Does Subway Accept EBT in California? (All You Need to Know!)

Do you know if Subway accepts EBT in California? Well, you are at the perfect place to find the answer to such a question.

If you’re craving a fresh sandwich from Subway, here’s what you need to know about paying for it with your EBT card.

Select California Subway restaurants will allow customers to pay with EBT. California participates in the Restaurant Meals Program, a requirement for Subway to accept EBT payments.

In this article, we will address what other states accept EBT at Subway as well as the other fast food places and restaurants in California that accept EBT and how to use EBT at Subway.

Additionally, we will cover what you can buy at Subway with EBT and what California locations participate.

Table of Contents

What States Accept EBT at Subway?

As of now, Subway will accept EBT payments only in states that are a part of the Restaurant Meals Program. These states include Rhode Island, California, and Arizona.

This special program allows individuals who receive SNAP or food stamps to buy premade meals from Subway instead of just food from the grocery store.

The Program recognizes that some individuals may not only need help financially but also with the preparation of the meal which is why Subway chooses to participate in this endeavor.

To qualify for using your EBT at a Subway location in one of these states you must be disabled, older than sixty, homeless, or the spouse of an eligible Program recipient.

Are There Other Restaurants Places in California That Accept EBT?

There are many fast food companies that accept EBT in California. Chain fast food restaurants such as Arby’s, Burger King, Del Taco, Carl’s Jr, Jack in the Box, KFC, McDonald’s, and Wendy’s all accept EBT as payment.

There are a lot of other restaurants in participating counties in California that also accept EBT for payment.

Pizza places such as Domino’s and Pizza Hut as well as sit-down restaurants will allow you to pay with your EBT card as long as they participate in the Restaurant Meals Program. Always call ahead to a specific restaurant before assuming that they take EBT.

Even chain restaurants that accept EBT in one location may not accept them in another location so be sure to check with the designated location you plan on visiting before you place your order.

How Do You Use Your EBT at Subway?

Using your EBT card to pay for your Subway meal is just like using it at any of the grocery stores you would normally visit.

Make sure the items you wish to purchase are eligible for EBT payment and that you have enough funds in your account to purchase your meal.

Order your meal and swipe or EBT card at the checkout when prompted to pay. You will need to input your PIN number to complete the transaction. When you receive your receipt, it should reflect the current balance of available funds in your account.

Always check with a Subway associate or look for the sticker in the window to make sure that the location accepts EBT before creating your order.

What Can You Buy at Subway with EBT?

Currently, Subway allows you to purchase almost everything on their menu with your EBT card. The specific products eligible for EBT purchase include red meat, pork, chicken, turkey, fruits, vegetables, bread, dairy products, salads, cold sandwiches, chips, crackers, desserts, and energy and soft drinks.

You can even purchase a customized Subway sandwich as long as it falls within the parameters of eligibility for EBT payments. The only way your Subway order is eligible for EBT payment is if it is made in the store itself.

If you choose to order online, call ahead, or use the Subway app, you cannot use your EBT card as payment.

With all of the choices Subway offers, you can easily make a full meal that can be completely paid for by EBT. Some Subway locations may not allow you to purchase hot sandwiches so check with the management at the location you plan to visit before making your order.

Can You Use EBT at All California Subway Locations?

Although Arizona offers EBT payment at every Subway location across the state, California does not. Only certain Subway locations in California will take EBT as payment so be sure to call ahead before planning on using your EBT card.

Luckily, some of the more populated counties in California are the ones that do allow EBT payments at Subway. These include Riverside, Santa Clara, Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, and Alameda.

There are a few more counties that may also accept EBT at Subway so if your county is not listed, it’s always a good idea to call ahead and check anyway.

All participating Subway locations should also have a sticker on the front window to indicate that it accepts EBT payments.

Conclusion

Select Subway locations in California will accept EBT payments for a prepared meal. Most items on the Subway menu are eligible for purchase via EBT card but must be ordered and paid for in the store.

Arizona and Rhode Island are the only other states that also have Subway locations participating in the Restaurant Meals Program to accept EBT.

There are also over a hundred other restaurants and fast food places in California that accept EBT payments.

Always call ahead to a specific location to make sure they accept EBT before planning to purchase your meal because not all locations may participate.

References

https://icaliforniafoodstamps.com/restaurants-that-take-ebt-in-california/