Does Subway Take EBT In 2024? (All You Need To Know)

It can be confusing to know whether you can use your electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card at major fast food chains like Subway. I‘m here to provide clarity on Subway‘s EBT policies this year.

The Complexity of EBT Use at Restaurants

First, it helps to understand why EBT acceptance policies can be so complicated at major chains.

• EBT is meant for groceries. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides EBT benefits to buy unprepared grocery items for home cooking. Not hot, ready-to-eat foods.

• But some states allow exceptions. A handful of states realized this grocery-only policy was a challenge for certain groups like the elderly and disabled. So they created Restaurant Meals Programs to allow EBT use at select eateries.

This means EBT policies vary widely between states and even between counties. Some Subways take EBT, many don‘t. It all depends on local participation in Restaurant Meals Programs.

The Short Answer: Sometimes, With Limits

The short answer is some Subway locations accept EBT payments, but with strict limits:

• Subway only takes EBT in states with Restaurant Meals Programs
• Not every Subway participates, even in eligible states
• You must qualify for Restaurant Meals Program exceptions to use EBT

So EBT acceptance is limited based on your location and individual circumstances. Keep reading for more details.

Which States Allow EBT Use at Subway?

As of January 2023, just 7 states have active Restaurant Meals Programs that could allow EBT cards to be used at some Subway locations:

• California
• Arizona
• Rhode Island
• Florida
• Illinois
• Michigan
• Virginia

That means Subways in the other 43 states do not accept EBT under any conditions.

Even within the 7 states above, EBT acceptance varies because not every Subway participates.

Subway‘s Sparse Participation

Nationwide, only 1% of Subway locations take EBT payments.

Why so few?

• Subway is a franchise model. So adoption of EBT is up to each franchise owner.
• Many owners opt out due to perceived hassles or costs of an EBT system.
• Corporate Subway does little to encourage EBT adoption.

In contrast, top chains like McDonald‘s and Starbucks have nearly 100% EBT adoption in states with Restaurant Meals Programs. They mandate franchisee participation.

The table below shows EBT adoption rates at major chains:

So while select Subways take EBT, it‘s far less common compared to other major chains.

Do You Qualify to Use EBT at Subway?

Even if you find a Subway that takes EBT in your state, you must still qualify for Restaurant Meals Program exceptions. These programs are for specific populations, not all EBT recipients.

You must be:

• Elderly (60+ years)
• Disabled
• Homeless

And have no reasonable access to prepare your own meals. These exceptions acknowledge potential limitations using EBT solely at grocery stores.

Families and other EBT recipients still cannot use benefits at Subway. Restaurant Meals Programs are only for the groups above.

How to Find Subways Accepting EBT

If you qualify for Restaurant Meals Programs, here are tips to locate nearby Subways that accept EBT:

• Look for signage – Participating locations will have "EBT Accepted Here" window decals
• Check state agency lists – They provide up-to-date databases of EBT-approved eateries
• Call ahead – Contact your local Subways to ask if they participate

Don‘t assume EBT will be accepted at any Subway, even in eligible states. Always double check.

The Bottom Line

While some Subway locations in a handful of states accept EBT payments, it is far from standard practice. EBT use is only allowed under specific Restaurant Meals Programs applying to certain groups.

I hope this breakdown demystifies the inconsistent and complicated EBT policies you‘ll encounter at major chains like Subway. Let me know if you have any other EBT questions!