William Lipovsky
Short Answer — McDonald’s only accepts EBT at select locations in Arizona, Michigan, and California. You must participate in a Restaurant Meals Program to use EBT at these locations.
Does McDonald’s Accept EBT?
McDonald’s doesn’t accept EBT/food stamps at most locations. However, a few McDonald’s restaurants in Arizona, Michigan, and California accept EBT as a part of the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP).[1][2][3]
The RMP allows some Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients to buy meals at individual, participating restaurant locations.
States can extend their SNAP programs to include the RMP, but relatively few states do so. To qualify for RMP benefits, you must be either elderly, disabled, or homeless.[4][5]
See our related research for more information on what you can and can’t buy with your EBT card.
We confirmed this information with the Arizona Department of Economic Security and CalFresh benefits agencies in Los Angeles, Riverside, San Diego, and San Luis Obispo counties.
See the CA EBT Locator, MI RMP Restaurant List, or Arizona Restaurants/Retailers list to determine whether a McDonald’s in your area takes EBT or to see the complete list of participating restaurants.
Other Places That Take EBT
While only select McDonald’s locations in California, Michigan, and Arizona take EBT, these aren’t the only states with Restaurant Meals Programs.
For more information about RMPs, including which states have one, see our dedicated research on fast food that takes EBT.
If your state’s SNAP program doesn’t allow restaurant meals, find other places where you can use your card in our list of stores that accept EBT.
