Many people want to know if they can use their EBT card at McDonald’s. While this is an important question, some users often confuse the rules and eligibility when asking, “Does McDonald’s take EBT?”
It’s vital to know who qualifies, which states participate, and which McDonald’s locations accept EBT payments. This section will cover everything you need to know about using EBT at McDonald’s.
1. Where Can You Use EBT at Restaurants?
If you’ve heard that EBT can be used at fast food places, you’re probably wondering how that works. Restaurant meals are among the most surprising things you can buy with EBT cards.
With the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP), eligible SNAP recipients can use their benefits to buy hot, prepared meals at approved restaurants.
The RMP is developed to help people who may not be able to cook at home, including elderly individuals (age 60+), people with disabilities, those experiencing homelessness, and their spouses.
However, not all states participate in the RMP, and only select restaurants in those participating states can be part of the program. Restaurants must also apply and be approved by both the state and the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service to begin accepting EBT under the RMP.
In participating states, you might find some well-known fast-food chains accepting EBT, such as McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Subway, Domino’s, Taco Bell, and Burger King. Keep in mind that availability depends on your location, and not every location of these chains accepts EBT.
As for 2025, these states participate in the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP):
- Arizona
- California
- Illinois
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- New York
- Rhode Island
- Virginia
If your state is listed above and you qualify for the program, you can use your EBT card at participating restaurants. Be sure to check with your local SNAP office or the restaurant itself to confirm participation.
2. Does McDonald’s Take EBT Cards?
In states that participate in the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP), you may find some McDonald’s locations that accept EBT. Please note that even in states that have adopted RMP, not every McDonald’s location is part of the program. Participation is limited to specific locations approved by the state.
While Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, and Rhode Island participate in the RMP, McDonald’s locations in these states do not currently accept EBT.
Based on available data, the RMP-participating states where some McDonald’s locations accept EBT include Arizona, California, Michigan, and Virginia.
If you’re in one of these states and meet the eligibility requirements, you may be able to use your EBT card at certain McDonald’s locations.
Remember, RMP is only for eligible SNAP customers. To qualify for the program and then use the EBT card at some McDonald’s locations, you must meet one of the following criteria:
- Elderly (age 60 or older)
- Disabled
- Experiencing homelessness
- Or be the spouse of someone who qualifies
Note: Be sure to call ahead or check with your local SNAP office to confirm before visiting, as participation can vary by location and change over time.
3. Does McDonald’s Take EBT in Arizona?
In Arizona, as in other states, only certain McDonald’s locations accept EBT through the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP). While the state participates in RMP, not all restaurants are approved to take EBT payments.
We’ve gathered cities where you can find some McDonald’s locations that accept EBT payment in 2025:
- Avondale
- Buckeye
- Bullhead City
- Casa Grande
- Chandler
- Douglas
- Eloy
- Fort Mohave
- Fountain Hills
- Gila Bend
- Gilbert
- Glendale
- Globe
- Holbrook
- Kayenta
- Kingman
- Lake Havasu City
- Maricopa
- Mesa
- Nogales
- Page
- Parker
- Payson
- Phoenix
- Pinetop
- Quartzsite
- Rio Rico
- Safford
- Scottsdale
- Show Low
- Sierra Vista
- Snowflake
- Springerville
- Tempe
- Tuba City
- Tucson
- Wickenburg
- Willcox
- Window Rock
- Winslow
4. Does McDonald’s Take EBT in California?
The following counties in California have some McDonald’s locations that accept EBT through the RMP. While not all McDonald’s restaurants participate, you can find many approved locations in these areas:
- Alameda
- Calaveras
- Contra Costa
- Fresno
- Humboldt
- Imperial
- Kern
- Lake
- Los Angeles
- Mendocino
- Merced
- Nevada
- Orange
- Placer
- Riverside
- Sacramento
- San Bernardino
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Joaquin
- San Luis Obispo
- Santa Barbara
- Santa Clara
- Santa Cruz
- Solano
- Sonoma
- Stanislaus
- Tuolumne
- Ventura
- Yolo
5. Does McDonald’s Take EBT in Michigan?
As you’ll notice, there are two counties in Michigan, Jackson and Kalamazoo, that currently have some McDonald’s locations accepting EBT payments through the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP).
6. Does McDonald’s Take EBT in Virginia?
You might be surprised that some McDonald’s locations in Virginia do accept EBT. It’s true! As for the latest data, Richmond is the only county where you can use EBT at approved McDonald’s locations.
7. How to Know if McDonald’s Near You Accepts EBT
Even in states that participate in the RMP, not every McDonald’s accepts EBT. That’s because only select locations opt into the program and are approved by the state to accept SNAP benefits.
So, how can you find out if your local McDonald’s accepts EBT? Here are a few ways to check:
- Contact your state’s EBT or SNAP office: The most reliable way is by reaching out to your local or state EBT office. They can provide updated information about which specific restaurant locations participate in the RMP.
- Ask the restaurant directly: Some McDonald’s locations may display signs showing they accept EBT, but if you’re unsure, just call ahead.
- Look for official RMP directories: Some participating states post lists or maps of authorized restaurants on their official SNAP or health and human services websites.
8. Get Free Monthly Service with the Lifeline Program
If you receive SNAP benefits, you may also be eligible for Lifeline, a federal program that helps low-income individuals access free or discounted phone service each month. Lifeline is available nationwide and can help you stay connected with essential services.
Depending on your location and provider, Lifeline can cover up to $9.25 per month, or even $34.25 if you live on Tribal lands.
Some providers, like AirTalk Wireless, also offer a free smartphone with certain plans. If you’re not sure how to get started, here’s how to apply for Lifeline through SNAP.
FAQs
Can you use your EBT card at restaurants in New York State?
New York participates in the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP), so you can use your EBT card at participating restaurants in the state. Check restaurants that accept EBT in New York.
Do all restaurants have to accept EBT?
No. Certain states participate in the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP), which allows eligible SNAP recipients to use their benefits at participating restaurants. Participation in the RMP is voluntary for restaurants; they must apply and be authorized by the state and the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) to accept EBT payments. The availability of restaurants accepting EBT varies by state and locality.
Does McDonald’s take Apple Pay?
McDonald’s accepts Apple Pay for Mobile Order & Pay through their app. If you have an iOS device and your card is registered in Apple Wallet, Apple Pay will automatically appear as a payment option within the McDonald’s app.
>>> Read more: Does Wawa Take EBT? Everything You Need to Know
Conclusion
In short, the simple answer to the question, “Does McDonald’s take EBT?” is yes, but only at select locations in states that participate in the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP). It’s not a universal policy across all McDonald’s locations, so acceptance can vary depending on where you are and your eligibility under RMP guidelines.
Check with your local McDonald’s before visiting to avoid confusion or inconvenience. And if you qualify for RMP, take advantage of this benefit at participating locations.