Money Shopping

Does Starbucks Take EBT?

We're putting together an editorial staff that reflects our broad audience and their various financial circumstances. We value and encourage the experiences and perspectives that help us connect with our readers, answer their questions, and win their trust. Please read our disclosure for more information.
Updated on March 8, 2024 by
Does Starbucks Take EBT?

CommonCentsMom.com is advertiser-supported: we may earn compensation from the products and offers mentioned in this article. However, any expressed opinions are our own and aren't influenced by compensation. The contents of the CommonCentsMom.com website, such as text, graphics, images, and other material contained on this site (“Content”) are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional financial or legal advice. Always seek the advice of your Financial Advisor, CPA and Lawyer with any questions you may have regarding your situation. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website!

Starbucks is a well-known brand that sells various kinds of coffee. Once, you can only use cash transactions; however, there are now other ways you can make purchases, including using your credit card or other payment options.

If you’re looking for more information about does Starbucks accept EBT, read on!

Starbucks does not accept EBT cards at their stores. Starbucks stores and kiosks are often found inside grocery stores or in other places where there are food sections. These Starbucks locations accept EBT cards, but they may not accept all benefits. There are some restrictions to what you can purchase with an EBT card.

Some Starbucks locations will accept EBT, but it’s important to know that this varies based on where you are. If you want to buy drinks with your SNAP card at a Starbucks, you need to call ahead to confirm their availability.

What Are SNAP and EBT?

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) is a federal service that helps low-income families, individuals, and those with disabilities ensure they have access to the food (nutrition) they need to stay healthy. SNAP was previously known as the Food Stamp Program.

EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) is the method used by SNAP to distribute funds to people who qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Each month, the government sends out funds to qualifying individuals and families.

The funds are put into their accounts and then SNAP participants can access these funds through a plastic card that looks like a credit or debit card. These cards have a magnetic strip on the back, similar to a debit or credit card. The cards can then be used in retailers who qualify for the SNAP program.

Can I Use My EBT Card at Restaurants?

The answer depends on the state you live in. Some states run a program called the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP), which allows some SNAP beneficiaries to buy prepared meals at restaurants using their EBT benefits.

The RMP program is only available to those who are 60 or older, disabled, and receive disability benefits. It’s also available to the spouse of an SNAP beneficiary who is eligible for RMP.

Restaurants that participate in this program must be authorized by the state and FNS in order to accept EBT.

How Can I Get an EBT Card?

To obtain an EBT card, you must be eligible for the SNAP program, which requires that you:

  • You must be a legal resident of the US
  • Fall within the poverty line

This is determined by the size of your household and the amount of monthly income you have. All you need to do to apply is go through your state’s assistance office.

If you’re eligible, you’ll become part of the SNAP program and receive an EBT card in the mail. The card is loaded with funds each month. You’ll receive the same amount of benefits each month.

How to Pay with EBT in Starbucks?

Here’s how to use your SNAP benefits at Starbucks. First, call or visit a Starbucks store that accepts EBT cards, such as a Target or Safeway. Ask the store manager if they accept EBT at the Starbucks location. After you make your purchase, go to your local Starbucks and use your benefits card to pay for your purchases. Then, go to the cash register and select SNAP as your payment method. After you have purchased your food and drinks, you will need to enter your SNAP card PIN in order to make a payment.

Does Starbucks Take EBT?

If you have a SNAP card, you can only buy cold drinks — not even hot drinks! You will not be able to buy hot drinks with your SNAP card — only cold drinks will work!

EBT cards can be used to buy iced coffee from licensed Starbucks stores, or other drinks such as soft drinks and energy drinks. But you won’t be able to buy any hot food with this benefit — so make sure to ask before you order!

EBT cards only allow you to buy food items that are intended to be eaten at home. EBT benefits aren’t allowed to be used at restaurants or other businesses that sell drinks or other hot food as part of their business model.

It says that deli food and other prepared food are not eligible for buying using an EBT card.

The United States Department of Agriculture has listed qualifying and non-qualifying things you can purchase with your EBT card, including frozen, freshm or canned poultry, food for household use, such as fruits, vegetables, meat, snack foods such as chips or popcorns, cereals and bread, and products derived from milk.

Starbucks won’t accept card payments made using your government-issued EBT card. Starbucks doesn’t accept EBT cards unless they’re in one of the retail stores that accept EBT cards, like Walmart or Target. EBT cards are accepted at Starbucks with some restrictions, but you can always make sure of it by asking the people working there.

(Visited 662 times, 3 visits today)

🏔 Read Next 🏔

Best Side Hustles of 2023

The 27 highest paying side hustles you can start today.

View article ➞

The Common Cents Mom Newsletter

Join thousands of curious consumers getting the inside scoop.