Does Starbucks Accept EBT Food Stamps? Maindeli Steakhouse (2024)

EBT Food Stamps, now known more commonly as EBT card is usually not accepted at dedicated, corporate branches of Starbucks, however, it is accepted at those branches of Starbucks which are located inside a grocery store or a retail store.

Starbucks has a huge base of customers across the US, and to make sure that they have a smooth billing experience, the coffee chain accepts payments from innumerable payment modes including credit/debit cards.

Apple Pay, Android Pay, Amazon Pay, eGift Cards, and many more. However, when it comes to EBT cards or EBT Food Stamps, consumers might get confused about whether their favorite coffee chain accepts it or not.

To get a clear idea, let’s first explore what it is and how and where can it be used.

What is an EBT Card and How to Use It?

Electronic Benefits Transfer Card or EBT Food Stamp is an electronic redemption mechanism issued to those who are registered in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

When they buy food at the accepted retail stores, the EBT card can be redeemed and they won’t have to pay for the purchase, rather the store will be reimbursed from the EBT card.

This card works very much like a credit or debit card. At the Point of Sale, you simply need to swipe your card and enter your PIN.

Now enter the amount you want to be paid through EBT card and press OK. Your transaction will be processed and you’ll get a receipt.

Does Starbucks Accept EBT?

The dedicated Starbucks stores do not accept EBT cards, however, if the Starbucks store is located inside a retail store that accepts EBT cards, you can pay through an EBT Card.

However, it is always advisable to call ahead and make sure that the particular Starbucks outlet accepts payments through SNAP EBT card.

This will save you from an unwanted hiccup and embarrassment while making payment for your order.

How To Use EBT Card Starbucks?

Using your EBT card at Starbucks is the same as using a debit card. Once you’ve made sure that the particular Starbucks store accepts EBT Card payments, here is a step-by-step guide on how to make payment using one;

• Go to the payment register and swipe your card in the card machine.
• You’ll be asked to provide your private PIN.
• Once you’ve entered the PIN, enter the amount that you want to pay through your SNAP EBT Card.
• If you want to make full payment through EBT, there will be just one transaction, but if you’ve also bought some items that aren’t covered by EBT Card, there will be two transactions as you’ll enter the amount for only the eligible items.
• After entering the amount, press OK and the transaction will be completed.
• You will get a receipt for the payment mentioning the amount you paid and the remaining balance in your EBT Card.

Can You Use EBT at Starbucks in Target?

Yes, you can use your EBT card at a Starbucks store located inside Target. Since Target accepts payments through EBT cards across the country, and Starbucks located in Target is typically a non-corporate store, you can use your EBT Card to make payments at Starbucks for the eligible items.

There are several grocery stores that are licensed to accept SNAP EBT cards and Target is one of them. Irrespective of which state it is located in, Target accepts payments through EBT Card all over the US and so do the Starbucks located in Target stores.

Which Starbucks Take EBT?

Typically, all those Starbucks stores that are licensed stores and not the corporate ones i.e. are located inside a grocery store that accepts EBT, should accept EBT card payments.

For example, when a Starbucks is located inside a Target store, it is a licensed Starbucks and it should accept EBT as a mode of payment.

Similarly, there are other stores across the country that house Starbucks and they usually accept payment through EBT card. Some of the common stores where Starbucks accepts EBT irrespective of the state are as under;

• Target
• Albertsons
• Walmart
• Safeway
• Kroger
• Fred Meyer and other stores where EBT is accepted.

however, it is still recommended that you confirm with the particular Starbucks before heading to it. To do that, use their store locator from the app or website.

Find a store that is located in any of the above-mentioned retail stores and give them a call to find out about their SNAP policy. If they don’t accept EBT, look for another store located in another retail store from the list.

What Can You Buy with EBT on Restaurants?

According to USDA’s policy, you cannot buy those items using EBT Cards which are served hot.

This means, that if you are at a licensed Starbucks, for example, you can only buy either cold coffee or similar iced or cold beverages. Here is a list of some things you can buy using EBT:

• Shakes and smoothies
• Ice creams
• Coffee beans and coffee ground
• Fruits and vegetables
• Flour, pulses, and other grocery items
• Meat and poultry
• Dairy items
• Bread
• Sandwiches

What Cannot Buy With Ebt Cards?

USDA prohibits using EBT for purchasing those items at restaurants that are served hot, for example,

• Hot coffee
• Tea
• Rotisserie chicken, etc.

Besides, there are a few other things that cannot be bought with EBT cards including,

• Alcoholic beverages
• Vitamin supplements
• Medicines
• Cigarettes

There are, at the moment, only 6 states where you can also buy hot, cooked food using a special Restaurant Meals Program through your EBT card.

This program is specifically for those EBT Cardholders who cannot cook at home for example, the elderly, sick, or homeless.

The RMP program is functional only in some restaurants in Arizona, California, Rhode Island, Maryland, Illinois, and Michigan. However, Starbucks doesn’t accept EBT for RMP anywhere.

What Forms of Payment Does Starbucks Accept?

When it comes to accepted payment methods, Starbucks provides a wide range of options to its customers, ensuring that they have a smooth and convenient billing experience. Starbucks accepts payments through

• Major credit and debit cards
• Mastercard
• Visa Cards,
• American Express Cards
• PayPal
• Apple Pay
• Android Pay
• Discover Credit Cards
• eGift cards
• and many others.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

For those who have registered for SNAP, the EBT card can be very handy as it lets them purchase food every month for a stipulated amount without paying for it, and the retail store is reimbursed by USDA instead.

However, since Starbucks doesn’t qualify as a necessities-based store, and is instead a luxury, they do not support EBT at their corporate stores.

However, those Starbucks which are located in retail stores, generally do accept EBT but the purchases are restricted to those items only that are not served hot.