Does McDonald’s Accept EBT? Everything You Need to Know

Wondering if you can use your EBT card at McDonald’s to grab a quick meal? You’re not alone. Many Americans rely on Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards to access SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits for food purchases. While EBT is typically used at grocery stores, some restaurants, including McDonald’s, may accept it under specific conditions.

This comprehensive guide, updated for 2025, explains whether McDonald’s accepts EBT, who qualifies, and how to find participating locations. Let’s dive in and explore your options!

What is EBT and How Does It Work?

EBT, or Electronic Benefits Transfer, is a system used in the United States to deliver government benefits like SNAP, often called food stamps. Your EBT card works like a debit card, letting you buy eligible food items at authorized retailers. Normally, SNAP benefits are for groceries like fruits, vegetables, dairy, meat, and other unprepared foods to help low-income families afford nutritious meals at home.

However, there’s a special program called the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) that lets some SNAP recipients use their EBT cards to buy prepared meals at restaurants. This is for people who can’t cook, like the elderly, disabled, or homeless, and it’s not available everywhere.

Does McDonald’s Accept EBT?

Yes, McDonald’s accepts EBT — but only under specific conditions. You can use your EBT card at select McDonald’s locations if:

• You live in a state that participates in the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP).
• You qualify for RMP benefits (typically elderly, disabled, or homeless).
• You visit a McDonald’s location that is enrolled in the RMP.

The Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) Explained

The RMP is a state-run program that lets certain SNAP recipients buy hot, prepared meals at restaurants instead of just groceries. It’s designed for people who can’t easily prepare food at home, like:

• Elderly individuals (age 60 or older)
• People with disabilities
• Homeless individuals
• Spouses of eligible individuals (if the whole household qualifies)

Not all states offer RMP, and each state decides which restaurants can participate. This means even if your state has RMP, your local McDonald’s might not be part of it.

States Where McDonald’s May Accept EBT

As of June 2025, the following states participate in the RMP, and some McDonald’s locations in these states may accept EBT:

• Arizona
• California
• Illinois (Cook and Franklin Counties only)
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• New York
• Rhode Island
• Virginia

However, not all McDonald’s in these states accept EBT. For example, McDonald’s in Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island currently do not accept EBT, while Arizona, California, Michigan, and Virginia have some locations that do. To be sure, you’ll need to check with the specific McDonald’s or your local SNAP office.

Here’s a table summarizing the states and their RMP status for McDonald’s EBT acceptance:

State	RMP Participation	McDonald’s EBT Acceptance
Arizona	Yes	✅ Select locations
California	Yes	✅ Many locations (varies by county)
Illinois	Yes (Cook & Franklin only)	❌ Generally no
Maryland	Yes	❌ Generally no
Massachusetts	Yes	❌ Generally no
Michigan	Yes	✅ Select locations
New York	Yes	❌ Generally no
Rhode Island	Yes	❌ Generally no
Virginia	Yes	✅ Select locations

To confirm if a specific McDonald’s accepts EBT, call the restaurant directly, check with your local SNAP office, or use tools like the USDA SNAP Retailer Locator.

Why Doesn’t Every McDonald’s Accept EBT?

McDonald’s is a franchise, meaning individual restaurant owners decide whether to join the RMP. Enrolling requires approval from the state and the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service, which involves extra paperwork and following rules.

Some owners might opt out because it’s too much work or they don’t think it’s worth it for their location. Also, not all states offer RMP, and some prefer to focus on grocery purchases for healthier eating.

Eligibility for Using EBT at McDonald’s

To use your EBT card at McDonald’s, you must qualify for the RMP. This means:

• You’re a SNAP recipient.
• All members of your household are either elderly (60+), disabled, or homeless.
• You live in a state with RMP.

If you don’t meet these criteria, you can’t use EBT at McDonald’s, even if the location participates. For example, if you’re under 60, not disabled, and have a home, you’ll need to use your EBT for groceries instead.

How to Use Your EBT Card at McDonald’s

If you’re eligible and find a participating McDonald’s, here’s how to use your EBT card:

1. Confirm Eligibility: Make sure you qualify for RMP (e.g., you’re elderly, disabled, or homeless).
2. Find a Participating Location: Call the McDonald’s or check with your local SNAP office to verify they accept EBT.
3. Check Your Balance: Before going, confirm your EBT card has enough funds by calling the number on the back or visiting ConnectEBT.
4. Place Your Order: Pick eligible food items like burgers, fries, salads, or non-alcoholic drinks. You can’t buy non-food items or alcohol with EBT.
5. Inform the Cashier: Tell the cashier you’re paying with EBT.
6. Swipe Your Card: Insert your EBT card into the payment device, select the SNAP account, and enter your PIN.
7. Review the Transaction: You’ll get a receipt showing the cost and your remaining balance.

Note: You can’t use EBT for online orders, delivery, or through the McDonald’s app — but Apple Pay is available for mobile payments in most locations.

What Can You Buy with EBT at McDonald’s?

At participating McDonald’s, you can use your EBT card to buy most hot, prepared food items, including:

• Burgers (e.g., Big Mac, Quarter Pounder)
• Fries
• Breakfast items (e.g., Egg McMuffin, hotcakes)
• Non-alcoholic beverages (e.g., soda, coffee, milkshakes)

You can’t buy:

• Alcoholic beverages
• Non-food items (e.g., toys, gift cards)
• Hot foods not intended for immediate consumption (depending on state rules)

Always check with the location for any restrictions.

Alternatives If McDonald’s Doesn’t Accept EBT

If your local McDonald’s doesn’t accept EBT, don’t worry—there are other options:

• Other Fast-Food Chains: In RMP states, chains like Subway, Taco Bell, Burger King, KFC, or Wendy’s may accept EBT at select locations. Check with your local SNAP office for a list.
• Grocery Stores: Use your EBT card to buy ingredients at grocery stores to make meals at home. SNAP covers items like bread, meat, vegetables, and snacks, which can help you recreate fast-food-style meals.
• TANF Benefits: If you receive TANF benefits, you can withdraw cash from your EBT card at an ATM and use it to pay for meals at any McDonald’s, as TANF funds aren’t restricted to grocery purchases.

Tips for Using EBT at McDonald’s

• Always Call Ahead: Confirm EBT acceptance with the specific McDonald’s before visiting.
• Check Your State’s RMP Status: Visit your state’s SNAP website or contact your local EBT office to verify if RMP is available.
• Monitor Your Balance: Keep track of your SNAP benefits to avoid declined transactions.
• Look for Promotions: Even if you can’t use EBT on the McDonald’s app, downloading it can provide coupons and rewards to stretch your budget with other payment methods.

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