Does Burger King Take EBT Card, Snap or Food Stamp? For low-income individuals and families relying on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, the privilege to use their EBT card at certain fast food restaurants has become a notary point of discussion.
A lot of SNAP recipients wonder if they can use their EBT benefits at fast food chains like Burger King. This comprehensive blog will explore all the possibilities and restrictions of using EBT cards at fast food restaurants like Burger King with an emphasis on the relevance of the SNAP RMP initiative along with other restaurants that are accepting EBT cards.
Highlights of this Post
Understanding Food Stamps And EBT
The acronym EBT stands for Electronic Benefits Transfer and is an electronic system adopted by the federal government to distribute funds to state welfare departments for SNAP recipients. SNAP beneficiaries can use their food stamps or EBT cards to buy eligible food items from authorized grocery stores or retail outlets that help them access nutritious diets and cover their food budget.
In certain states, EBT cards can also be used at participating fast food chains through the Restaurant Meals Program so that elderly, disabled and homeless populations can access nourishing needs. It is important to understand the rules and guidelines surrounding the use of food stamps or EBT cards to ensure compliance with SNAP program regulations and objectives.
Key Takeaways
- Burger King only accepts EBT cards in select counties within Arizona and California, participating in the RMP.
- The RMP allows elderly, disabled, and homeless SNAP recipients to purchase hot meals at authorized restaurants.
- Other fast-food chains like Subway, McDonald’s, and Taco Bell accept EBT in RMP-approved states.
- You can only use your EBT card for in-store or drive-thru purchases at Burger King.
What is Burger King?
Burger King is a popular fast food chain in the United States of America and also the second largest hamburger restaurant after McDonald’s. The chain has nearly 18,700 locations in nearly 100 countries. Fortunately Burger King accepts EBT or food stamp benefits in certain counties in Arizona and California.
You can enjoy delicious burgers, fries and amazing treats at Burger King with the help of food stamp benefits or EBT cards at participating restaurants. Founded in 1954 Burger King serves more than 11,000,000 guests who visit the restaurant worldwide and is popular for serving great tasting, high quality and affordable food.
If you’re craving a flame-grilled burger or crispy chicken nuggets then you can easily cover the food bill at Burger King with your EBT in Arizona and California. The restaurant offers a mouthwatering menu that comprises a variety of sandwiches, burgers, salads, chicken items, delectable sites like fries, savory sandwiches, classic whooper and many other delicious options to fulfill your hunger while accommodating EBT payments.
Read also: Does Whole Foods Accept EBT? All You Need to Know
Overview Of The Restaurant Meals Program
The USDA has expanded SNAP benefits among eligible recipients in select states in the form of a program known as the Restaurant Meals Program that allows EBT recipients to buy hot prepared meals at authorized fast food restaurants like Burger King.
The program is geared towards elderly, homeless and disabled SNAP recipients who are unable to shop for groceries, prepare their meals and allow them to access hot food whenever required. The initiative is available in a few states that provide flexibility and additional support to EBT beneficiaries.
The acceptance of EBT cards at fast food chains through Restaurant Meals Program may vary from one state to another. Following is the list of states that are participating in RMP:
- Arizona
- California
- Rhode Island
- Michigan
- Maryland
- Illinois
Some states like California and Arizona have the most elaborate EBT initiative and a lot of participating restaurants are allowing SNAP beneficiaries to use their EBT card for ordering hot food from authorized locations.
Recommended: Does Target Take EBT OR Food Stamps?
Does Burger King Accept EBT?
Burger King is one of the notable fast food chains that is participating in the Restaurant Meals Program in Arizona and California and accepts EBT cards from SNAP beneficiaries.
By participating in the RMP initiative the establishment is enabling SNAP recipients to use EBT benefits for purchasing hot food and this expands their accessibility to quick nourishing meals beyond conventional markets and grocery stores. A lot of states are considering working with the U.S government and participating in RMP so you may expect more Burger King locations shortly to accept EBT cards from low-income households.
Also read: Does Baskin-Robbins Take EBT, SNAP, or Food Stamps?
Who Is Eligible To Purchase At Burger King With EBT Card?
Not everyone with an EBT card can purchase at Burger King with food stamps. To use your EBT benefits at Burger King it is critical to meet the eligibility criteria set by the USDA RMP initiative. You need to fulfill one of the following conditions if you want to use your EBT card at an authorized Burger King location.
- Your state must be participating in the Restaurant Meals Program
- You must be an elderly person with 60 years or above in age
- You must be a disabled person or receiving permanent disability benefits
- You must be a homeless individual with no permanent nighttime address
- You are a spouse of a SNAP recipient enrolled in RMP
Once you fulfill any one of the aforementioned eligibility criteria you can automatically use your SNAP benefits in participating Burger King locations.
Read also: Does Piggly Wiggly Accept Food Stamps, SNAP, or EBT?
Does Burger King Accept EBT In California?
California is home to many RMP-approved fast food chains including Burger King which enables SNAP recipients to use their EBT benefits to pay for hot prepared food. Nearly 145 Burger King store locations are accepting EBT in California.
Following is a list of counties that are participating in the state’s Restaurant Meal Program known as CalFresh RMP and you can find participating Burger King restaurants in the following counties.
- Alameda
- Fresno
- Kings County
- Kern
- Madera
- Los Angeles
- Mariposa
- Monterrey
- Orange
- Riverside
- Sacramento
- Santa Cruz
- San Diego
- Siskiyou
- Tehama
To find specific Burger King locations that accept EBT in California counties make sure you visit the California EBT Cardholder Portal. On visiting the website you can choose your county name and enter ‘Burger King’ into the blank name or retailer field.
Does Burger King Accept EBT In Arizona?
Yes, Arizona is one more state apart from California that has an elaborate RMP. You can find a lot of Burger King locations that are accepting EBT or food stamps in Arizona. Nearly 100 Burger King restaurants in Arizona are accepting EBT payments. Following is the list of RMP-approved locations in Arizona.
- Apache
- Avondale
- Buckeye
- Cave Creek
- Chandler
- Chino Valley
- El Mirage
- Flagstaff
- Florence
- Gila Bend
- Fountain Hills
- Gilbert
- Glendale
- Globe
- Goodyear
- Holbrook
- Laveen
- Maricopa
- Mesa
- Nogales
- Peoria
- Phoenix
- Queen Creek
- Quartzsite
- Scottsdale
- Sun City
- Surprise
- Tempe
- Yuma
Check this website to find specific Burger King addresses in the Arizona RMP-approved restaurant list.
What Items Can I Purchase With My EBT Card At Burger King?
The SNAP or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program has been designed to assist low-income households purchase necessary food with their EBT card. The good thing is that Burger King sells eligible food items that help RMP recipients to cover the following delicious items with the help of EBT funds
- Different types of burgers
- Chicken sandwich
- Whopper with cheese
- Nuggets
- Double whopper
- Big Fish
- French fries
- Hamburger
- Pies
- Chicken items
- Mozzarella sticks
- Soft drinks
- Salads
- breakfast
- Desserts
- Milkshakes
Recommended: Does Buc-ee’s Accept SNAP, EBT, or Food Stamps?
What Are The General Acceptable EBT Items?
SNAP recipients who are not living in Arizona and California or any other RMP-approved state must be wondering where they can use their EBT card and what eligible items they can shop for.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program has been designed to help households with cold food, groceries and nutritional food. Following are the general acceptable EBT items.
- Fruits and vegetables: All types of fresh, canned or frozen fruits and vegetables are allowed for EBT purchase.
- Milk and Dairy Products: This includes all types of milk, yogurt, cheese and butter
- Bread and cereals: This includes all types of bread, crackers, cereals, pasta, oatmeal and rice.
- Plant, seeds and seedlings: You can use your food stamp benefits to pick up plants, seeds or seedlings that can help you produce fruits, vegetables or herbs at your home.
- Beverages. While, you cannot purchase hot coffee, teas or lettuce using your SNAP benefits card. You can purchase brew-it-yourself tea and coffee using SNAP Benefits including cold beverages like cold drinks, fountain drinks, smoothies, and iced coffees that are intended for human consumption.
- Protein powders, shakes and bars: You can purchase meal replacement shakes, protein powders, bars or any other shakes that come with a Nutrition Facts label instead of a Supplements Facts label
- Live Lobsters and Seafood: You can use your SNAP benefits to purchase live seafood such as lobsters, clams, and shrimp including live fish removed from the water.
- Meat, poultry and fish: This comprises all forms of meat such as pork, beef, turkey, chicken, fish and lamb
- Snack items: This includes bakery cakes, chips, cheese, crackers, and gift baskets comprising eligible food items.
- Baby Formula: You can use SNAP benefits to purchase infant formula including cereals, baby food and juices to feed your baby.
- Food Online: Beneficiaries can use their EBT card to purchase eligible items from approved retailers in their state. This applies to the state that participates in the Online Purchasing Pilot Program however you cannot use the benefits to pay for fees, shipping or delivery costs.
What Are The Items That You Cannot Cover With Your EBT Card?
SNAP recipients cannot cover the following food items with their EBT card anywhere throughout the United States of America.
- Alcohol And Tobacco Products: This includes beer, wine, tobacco, cigarettes, liquor, low-alcoholic beverages labeled as liquor-filled chocolates, non-alcoholic, alcoholic wine, e-liquid for electronic cigarettes etc. However, you can use the EBT card to purchase wine vinegar, wine, and vanilla extract as they can be used for cooking ingredients.
- Medicine, Vitamins and Supplements: Any item that comprises the Supplement Facts Label is a supplement and cannot be purchased with EBT or SNAP benefits. You cannot buy vitamins, medicines and supplements with your EBT card.
- Hot Prepared Food. This includes hot cocoa, chili stew, prepared meats or any restaurant meals.
- Live Animals. You cannot purchase live animals using your EBT card however there are exceptions such as live shellfish, live fish removed from water, animals slaughtered before pickup from the store etc.
- Non-Food Items. This includes cleaning supplies from pet food, cosmetics, hygiene items, cooking utensils etc.
In case you violate the USDA guidelines about SNAP purchases you may face severe consequences like permanent termination of SNAP benefits and – a 3 three-month ban for the first unapproved SNAP purchase, a year ban for the second unapproved SNAP purchase and a two-year ban for the third unapproved SNAP purchase.
Read also: Does Piggly Wiggly Accept Food Stamps, SNAP, or EBT?
How To Use Your EBT Card At Burger King?
Finding a Burger King store that accepts SNAP or EBT benefits can be a huge challenge since only a handful of locations can process food stamps or EBT payments. However, if you can find a Burger King store that accepts EBT, the process of paying for your favorite food from this chain using your EBT card is pretty simple.
Here is a breakdown of how you can use your EBT card at RMP approved Burger King location
- Go to the checkout counter of Burger King to use your EBT card and ask the cashier whether they’re accepting your food stamp benefits. If yes then you can start ordering your preferred meal at Burger King
- When it comes to paying for your Burger King ordered meal, inform the cashier that you will be using your EBT card.
- Next to swipe or enter your EBT card at the cash register, enter your name, 4 digit PIN and authorize the payment.
What Other Payment Options Are Accepted By Burger King?
Besides EBT Burger King accepts various other payment methods to provide convenience and flexibility to their customers. Also using an alternate payment source becomes handy if your EBT card runs out of funds.
Following are the generally accepted payment options that you can find at Burger King:
- Contactless payment like PayPal, Google Pay or Burger King app
- Gift card
- Cash
- Debit card
- Major credit cards
Burger King customers can use e-wallets like PayPal in all their US locations however currently it is not accepting Apple Pay as a method of payment in drive-thru or any other ordered options. The fiercest competitor of Burger King, McDonald’s is accepting all e-wallets including Apple Pay.
SNAP recipients also look for: Does Winn Dixie Accept Food Stamps or EBT
Can I Use My EBT Card For Online Delivery With Burger King?
Today technological advancement has made it much convenient for humans to order anything they want within a few minutes and get them delivered to their doorstep.
Unfortunately, the flexibility of online food delivery or curbside appeal with your EBT card is not possible at any RMP-approved Burger King store location. Burger King is not accepting EBT cards as a payment method from SNAP beneficiaries online or any third-party services. If you want to use your EBT card you have to visit the Burger King store location in person and swipe the card at the register.
Read also: What can you Shop Online With EBT?
Why Burger King Doesn’t Accept EBT In All States?
The USDA has expanded SNAP benefits in the form of an initiative known as the Restaurant Meals Program to benefit certain groups of the population like the elderly, disabled and homeless individuals so that they can enjoy meals and alleviate hunger.
It would be convenient for SNAP beneficiaries if every Burger King location could accept EBT as a method of payment. Burger King is accepting EBT only in select counties in Arizona and California and the following are the reasons why you may not find EBT-friendly Burger King locations throughout the country.
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Compliance With RMP SNAP Rules
Burger King is not accepting EBT payments in every location due to USDA guidelines about SNAP and RMP. SNAP leaves it to individual states to decide if they want to enroll in RMP until now most of the states have not participated in the initiative to allow SNAP recipients to buy food from fast food chains like Burger King with the help of their EBT card.
SNAP beneficiaries cannot redeem their EBT benefits on hot prepared food in those states and can use the card only for purchasing groceries that they can carry and cook at home. This is the reason why most Burger King food items are unapproved for EBT purchase in non-RMP approved states.
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Burger King’s RMP Approval
Before processing SNAP benefits every restaurant has to seek approval for the RMP initiative even in an RMP-approved state. SNAP authorities in every state decide the fast food restaurant that can participate in the initiative.
Even though Rhode Island, Michigan, Maryland, Illinois have RMP authorization Burger King is not participating in these states. Unless you are living in an authorized location you will not be able to use your EBT card at Burger King locations. Even in Arizona and California, you will not find all Burger King stores to accept EBT payments.
SNAP recipients also look for: Which Restaurants Accept EBT In Kentucky?
Which Other Fast Food Restaurants Are Accepting EBT In RMP-Approved States?
Don’t lose hope if you’re unable to find a participating Burger King location that accepts food stamps or EBT as a payment method in your state since there are a variety of fast food chains and restaurants that accept EBT or food stamps in RMP-approved states. Following is the list of restaurants where you can use your EBT card.
- Little Caesars
- Tammy’s Burger
- KFC
- Church Chicken
- Carl’s Jr.
- Domino’s Pizza
- Rally’s Hamburgers
- Starbucks
- EL Pollo Loco
- Papa John’s
- Subway
- Taco Bell
- Louisiana Famous Fried Chicken
- Mcdonald’s
- Papa Murphy’s
- Pizza Hut
- Dairy Queen
- Wendy’s
- Del Taco
- The Habit Burger Grill
- Waba Grill
- Jack-In-The-Box etc.
Conclusion
Individuals and families who are participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program must be aware that they can pay for their burgers and fast food at Burger King with the help of their EBT card but only if they are living in specific states that participate in the Restaurant Meals Program– most commonly Arizona and California. A lot of fast food chains have expanded EBT card usage in states like Virginia, Rhode Island, Maryland, Michigan and Illinois but only in select counties and states. By accepting EBT payments Burger King provides amazing accessibility as well as convenience to low-income families and individuals who rely on SNAP funds for their food needs and enables them to enjoy a quick tasty meal without compromising their budgetary or dietary requirements.
We hope that our guide provided the right information and helped you know about EBT policies and guidelines at Burger King and the location where you can use your EBT card. You can learn more about: Does H Mart Accept Food Stamp or EBT? in our Get Government Grants section today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Purchase Hot Food With My EBT Card In California?
One of the most liberal states when it comes to accepting EBT payments is California which is also enrolled in the Restaurant Meals Program. The state has the most elaborate RMP initiative and a lot of fast food restaurants are participating and allowing EBT recipients to purchase hot food with SNAP funds.
Does Burger King Accept SNAP EBT Cards?
Burger King accepts EBT cards only in Arizona and California that are RMP-approved. The availability of RMP-approved Burger King locations in these two states may vary. Also, EBT card payments are accepted only in-store or drive-thru and you will not be able to order Burger King online through UberEats or DoorDash as a form of payment.