Does Chipotle Take EBT Payment System?
A lot of restaurants take Electronic Benefits Transfer cards (EBT) but does Chipotle take EBT? For all those wondering the same question, the answer is no.
An EBT card is a useful means to buy groceries and certain food items. People who are eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can use an EBT card to shop for items listed.
You can use the EBT card in any store, restaurant, or market that takes part in SNAP or if you’re in a state that has the RMP (details mentioned later).
You can buy plenty of stuff such as meat, poultry, fish, veggies, fruits, snack foods, dairy products, non-alcoholic drinks, plants and seeds, and cold food.
While Chipotle doesn’t take EBT, you can use other payment methods to pay for your favorite food.
Does Chipotle Take EBT in California?
EBT is a great option for everyone struggling with finances as it helps to pay for various food and grocery items.
However, Chipotle is one of those restaurants that don’t accept EBT anywhere in the country.
Many restaurants and stores take EBT in California but unfortunately, Chipotle isn’t one of them.
The main reason for Chipotle not accepting EBT is because SNAP doesn’t list hot foods as eligible for the program.
But as mentioned earlier, you don’t have to be sad because several other restaurants accept the card and you can shop for many items in those places.
What Restaurants Accept EBT Near Me?
SNAP benefits are eligible only for cold foods so you can’t use EBT in most fast-food stores.
However, with the launch of the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP), by some states, SNAP benefits eligible citizens can use EBT in some restaurants.
However, only nine states have introduced the RMP till now including Arizona, California, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Massachusetts, New York, Virginia, and Rhode Island.
Several other states have also declared their plans to launch RMP soon.
Currently, if you reside in one of the nine states, you can use EBT in several restaurants. The following are some of the popular restaurants that accept EBT via the RMP.
- Taco Bell
- Subway
- KFC
- Pizza Hut
- Burger King
- Jack In The Box
- Domino’s Pizza
- Papa John’s Pizza
- Wendy’s
- Popeye’s
- Papa Murphy’s
- Great Steaks
- Denny’s
However, it’s to be noted that only two restaurants accept EBT in Rhode Island so the choices are limited. Many other restaurants accept EBT in all the states mentioned.
How To Find Alternative To Chipotle If EBT is Not Accepted?
So, you’re eligible for SNAP benefits have an EBT card to use, and want to purchase food from Chipotle.
But then you find out that Chipotle doesn’t take EBT. What can you do next as you don’t wish for your card to go to waste?
The answer is very simple. You just need to find an alternative to Chipotle to use your EBT card. The good news?
A whole lot of restaurants accept it as they participate in the RMP. Here are a few steps to find an alternative to Chipotle.
- Step 1: You can visit the official website of the US government to check the list of stores and restaurants that participate in SNAP and RMP.
- Step 2: You can call a local restaurant and ask if they accept EBT.
- Step 3: You can also check the signboard of a restaurant to see if they take EBT. It’ll have a fork and spoon logo in green and white.
- Step 4: If you have a smartphone, you can Google search for restaurants that accept EBT in your area.
What Can You Buy with An EBT Card At Chipotle?
Do you like Chipotle items and are wondering what to buy? If yes then by now you already know that Chipotle doesn’t accept EBT in any of their participating restaurants.
It can be a sad thing if you like Chipotle and can use only EBT to buy your favorites. But many other restaurants accept EBT as mentioned above.
So, you can use the EBT to buy food from one of these places. Not all restaurants mentioned on the list take EBT in all the states, however.
For example, Burger King accepts EBT only in Arizona and California, two of the first three states (Rhode Island is the third state) that launched the RMP.
Are There Any Restrictions With EBT Card At Chipotle?
Unfortunately, Chipotle doesn’t accept EBT in their participating locations because their food is ineligible under SNAPS. If the restaurant participates in the RMP then it may accept EBT.
However, even if Chipotle took EBT, you won’t be able to purchase all the food items on their menu. Since only cold foods are eligible, you’ll have limited choice.
But it’s for sure that your EBT card will never go to waste as you can use it in so many restaurants and retail stores.
At the same time, if you’re a fan of Chipotle’s menu then the restaurant accepts many other payment methods. S
So, you can use one of them such as Apple Pay, debit/credit card, cash, gift cards, Samsung Pay, Google Pay, prepaid cards, and more.
Final Thoughts
Chipotle doesn’t accept EBT but there are several payment methods you can use to pay for food at the restaurant.
Besides, you can use EBT in the restaurants mentioned above located in the nine states. So, your EBT card will not go to waste.
However, not all the items available at the restaurants are eligible for EBT so be sure to check the list of eligible foods when planning to buy from one of the restaurants.