Yes, McDonald’s accepts EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), formerly known as food stamps.
Please proceed to read the rest of this article to fully understand the details of dining at McDonald’s with EBT.
There are many restrictions regarding whether you will be able to use EBT at McDonald’s. Normally, SNAP funds may not be used to purchase hot food. However, EBT may be used for restaurant purchases if you qualify for the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP).
RMP is offered in Arizona, California, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Rhode Island, and Virginia at restaurants that accept SNAP. Only certain individuals who receive SNAP benefits also qualify for RMP, such as the elderly, disabled, and homeless. If you qualify for RMP, whether you can use EBT at McDonald’s depends on the state.
Arizona: the list of restaurants that participate in RMP includes multiple McDonald’s locations. The restaurants are listed by city, restaurant name, address, zip code and phone number.
California: the following counties participate in RMP.
- 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
McDonald’s is included on the list of participating restaurants.
Illinois: RMP is only available in Dewitt County, Franklin County or Cook County with the zip codes of 60619, 60620, 60628 and 60617. Unfortunately, McDonald’s is not on the list of participating restaurants.
Maryland: RMP is currently only available at one restaurant in Calvert County, and it is not a McDonald’s.
Michigan: RMP is available at 3 McDonald’s in Jackson. Please see the list of all Michigan RMP restaurants.
Rhode Island: RMP restaurants do not include any McDonald’s.
Virginia: the Virginia Department of Social Services webpage on SNAP does not discuss RMP. It is not known whether there are any restaurants participating in this program in the state.
For those who qualify, TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) deposits funds onto the same EBT card as SNAP benefits, and TANF funds can be used like cash, to be spent on necessities such as food, rent, medical bills, transportation, or child care. You may spend these funds at McDonald’s.
What Can You Buy With EBT at McDonald’s?
Any McDonald’s food items at participating restaurants may be purchased with EBT. You will not be charged sales tax.
What Can You NOT Buy With EBT at McDonald’s?
Non-food items such as happy meal toys may not be purchased at McDonald’s locations that participate in RMP.
How to Use an EBT Card at McDonald’s
- Check Your Balance: Before going to McDonald’s, check your balance on your EBT account to make sure you know your spending limit. You can check your balance by calling the number on the back of your card and following the prompts on the call.
- Swipe your EBT card and enter your PIN. Alternatively, you may need to hand the card to the cashier.
- Take your receipt. Your current EBT balance is on the receipt.
What is the McDonald’s Return Policy for Items Purchased With EBT?
According to this federal law, all SNAP recipients must be treated like any other customer. It says that “you may return or refund an item bought with a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, so long as store policy allows it.
All refunds for food items that you purchased with SNAP benefits go directly onto your EBT card. Cash refunds are not allowed for food items purchased with SNAP benefits under any circ*mstances.”
McDonald’s allows you to return or exchange items at the restaurant where the purchase was made.
What McDonald’s Locations Accept EBT?
As previously mentioned, certain McDonald’s locations in Arizona, California, and Michigan participate in RMP.
EBT Card FAQ at McDonald’s
Do Cashiers at McDonald’s Know if I’m Using EBT?
Yes, you should tell the cashier that you are using EBT in case they would have to run an EBT card differently from a credit or debit card.
Can You Use EBT for McDonald’s Delivery?
No. You may only use EBT for in-store purchases at McDonald’s locations that participate in RMP.
Does McDonald’s Accept EBT For Online Orders?
No. You may only use EBT for in-store purchases at McDonald’s locations that participate in RMP.
Does McDonald’s Accept EBT for Hot Food?
Yes, you may purchase hot food at McDonald’s locations that participate in RMP.
Can You Use EBT for McDonald’s Curbside Pickup?
No. You may only use EBT for in-store purchases at McDonald’s locations that participate in RMP.
