Does KFC Take EBT Card Payment? – Are you an EBT card holder who loves to eat fried chicken? Then you must have heard of KFC, which is a famous fast-food restaurant that serves fried chicken. The renowned restaurant sells fried chicken and many other side dishes, and so it is one of the fastest-growing chains in the food industry. KFC has taken the top place in the fast food industry over the course of the past few years.
SNAP beneficiaries are often confused about whether they can use their EBT card as a method of payment at KFC stores. You will be pleased to know that KFC accepts EBT cards as a method of payment for in-store purchases in select counties in California and Arizona. Recipients from other states are not eligible to use their EBT card at any KFC store location. Our guide will provide an overview of the most common question: “Does KFC take EBT” and other pertinent information.
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This informative guide dives into everything EBT cardholders need to know about using their benefits at KFC.
Highlights of this Post
Key Takeaway
- KFC accepts EBT in 131 locationsacross California and Arizona for elderly, disabled, and homeless individuals through the RMP.
- Visit an authorized KFC location (only 131 out of 3913 stores nationwide).
- This program allows qualified individuals to purchase hot meals at participating restaurants.
Here’s a quick glimpse of what you’ll learn:
- Does KFC accept EBT? (Spoiler Alert: Yes, but with limitations!)
- Eligibility requirements for using EBT at KFC.
- States and counties where KFC accepts EBT.
- Step-by-step guide on using your EBT card at KFC.
- Breakdown of EBT-eligible food items at KFC.
- Alternative payment options accepted by KFC.
Plus, explore other restaurants accepting EBT for convenient and delicious meals!
What is KFC?
KFC is a popular restaurant that specializes in serving delectable fried chicken. Founded in 1952 by Colonel Harland Sanders, who named it Kentucky Fried Chicken, the company is today a global brand and is known for its famous secret recipe consisting of 11 herbs and spices to coat the chicken before frying it.
The restaurant provides a wide array of side dishes apart from fried chicken, including coleslaw, biscuits, and mashed potatoes. KFC is one of the most preferred restaurants among Americans. This global brand has a presence in more than 100 countries across the globe.
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What is EBT?
EBT stands for Electronic Benefits Transfer. It is a system through which low-income individuals and households receive government food assistance through a card instead of cash. With EBT, you can purchase food and groceries for your family and take care of your dietary needs. The cards can be used at point-of-sale terminals and ATMs to withdraw cash or make SNAP-eligible purchases at participating grocery stores.
The EBT cards are issued to the beneficiaries of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program- a federal initiative that helps low-income households afford healthy groceries and food. Since the distribution of EBT funds includes electronic transactions, the card makes the issuance of government assistance faster and easier. It is also an amazing way to enjoy KFC meals and snacks since it is cheaper than buying the meals with store credit cards or cash.
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What Is The Restaurant Meals Program, and How Is It Associated With KFC?
The expansion of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program by the USDA to assist the elderly, disabled, and homeless population is known as the Restaurant Meals Program. The program allows low-income families and individuals to use their EBT card or food stamps benefits to buy hot prepared meals at participating food chains or restaurants.
RMP has been designed by the USDA to assist people to purchase meals if they are unable to prepare meals due to their old-age, disability or homelessness. The program is available only in limited states but is soon expected to expand to other states across the nation in the near future. The EBT-friendly states are as follows:
- Arizona
- California
- Illinois
- Maryland
- Michigan
- Rhode Island
Card holders have to locate RMP-approved food chains or restaurants in their respective states. It is critical to note that you need to be elderly (60 or older), disabled, or homeless in order to receive SNAP or EBT benefits. You can obtain the RMP EBT card by contacting your local SNAP office.
Does KFC Take EBT?
Yes, KFC, accepts EBT payments in 131 store locations in a few Arizona and California counties. These specific locations are authorized to accept EBT as a method of payment from SNAP beneficiaries through the Restaurant Meals Program.
Before heading to your nearby KFC store location, it is important to confirm whether they accept EBT payments. If you do not live in the specific Arizona or California counties where KFC accepts EBT, do not lose hope.
A lot of states are considering working with the federal government and participating in the Restaurant Meals Program. So you can expect more KFC locations in the near future to start accepting SNAP benefits from low-income households.
Who is Eligible to Buy Food From KFC Using EBT Cards?
First of all you need to understand that EBT cards are not accepted in every KFC location. Only 131 KFC locations accept EBT cards as they have participated in the Restaurant Meals Program. However, to be eligible for the program, you need to meet all the three criteria that has been listed below:
- You need to purchase food items from any participating KFC locations that can approve EBT payments.
- You are unable to cook your own meals at home as you are disabled, homeless or elderly.
- You must be residing in a state that has accepted the Restaurant Meals Program.
Which KFC Locations Accept EBT?
Each KFC location has to be approved by the federal government to start processing EBT or SNAP benefits. So, before visiting the restaurant you need to check that you are visiting the right location that accepts EBT payments. It can be really difficult for you to find these 131 KFC locations out of 3,913. Following are the states and counties where KFC accepts EBT payments.
Arizona
Pinal County
California
- Los Angeles
- Orange County
- Riverside County
- Ventura County
- San Diego County
KFC Locations That Takes EBT
Every KFC location is approved by the federal government and then they can start processing EBT or SNAP benefits. So, before visiting the restaurant you need to check that you are visiting the right location that accepts EBT payments.
It can be really difficult for you to find these 131 KFC locations out of 3,913. So, we have provided a table below that will help you find the KFC locations that accept EBT near you. We have organized the list alphabetically, so you can easily find out the KFC that takes EBT.
ARIZONA KFC Stores That Takes EBT |
Location | Address |
PINAL COUNTY KFC Stores That Takes EBT | COOLIDGE – 1505 N Arizona Blvd |
CALIFORNIA KFC Stores That Takes EBT |
Location | Address |
LOS ANGELES COUNTY KFC Stores That Takes EBT |
ALHAMBRA – 1425 New Ave
AZUSA – 806 E Alosta Ave BELL GARDENS – 5735 E Florence Ave CANYON COUNTY – 19307 Soledad Canyon Rd Los Angeles County CARSON – 619 W Carson St CARSON – 545 E Sepulveda Blvd CARSON – 18401 S Avalon Blvd CITY OF INDUSTRY at 17901 S Colima Rd COMPTON – 221 S Long Beach Blvd COVINA – 1057 North Grand Ave DOWNEY – 7865 E Florence Ave DUARTE – 1128 Null Huntington EL MONTE – 3814 Peck Rd GARDENA – 1078 W Rosecrans Ave HAWTHORNE – 11523 Hawthorne Blvd HUNTINGTON PARK – 3100 E Gage Ave INGLEWOOD – 2941 W Imperial Hwy LA MIRADA – 13145 Neff Rd LA MIRADA – 13970 Imperial Hwy LA PUENTE – 939 N Hacienda Blvd LAKEWOOD – 4917 Bellflower LANCASTER – 1827 E Avenue J LANCASTER – 866 W Avenue I LANCASTER – 43559 10th St W LOMITA – 26715 Western Ave LONG BEACH – 1601 W Willow St LONG BEACH – 1607 E 7th St LONG BEACH – 2970 N Bellflower Blvd LONG BEACH – 4528 Atlantic Blvd LONG BEACH at 209 E Pacific Coast Hwy LONG BEACH – 4001 E Anaheim LOS ANGELES – 340 N Western Ave LOS ANGELES – 5925 W 3rd St LOS ANGELES at 1425 W Martin Luther King Jr Blvd LOS ANGELES – 624 Lorena St LOS ANGELES at 1244 S La Brea Ave LOS ANGELES – 320 N Soto St LOS ANGELES – 2801 N Broadway LOS ANGELES – 5220 W Centinela Ave LOS ANGELES – 8500 Lincoln Ave LOS ANGELES – 8515 S Central Ave LOS ANGELES – 5720 S Vermont Ave LOS ANGELES – 11864 Wilmington Ave LOS ANGELES – 1148 W Manchester Ave LOS ANGELES at 1990 S Bundy Dr Ste 250 LOS ANGELES – 2801 W Olympic Blvd LYNWOOD – 4339 E Imperial Hwy MAYWOOD – 4025 Slauson Ave MISSION HILLS – 10865 Sepulveda Blvd NORTH HILLS – 8800 Sepulveda Blvd NORTH HOLLYWOOD – 12044 Roscoe Blvd NORWALK – 10937 Alondra Blvd NORWALK – 12959 Rosecrans Ave NORWALK – 10905 Imperial Hwy PALMDALE – 2351 E Avenue S PASADENA – 2896 E Colorado Blvd PASADENA – 820 N Lake Ave PASADENA – 2050 N Fair Oaks POMONA – 375 E Mission Blvd POMONA – 2294 N Garey Ave SAN GABRIEL – 518 E Las Tunas SAN PEDRO – 415 S Gaffey St SOUTH EL MONTE – 1927 Durfee Ave SOUTH PASADENA – 1318 Huntington Dr TORRANCE – 2215 Sepulveda Blvd TORRANCE – 4525 Torrance Blvd TORRANCE – 16502 Crenshaw Blvd WALNUT – 19080 La Puente WEST COVINA – 555 S Glendora Ave WHITTIER – 16161 Leffingwell Rd WHITTIER – 13106 Whittier Blvd |
ORANGE COUNTY KFC Stores That Takes EBT |
COSTA MESA – 465 E 17th St
FOUNTAIN VALLEY – 17239 Brookhurst St HUNTINGTON BEACH – 19091 Brookhurst ST HUNTINGTON BEACH at 6100 W Warner Ave #105 SANTA ANA – 1345 S Main St YORBA LINDA – 23030 Eastpark Dr |
RIVERSIDE COUNTY KFC Stores That Takes EBT |
CATHEDRAL CITY – 32120 Date Palm Dr
PERRIS – 2250 N Perris Blvd RIVERSIDE – 18585 Van Buren Blvd |
SAN DIEGO COUNTY KFC Stores That Takes EBT |
ALPINE – 5005 Willows Rd #E-113
BONITA – 5080 Bonita Rd CARLSBAD – 745 Carlsbad Village Dr CHULA VISTA – 1361 Medical Center Dr CHULA VISTA – 461 3rd Ave CHULA VISTA – 1327 Broadway CORONADO – 100 B Avenue EL CAJON – 2949 Jamacha Rd EL CAJON – 724 Fletcher Pkwy EL CAJON – 555 N 2nd St ESCONDIDO – 2429 E Valley Pkwy ESCONDIDO – 639 N Broadway FALLBROOK – 1077 S Mission Rd IMPERIAL BEACH – 1056 13th St LAKESIDE – 12061 Woodside Ave LEMON GROVE – 7012 Broadway NATIONAL CITY – 840 Highland Ave OCEANSIDE – 4100 Oceanside Blvd OCEANSIDE – 3747 Mission Blvd OCEANSIDE – 2007 Mission Ave SAN MARCOS – 771 Center Dr SAN MARCOS at 201 S Rancho Santa Fe Rd POWAY – 12660 Poway Rd RAMONA – 1025 Main St SAN DIEGO – 12305 Alemania Rd SAN DIEGO – 66055 Mission Gorge Rd SAN DIEGO – 4545 El Cajon Blvd SAN DIEGO – 4140 Convoy St SAN DIEGO – 2829 University Ave SAN DIEGO – 6745 Mira Mesa Rd SAN DIEGO – 4380 Palm Ave SAN DIEGO at 155 Market Place Ave (combo with Long John Silver) SAN DIEGO at 7049 Eastman St (combo with Taco Bell) SAN DIEGO at 7180 Miramar Rd (combo with Taco Bell) SAN MARCOS – 771 CEnter Dr SAN MARCOS at 201 S Rancho Santa Fe Rd SAN YSIDRO – 2030 Dairy Mart Rd SAN YSIDRO – 4698 Border Village Rd SANTEE – 8890 Cuyamaca St SPRING VALLEY at 8330 Paradise Valley Rd (combo with Taco Bell) VISTA – 840 E Vista Way |
VENTURA COUNTY KFC Stores That Takes EBT |
CAMARILLO – 2350 Las Posas Rd
OXNARD – 191 W Gonzales Rd OXNARD – 3351 Saviers Rd PORT HUENEME at 351 E Channel Island Blvd SIMI VALLEY at 1595 E Los Angeles Ave VENTURA – 3553 Telegraph Rd WESTLAKE VILLAGE at 3605 E Thousand Oaks Blvd |
We will keep on updating this list further as there are many locations that might expand in the future. So, it is highly recommended for you to bookmark this page so that you don’t lose out on anything.
Why Doesn’t Every KFC Accept EBT?
Presently, SNAP EBT payments are accepted at only 131 locations of the overall 3913 KFC restaurants nationwide. It is a wonderful and great resource for Californians and Arizonans who live in one of the approved KFC store locations, but a lot of people from unapproved RMP states are frustrated since they cannot use their SNAP benefits to purchase their favorite hot chicken KFC meals.
Following is a list of reasons why KFC is not accepting EBT payments in all locations throughout the country.
-
Strict Program Requirements
KFC restaurant owners, even in RMP-approved states, hesitate to participate in the program and accept EBT payments as they are unable to keep up with the additional paperwork and strict SNAP requirements. This is the reason why a lot of KFC restaurants in different areas have declined to participate in the program.
-
Variability of RMP
The Restaurant Meals Program, which helps a few beneficiaries, like the elderly, disabled, and homeless population, enjoy hot, prepared food at participating restaurants and food chains, is a voluntary program.
The SNAP leaves it to individual states in America to decide if they want to enroll in the program, and a lot of states have opted not to enroll in the program due to compliance with the SNAP rules. This makes KFC food items unapproved for EBT purchase in non-participating states.
-
Less RMP-Approved States
KFC is authorized to accept EBT cards as a method of payment from SNAP beneficiaries only in six states. A few counties in California and Arizona accept EBT as a method of payment, so you can find only a few locations where you can use your EBT card. Even in RMP-approved states like California and Arizona, not every KFC store location accepts EBT.
How To Use EBT At KFC?
In order to use your Electronic Benefits Transfer Card at KFC, you first need to find the participating location that is approved for the Restaurant Meals Program. As soon as you arrive at an eligible KFC store location that accepts EBT payments, paying for your meals will become remarkably easy.
You just have to swipe your EBT card at the credit card terminal, just like you use your debit card at a convenience store or grocery store. It is important to be present at the KFC-participating restaurant to swipe the card.
Once you arrive at the register, you need to inform the cashier or staff that you will be using your EBT card to pay KFC. The cashier will help to run the card to the point of sale terminal, and then you can see a deduction in the appropriate amounts from your EBT account.
What Can You Purchase With EBT At KFC?
EBT card holders can purchase a wide array of delicious food from KFC. Some of the foods that you can buy using your EBT card are as follows:
- Chicken: Chicken is one of the most popular and in-demand items on the KFC menu. You can get Chicken Pot Pie, Chicken Tenders, Fried Chicken from KFC.
- Managed Potatoes with Gravy: Mashed potatoes with gravy are excellent for pairing with the renowned chicken items on KFC’s menu.
- Tender Roast Slide: A chicken breast marinated and baked with a special sauce is known as a Tender Roast Slide. The dish is not only tasty but also healthy, but if you’re a chicken lover, then you can definitely buy this with your EBT card at participating KFC store locations. The only problem is that it is not so affordable, unlike other food on the KFC menu.
- Hot Wings: One of the most popular items on the KFC menu is hot wings, and the company serves this meal with onion rings and potato wedges. Even though the hot wings are small, you can share them with your friends and family. It is one of the most reasonable and affordable foods for EBT card owners.
- Biscuits: EBT card holders who want to buy something sweet from a company with their tender roast slider chicken can get KFC biscuits and cover the cost with their EBT card.
- Potato Wedge: A potato wedge is a side item, and you can get this food with all the side dishes that have been mentioned above. With an EBT card, it is important to be mindful of the food items that you are buying from KFC since the Restaurant Meals Program will not expand your SNAP benefits.
However, you won’t be able to buy non-food items and promotional merchandise. You can only purchase those foods that you will be able to consume. You would be happy to hear that almost every item sold by KFC is EBT-eligible. Few more items that you can purchase using your EBT card are:
- Beverages
- Chocolate Chip Cakes
- Corn
- Green Beans
- Coleslaw
- Biscuits
- Mac & Cheese
- Gravies etc.
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What Products Are Accepted By EBT?
Following is the list of SNAP eligible food items that you can buy with your EBT card.
- Fruits and vegetables (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- Meat and poultry, like beef, pork, chicken, and other meats
- Milk and dairy products
- Grains and breads, including pasta, cereals, and tortillas
- Snack items that can fulfill the nutritional standards
- Seeds and plants to produce food
- Canned and packaged goods like soups, meals, and veggies
- Non-alcoholic beverages like soft drinks, bottled water, and fruit juices.
What Items Are Restricted on EBT?
Following is the list of food items that you cannot purchase with EBT.
- Cigarettes or tobacco products
- Alcoholic beverages like beer, liquor, wine, etc.
- Hot food
- Vitamins, supplements, and medicines
- Cleaning supplies
- Pet foods
- Hygiene items
- Diapers
- Paper products
- Live animals (except fish and shellfish)
- Cosmetics
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What Other Payment Options Are Accepted by KFC?
There are many payment options that are accepted at KFC, apart from SNAP Benefits or EBT payments. You can use an alternative payment source to pay for your order in case your EBT card runs out of funds. Following is the general accepted payment option:
- E-wallets like Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal
- Gift Card
- Cash
- Debit Card
- Credit Card
Can I Use My EBT Card For Online Delivery With KFC?
Technological advancement has made it easier for humans to order food, clothing, groceries, and many other household items online and get them delivered to their doorstep within a few minutes.
Unfortunately, the option of online food delivery or curbside appeal with your EBT card is not possible at an RMP-approved KFC store location. KFC does not accept EBT cards as a method of payment from food stamp beneficiaries online or with any third-party services. To use your EBT card, you need to visit the KFC store in person and swipe the card at the register.
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Do Other Restaurants Take EBT?
With the rising cost of food in the United States of America, a lot of Americans are relying on SNAP benefits to cover their food costs. SNAP witnessed nearly 41.5 million low-income Americans get enrolled in the initiative in 2021 and purchase eligible food with the EBT card at authorized retail stores.
Those who were unable to find a participating chain in their near location can take a look at the following fast food restaurants that are participating in the Restaurant Meals Program. These are as follows:
Carl’s Jr.
It is a popular fast food chain that accepts EBT in select locations. Their menu comprises different types of burger creations, salads, chicken items, and sides. By accepting the EBT card as a method of payment, Carl’s Jr. helps low-income families and individuals enjoy flavorful meals while getting the flexibility and convenience of using their food stamp benefits.
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Del Taco
Another fast food restaurant that accepts EBT in select locations in Arizona and California is Del Taco. The company sells Mexican-inspired dishes with American classics. You can buy tacos, burritos, fries, burgers, and many other flavorful dishes from this restaurant with the help of your EBT, provided you are living in one of their participating store locations.
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Burger King
One of the largest hamburger chains in the United States of America, after McDonald’s is Burger King. The company has 18,700 store locations in more than 100 countries and accepts EBT cards as a method of payment in California and Arizona.
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McDonald’s
Founded in 1955, McDonald’s is famous for its fast food menu. The restaurant accepts EBT cards in California and Arizona, and provides happy meals to low-income families.
Denny’s
A famous diner-style restaurant in the United States of America that accepts EBT in a few California counties is Denny’s. The chain offers a breakfast menu, lunch and dinner options. By accepting low-income families, individuals get an opportunity to enjoy delicious dishes like omelets, pancakes, sandwiches and burgers at Denny’s.
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Domino’s
Nearly 14,400 Domino’s locations are situated in 85 countries. A lot of counties in Arizona and California accept e-wallets as a method of payment at Domino’s store locations. Domino’s is not only famous for its delicious pizza taste but also for its efficient delivery system and quick service.
Subway
Subway accepts EBT cards in California, Arizona, and Rhode Island. It has a presence in more than 100 countries, with 37,000 store locations, and is famous for its foot-long sandwiches.
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Popeyes
It is a popular fried chicken chain that has existed in Louisiana for more than 50 years and has spread to other states in America. It accepts EBT cards in California and Arizona. The chain also accepts EBT cards in a few counties located in Illinois, including the Island Commission, Virginia, and Rhode Island.
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Taco Bell
Taco Bell is famous among Americans for its Quasi-Mexican cuisine, with more than 7,000 locations. A few locations in California and Arizona accept EBT cards as a method of payment.
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Wendy’s
One of the most popular fast food chains is Wendy’s, which accepts EBT cards only in a handful of California counties. The strength of the company lies in its fresh food and commitment to providing quality ingredients. You can buy chicken sandwiches, burgers, and salads from them.
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El Poco Loco
El Poco Loco operates approximately 500 store locations throughout the United States of America. Only a few Arizona and California counties accept EBT cards. Their menu includes a variety of chicken options, like tacos, grilled chicken burritos, and bowls.
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Jack-In-The-Box
A popular fast food chain that is known for providing diverse menu options to customers is Jack-in-the-Box. They accept EBT as the method of payment and provide great flexibility for EBT recipients. They provide burgers, salads, tacos, chicken, breakfast items, and even late-night services.
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Papa Murphy’s
The popular takeout and bake pizza chain in America that accepts EBT payments in almost all the states is Papa Murphy’s. You can choose a variety of toppings and fresh ingredients to create your own pizza and bake it at home. They also sell hot, customized pizza at reasonable prices and are known for their taste and quality.
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Conclusion
With the popularity of fried chicken, a lot of EBT card holders wonder whether they can use their SNAP benefits at KFC. KFC, being one of the most popular restaurants across the globe, accepts EBT as a method of payment in select Arizona and California counties through the Restaurant Meals Program. Through the Restaurant Meals Program, disadvantaged people like senior citizens, disabled individuals, or homeless people can buy affordable meals at participating KFC locations.
We hope this article has been informative enough to give you all the details you need regarding EBT and KFC. You can learn more about the government grants and financial assistance program at the Get Government Grants’ blog section today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does KFC Accept EBT Food or Cash?
There are some KFC locations that take both EBT Cash and Food. A lot of restaurants in California and Arizona offer food benefits to the low income consumers through the Restaurant Meals Program so they accept EBT Cash as well.
Is EBT In The Drive Thru Accepted By KFC?
Yes, EBT in the drive thru is accepted by KFC. But remember to visit the participating locations or you might end up paying from your own pocket.
In How Many Locations Does KFC Take EBT?
KFC takes EBT in approximately 131 specific locations but the list can expand in the future as there are some states planning to build their own Restaurant Meals Program.