Have you ever craved a quick meal at McDonald’s and wondered if you could pay with your EBT card? You’re not the only one! With millions of Americans depending on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly referred to as EBT, this is a frequent question. Let’s explore everything you need to know about whether McDonald’s accepts EBT, including where and how you might be able to use your benefits.

Does McDonald’s Accept EBT?

The answer isn’t straightforward—it varies by location. McDonald’s does not accept EBT across the board, but some locations in specific states do allow EBT payments through the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP). This program is designed to assist certain EBT recipients, such as seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those facing homelessness, in accessing hot, prepared meals using their benefits.

So, while McDonald’s generally doesn’t accept EBT, there are exceptions. Let’s delve deeper into how this works and where you can use your benefits.

How the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) Works

SNAP benefits are primarily meant for buying groceries to prepare meals at home. However, the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) is a unique provision that permits certain eligible individuals to use their EBT card for hot meals at designated restaurants.

To qualify for RMP, you must meet one of the following criteria:

• Be 60 years or older
• Have a disability
• Be experiencing homelessness
• Be the spouse of someone who qualifies

Now that we’ve covered the essentials of the program, let’s examine which McDonald’s locations actually accept EBT.

States Where McDonald’s Accepts EBT

If you’re curious about using your EBT card at McDonald’s, here’s what you need to know. As of 2025, only a handful of states are part of the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP), and even within those states, only certain McDonald’s locations accept EBT. Here’s a breakdown of where you might be able to use your benefits:

Here’s where you might find a McDonald’s that takes EBT:

• California – This state has the most extensive RMP program, making it easier to find McDonald’s locations that accept EBT.
• Arizona – Several McDonald’s locations participate in the program, allowing qualifying individuals to purchase meals with their EBT cards.
• Michigan – A limited number of fast-food establishments, including McDonald’s, are authorized to accept EBT under RMP.
• Rhode Island – While smaller in scale, Rhode Island’s RMP includes some McDonald’s locations.
• Illinois – Certain cities, particularly in urban areas, have McDonald’s locations that accept EBT.
• Maryland – A handful of McDonald’s locations in the state are approved to take EBT for hot meals.
• Virginia – Some cities in Virginia have recently adopted the RMP, allowing certain McDonald’s locations to accept EBT.
• New York – While still a limited program, select McDonald’s locations in urban centers have begun accepting EBT.
• Nevada – With a growing RMP presence, some McDonald’s locations in Nevada have started allowing EBT payments.
• Florida – Though not widespread, a few McDonald’s locations in Florida have opted into the RMP program.

Just because a state is on this list doesn’t mean every McDonald’s there will accept EBT. Each restaurant must opt into the program, so it’s best to verify before heading out.

How to Find a McDonald’s That Accepts EBT

Finding a McDonald’s that accepts EBT can be a bit challenging, but here are some helpful tips:

• Use the EBT Retailer Locator – Many state government websites offer a locator tool to help you find restaurants that accept EBT in your area.

• Call Your Local McDonald’s – A straightforward way to check is to call the restaurant directly and ask if they accept EBT through the RMP.

• Check the McDonald’s Website or App – Some locations provide information about their accepted payment methods online.

• Look for EBT Stickers at the Entrance – If you’re nearby, keep an eye out for an “EBT Accepted Here” sign on the door or window.

• Ask in Community Groups – Online forums and social media groups often have members sharing their experiences with using EBT at fast-food places.

By following these steps, you can avoid unnecessary trips and make sure the McDonald’s you visit accepts EBT.

What Can You Buy With EBT at McDonald’s?

If you qualify for the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) and find a McDonald’s that accepts EBT, you can usually purchase any food item from the menu. This includes:

• Big Macs, Quarter Pounders, McChickens
• French Fries, Hash Browns
• McNuggets and Happy Meals
• Breakfast Sandwiches, Coffee, and McFlurries

However, remember that EBT cannot be used for non-food items or promotional deals involving gift cards.

Why Doesn’t McDonald’s Accept EBT Everywhere?

The primary reason is that SNAP benefits are intended for groceries, not fast food. The Restaurant Meals Program is an exception for individuals who are unable to cook for themselves, but most states have opted not to implement it widely. This is why only a limited number of McDonald’s locations accept EBT.

Moreover, businesses must apply to be part of the RMP, and not all McDonald’s franchises have chosen to do so. Since McDonald’s operates as a franchise, each owner has the discretion to accept EBT if permitted by their state.

Alternatives: Where Else Can You Use EBT for Hot Meals?

If McDonald’s in your area doesn’t accept EBT, there are other fast-food restaurants that may participate in the RMP. Some common options include:

• Burger King

• Subway

• Taco Bell

• KFC

• Domino’s Pizza

• Jack in the Box

Additionally, some local restaurants and convenience stores may also be part of the RMP. Checking your state’s EBT website can provide you with the latest information.

Does McDonald’s Accept EBT?

So, does McDonald’s accept EBT? The answer varies based on your location. If you’re in a state that participates in the Restaurant Meals Program, you might be able to use your EBT card at certain McDonald’s locations. However, in many areas, EBT is not accepted at McDonald’s.

If you depend on EBT and are looking for ready-to-eat meals, make sure to look for RMP-participating restaurants in your vicinity. And if McDonald’s isn’t an option, other fast-food chains may still be available to help you out.

What do you think about fast food accepting EBT? Would you like to see McDonald’s expand this option? Let me know!