Does Starbucks Accept EBT Payment at their stores ? – Today in this article we are going to check “does Starbucks accept EBT Card payments at their stores.” You must be wondering whether Starbucks accepts EBT mode of payment. So, we are here to clear all your confusion by providing you with the right source of information. You will also come to know about the differences between licensed stores and Starbucks corporate locations. According to our resources and understanding we have found that there are some Starbucks locations that accept EBT mode of payment. But remember it is not always the case every time. However, we have also had a talk with Starbucks customer service representatives to understand whether they accept EBT as a mode of payment. We have provided all the details about it below.
However, we also encourage and suggest the readers to check out the Starbucks location before making any purchase and also make sure that you have alternate options available with you in case they do not accept EBT payment mode.
Highlights of this Post
What is the difference between Starbucks Corporate Stores and Licensed Stores
Brumar a low income relifered reader, explained the differences between licensed store location and Starbucks corporate locations. Brumar stated that “Non-corporate Starbucks stores are quite similar to Marriott hotels or the ones in Target are called Licensed Store Locations that means the business they are attached to lease Starbucks recipes, name, logo, look recipes, practices, operations and many more. However, Starbucks is offered a certain percentage of their revenues in exchange for it. So, it is possible to use an EBT card in the licensed store location but not in a corporate store location.” It can be really accurate but Starbucks do not encourage the licensed store locations to accept EBT as a mode of payment. Also remember that LS locations are set up with EBT processing while corporate locations are not set up in that technique or mode.
Does Starbucks Accepts EBT – More Information
We had a chat with the Starbucks customer representative and therefore we have learned a few things about them. The representative explained that Starbucks does follow a policy and they do not accept EBT payments in their stores that are company operated. The license stores that are within the grocery stores might accept the EBT mode of payment.
However, the representative was quite sure of some locations within grocery stores that shall accept EBT as a mode of payment. But strictly it is encouraged to not follow this practice as most of the Starbucks locations follow corporate policies where they do not accept EBT payments. The EBT payments are most accepted by the grocery industry and Starbucks licensees are committed to follow all rules and laws of any individual programs. So, they do not recommend this practice at all.
How To Use EBT To Make Payments At Starbucks?
First of all you need to check whether the Starbuck you have visited accepts EBT payment. Remember that all the licensed stores do not accept EBT payments but there are a few that accept EBT. The company-based Starbucks also does not accept EBT payments. So, you need to be very careful that the Starbucks location you are visiting does accept EBT payments.
However, if Starbucks accepts EBT payment, then before making any purchase it is important for you to check the balance. You can check your EBT balance online in your SNAP portal or you can simply call the number that is in your EBT card. In this way you will be able to figure out how much money you are spending and it will also help you in assessing your priorities.
Once they have accepted your EBT card at Starbucks then you need to make the qualifying purchase at the cash register. After that you need to select SNAP or EBT mode of payment. In the next step you need to insert your EBT card and follow the instruction that is shown in the screen then you need to input your pin number. Also remember that you can only purchase SNAP-approved items using your EBT card. If you purchase non-SNAP-approved items then you need to use another payment method.
How To Find Starbucks Location?
It is highly recommended for you to check the starbuck location that is nearest to you and you also need to check whether they accept EBT mode of payment. You can use the Store Locator to search for Starbucks locations. You might might non-corporate Starbucks stores inside of any licensed store.
What Food Items Can I Purchase Using EBT Card in Licensed Starbucks?
You might not be aware but there are strict restrictions on what you can purchase or not in any licensed Starbucks using your EBT card. There are some licensed Starbucks locations all over the country where you can use your EBT card. But remember that you cannot use your EBT in purchasing hot foods items or hot beverages.
However, you can purchase pre packaged cold foods items like muffins or bread with your EBT card. Apart from that you can also use your EBT card to purchase cold beverages. A number of items you can purchase using your EBT card includes cold baked goods, cold snacks, energy drinks, bottled water, soft drinks and cold sandwiches. You can also purchase other goods that include creamer, whole bean packaged coffee and instant coffee.
Benefits of Using An EBT Card
As you know, the EBT card is only provided to those applicants who have qualified for the SNAP program. The government has offered support to the low income families by offering them with an EBT card to make purchases. The best thing about the EBT card is that you do not have to pay any kind of interest or pay for the card while using it. A certain amount is already allotted on the card to the candidates that have qualified and meet the requirements.
The low income families struggle due to no income or low income and therefore the government provides them with EBT cards so that they can make necessary purchases for their livelihood. The EBT card has helped a lot of needy people and there are many people who rely on government assistance. The EBT card also helps the low income parents to reduce their stress from purchasing grocery and other essential items and helping them to pay more attention towards their children. EBT cards also offer other benefits like reducing the stress of poverty.
RMP (Restaurant meals Program) is another service that is provided to the people who are physically not fit to cook for themselves by offering them food. RMP offers help to the homeless, disabled and elderly by providing them with a healthier and happier life. My main objective of these programs is to remove the fear of food scarcity so that the individuals can focus on their jobs and other priorities that can help them live a happier life.
Who decides that an item will be EBT eligible for not in Starbucks?
First of all you should know that corporate-based Starbucks locations have to consider their products luxury and these products are not necessary to fulfill nutritional needs of an individual. Whereas, the licensed Starbucks follows the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) guidelines and there are some restrictions on the use of EBT cards.
The items that are for immediate consumption and hot at the time of sale will not be EBT eligible whereas the frozen products are eligible. You might get a little bit confused with the system but the main objective of EBT cards is to provide basic nutrition to the low income family and therefore luxury food items are not eligible. However, if the drink or food has a nutritional label on it then you can buy it using your EBT card.
The USDA also runs the SNAP Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) for the disabled, elderly, and homeless who are eligible. They can easily get their hot meals from the qualified restaurants that accept EBT cards. But remember this program is available in a few states including Virginia, Rhode Island, Michigan, Maryland, Illinois, California and Arizona. RMP is run by the state and the restaurants who are willing to participate in the program need to offer meals at a reduced rate to the people. Starbucks does not participate in the RMP program.
Is EBT Online Accepted by Starbucks?
The answer is No, Starbucks does not accept EBT cards for online purchases. The EBT policy that is used by Starbucks for corporate stores is also similar to the online stores. However, if an online retailer wants to be eligible for it then they have to meet some of the purchasing requirements.
The retailer needs to qualify for SNAP and also have a website that is maintained and updated regularly. The retailer also needs to have an e-commerce presence. A letter of intent must be sent by the company. There are a number of online retailers that are SNAP approved including Walmart Stores IncWright’s Market, ShopRite, Safeway, Hy-Vee Inc, Fresh Direct, Dash’s Market and Amazon. You can use your EBT card to purchase food items from these mentioned online sources. But you need to pay your shipping and delivery charges.
Is it possible to return items that are purchased using EBT?
According to the official USDA government website it is possible to return items that you have purchased using EBT. But you need to check if returns are allowed from the store where you are buying. The return policy must be the same whether it is purchased using EBT or not.
The USDA demands all the retailers to treat the SNAP customers with the same respect as other customers are being treated. The refund will be redirected to the EBT card. But remember they won’t provide you with any type of cash refund as the balance will be directly sent to your EBT card.
Tips and Tricks While Using EBT At Starbucks
As you have read earlier, Starbucks’ policy clearly states that they do not accept EBT as a form of payment in their corporate stores. But do not worry as there are a few tricks while using your EBT card at Starbucks. There are some ways that will help in getting around the item purchase restrictions that are followed in licensed Starbucks stores.
One of the most accurate ways to get around their item restriction is by purchasing a grocery store gift card using your EBT and then use it to buy any items for your wish from Starbucks. But remember that all grocery stores do not allow you to buy store gift cards using your EBT card and there are a few licensed Starbucks locations that do not accept gift cards as a mode of payment on purchases of some items.
So, it is better for you to ask the store manager whether they accept gift cards as a mode of payment. If the answer is “Yes” then you are good to purchase a gift card using your EBT card. You can simply call them and ask about their policies so that you stay clear about it and make your decisions based on it. But remember this trick won’t work in corporate Starbucks but it might work in some of the Starbucks locations that are located inside grocery stores.
Another way is that you can simply try to apply for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program by the government. It is a program that is run by the state and their objective is to provide low income families with financial assistance by offering them cash. Also remember that every state runs this program by a different name and policies differ according to location. However, there are some states that allow purchasing Starbucks gift cards by using their TANF program.
You can simply check out the local state TANF program to know about their rules and policies. The best thing about this program is that they have also collaborated with food commodity programs, emergency food assistance programs and local food banks. There are some people who think that using TANF in this way can be unethical as the program is only intended to help out the needy families so that they can take good care of their childrens. Therefore, it will help in minimizing the dependence on government benefits by educating the children so that they can get better job opportunities in the future.
Are There Any Other Fast Food Restaurant and Coffee Shop That Accepts EBT?
I hope you know that it can be really difficult for you to find coffee shops that do accept EBT as a mode of payment. Also remember that each state has their own set of qualification rules and regulations while using the SNAP benefits. It is recommended for you to find out your local SNAP government website and check out the shops and restaurants that accept EBT mode of payment. So, if you are looking to get coffee using your EBT card then the best idea for you is to purchase grounds or beans from a grocery store and make coffee at your home all by yourself.
There are many states that have participated in the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP). You will be able to find some popular restaurant chains and fast food restaurants that accept EBT payments. We have founded some of the popular restaurants that accept EBT as a mode of payment including Jamba Juice, Dairy Queen, Blimpie, Carl’s Jr. El Pollo Loco, Papa Murphy’s Pizza, Pizza Hut, Popeye’s, Denny’s, Rally’s, Jack in the Box, Domino’s Pizza, KFC, Taco Bell, Subway, Wendy’s McDonald’s, Burger King and many more.
We have found that there are many new restaurants that are willing to join. You can also find that there are many stores that have listed in their poster that they accept EBT. If you struggle to find a location then you can directly contact your state’s department of health and human services. There is a SNAP Retailer Locator that will help you in finding the locations easily. All you need to enter your zip code and they list all the nearest locations near your area.
Conclusion
I hope the article has provided you with all the information whether Starbucks takes ebt. A lot of people have raised questions that “does Starbucks accept EBT.” There are few licensed starbucks that do accept EBT whereas the corporate locations do not accept EBT. You can find a number of grocery stores that offer EBT mode of payment. So, if you want to make payment via EBT then you need to follow the information that has already been stated in this article. Thanks for reading this article, I hope you have a great day ahead!
Frequently Asked Questions
We are going to answer some of the most frequently asked questions that might help you in several ways. Go through the question and answers to gain some additional knowledge.
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What items can I purchase using an EBT card?
There are a number of items that I can purchase using an EBT card including seeds and plants to produce foods, non-alcoholic beverages, snack foods, breads, cereals, dairy products, fish, poultry, meat, fruits and vegetables.
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What items I cannot purchase using an EBT card?
You cannot purchase a number of items using your EBT card including cosmetics, hygiene items, pet foods, paper products, cleaning supplies, foods that are hot when sold, live animals, vitamins, supplements, medicines, tobacco, cigarettes, liquor, wine and beer. here is the list of all the eligible items can be purchased using Ebt cards
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In what states RMP (Restaurant meals Program) is available?
RMP (Restaurant Meals Program) are available in a number of states that includes Maryland, Illinois, Michigan, Rhode Island, California and Arizona. But remember that Starbucks does not participate in the RMP program and therefore it is not possible for you to get hot food or drinks from them.
