McDonald’s is arguably the most popular fast-food restaurant in the US. With over 13,600 locations in the US alone, McDonald’s is famous for offering hamburgers, fries, and other fast foods at low, affordable prices.
ut do they take Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards at their location?
McDonald’s does not take EBT cards at their locations. There are exceptions to that rule for the States of California and Arizona, but for the most part McDonald’s does not accept EBT cards as payment for their food.
Check to see if these restaurants accept EBT:
Why McDonald’s Does Not Accept EBT?
Because the federal authority that oversees the EBT, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) does not allow its funds to be used for purchasing hot, prepared food. And since McDonald’s does sell hot, prepared food, then it does not qualify under SNAP as being part of their program.
And while SNAP is a federal program, it is overseen directly by the state in which the participant lives. Which is why there are certain exceptions to the general rule of McDonald’s not allowing its food to be purchased with an EBT.
How Does EBT Work for McDonald’s?
If your state has implemented the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP), then you can use your EBT card at McDonald’s since it carries the funds electronically just like a standard debit card. Currently, the states which have full RMP status are California and Arizona.
There are limited versions of RMP currently available in Florida and Rhode Island, but that means you still may purchase meals at McDonald’s using your EBT. You will need to check with your state’s rules and regulations when it comes to the RMP that it is using. This does require proof that your primary residence is in a county or district located within a qualifying state.
In addition, if you receive cash benefits through the TENF program, you can withdraw that cash from your account and use it at McDonald’s.
Will McDonald’s Ever Accept EBT?
That will depend on whether your state implements an RMP program just like California, Arizona, Florida, or Rhode Island. It will also depend on whether such a program includes fast food locations such as McDonald’s. Of course, if you qualify for the TENF program, then you can access your EBT for cash and purchase meals at McDonald’s.
Can I use My EBT Card at McDonald’s?
The answer for the vast majority of EBT cardholders and members of the SNAP program is no. There are no current rules changes at the federal level coming in the foreseeable future that will change the way the card can be used. Of course, new federal legislation can happen at any time, so it is possible that such changes may occur.
At the state level, different states are looking into offering the RMP program. So, if your state is one of them, then you may be able to use the EBT card. Check with your state government website and see if an RMP program may be in the future. That will allow you access to McDonald’s and some other fast food places if that should occur.
