fast-food restaurants that also accept EBT including Burger King, Subway, KFC, and Taco Bell. To use your EBT card at these food restaurants, you should contact them locally and ask if they accept EBT.
You can use your EBT card to purchase food items that meet SNAP guidelines from these restaurants. Each restaurant has its own set of guidelines, so you should familiarize yourself with them before purchasing your food. Furthermore, some fast-food restaurants offer discounts or promotions that can be used with EBT cards.
The Bottom Line
Using EBT at McDonald’s is an easy and convenient way to purchase food with your SNAP benefits. However, it is important to familiarize yourself with the restaurant’s guidelines and restrictions to ensure that you are making eligible purchases.
Additionally, not all McDonald’s locations accept EBT, so you should contact your local restaurant to find out if they do accept it or not.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are there any exclusions to the EBT policy at McDonald’s?
Yes, there are several items that cannot be purchased using an EBT card at McDonald’s. These include any meal that includes a toy, pie, medicine, alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, hot foods, non-food items, pet food, and paper products.
Can I use my EBT card to purchase items from the drive-thru at McDonald’s?
Yes, you can use your EBT card to purchase items from the drive-thru at McDonald’s, provided that the restaurant accepts EBT. You will need to swipe your EBT card and enter your PIN in order to complete the transaction.
Do all McDonald’s locations accept EBT?
No, not all McDonald’s locations accept EBT. You will need to contact your local restaurant to find out if they do.
