Carl's Jr. does not accept EBT cards at its restaurant locations

Carl's Jr. is a quick-service restaurant chain that does not participate in the SNAP program (formerly called food stamps). This means you cannot use your EBT card to pay for meals at Carl's Jr., whether you're ordering at the counter, drive-through, or using a delivery service. The restaurant does not process EBT payments, and no Carl's Jr. location in any state accepts them.

This applies to all Carl's Jr. restaurants nationwide. If you see a Carl's Jr. location and want to use your EBT card there, you will need to use a different payment method — a debit card, credit card, or cash. The same rule holds true for Hardee's, which is owned by the same parent company and operates under the same payment policies.

Key Takeaways

  • Carl's Jr. does not accept EBT cards at any of its locations in any state.
  • SNAP benefits can only be used at grocery stores, farmers markets, and certain other food retailers — not at restaurants or fast-food chains.
  • Some states run separate restaurant meal programs for elderly, disabled, or homeless individuals, but these are not the same as regular SNAP and have their own card or voucher system.
  • If you need a meal and have an EBT card, look for a grocery store, convenience store, or food pantry instead.

Which restaurants accept EBT, if any

Most fast-food and casual dining restaurants do not accept EBT cards. The SNAP program is designed to help people buy groceries and food to prepare at home, not to pay for prepared meals. This includes McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's, Taco Bell, Chipotle, Subway, and nearly every other chain restaurant you can name.

The only exception is a small number of states that run a Restaurant Meals Program for people who are elderly, disabled, or homeless. These states include Arizona, California, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Even in these states, only certain restaurants participate — usually small, independent establishments — and you need to meet specific requirements to use the program. You would receive a separate card or voucher, not your regular EBT card.

If you live in one of these states and think you might may have access to, contact your state's SNAP office to ask whether the Restaurant Meals Program is available to you and which restaurants near you accept it.

What you can buy with your EBT card instead

Your EBT card works at grocery stores, supermarkets, farmers markets, and food co-ops. You can use it to buy fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, bread, cereal, canned goods, frozen foods, and other groceries. You cannot use it for hot or prepared foods, alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, pet food, or non-food items like soap or paper towels.

Some convenience stores and smaller retailers also accept EBT, though their selection is usually limited to basic items. If you're not sure whether a store accepts EBT, look for the SNAP logo on the door or window, or ask a cashier. You can also search for nearby retailers on the USDA's SNAP store locator at fns.usda.gov.

How to find food information beyond EBT

If you need a meal right now and don't have money for groceries, there are other resources. Food banks and food pantries give out free groceries and prepared meals to anyone who needs them, with no income requirement at many locations. You can find one near you by calling 211 or searching findhelp.org.

Some communities also run soup kitchens, community meals, or meal programs through churches, nonprofits, or local government. These serve free or low-cost meals on a regular schedule. Your local social services office or 211 can tell you what's available in your area and when meals are served.

Why restaurants don't accept SNAP

SNAP is a federal program designed to reduce food insecurity by helping people buy groceries. The program assumes that people will prepare meals at home, which is typically less expensive than eating at restaurants. Restaurants are considered a luxury expense, not a necessity, so they don't participate in SNAP.

This rule applies equally to all restaurants, from fast-food chains to fine dining. The only time a restaurant can accept SNAP is if it is part of a state's Restaurant Meals Program, which has strict rules about which restaurants may have access to and who can use the benefit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my EBT card at a Carl's Jr. drive-through?

No. Carl's Jr. does not accept EBT at the drive-through, counter, or any other ordering method. You will need to use cash, a debit card, or a credit card instead.

What if I order Carl's Jr. through a delivery app like DoorDash or Uber Eats?

Delivery apps do not accept EBT cards as payment. Even if the restaurant itself accepted EBT, the delivery service would not process it. You would need to pay with a debit or credit card.

Do any fast-food chains accept EBT?

No major fast-food chains accept EBT. In a few states with a Restaurant Meals Program, some small independent restaurants may accept it, but chains like McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's, and Taco Bell do not. Check with your state's SNAP office to see if your state has a Restaurant Meals Program.

Can I use my EBT card to buy a gift card at Carl's Jr.?

No. EBT cards cannot be used to buy gift cards at any restaurant. Gift cards are not considered food, so they don't may have access to as a SNAP purchase.

What should I do if I'm hungry and don't have money?

Call 211 or visit findhelp.org to find food banks, food pantries, and community meal programs near you. These services are free and available to anyone who needs food, regardless of income. You can also contact your local social services office to ask about SNAP or other food information programs.