Does Chipotle Take EBT? (Payment Methods + Other FAQs)
EBT is famous for providing food via Govt. assistance for needy people. People are getting EBT benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as the Food Stamp program. If you are eligible to use EBT and considering getting Chipotle, you may be surprised if you can use an EBT card to purchase Chipotle. So, does Chipotle take EBT as a form of payment method? Learn more about the subject by reading on.
What Is EBT?
EBT or Electronic Benefits Transfer is a payment method that works like a credit or debit card. But, EBT cards are only for those who are experiencing financial difficulties. Cardholders must need a preloaded amount to purchase anything such as:
- Food items
- Dairy products
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Bread and cereals
- Fruits and vegetables
- Snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages
- Seeds and plant food
Does Chipotle Take EBT In 2022?
Unfortunately, Chipotle does not take EBT, as the food is considered a hot or prepared food item. The SNAP program doesn’t cover this in 2022. While some states have EBT recipients Restaurant Meals Program at specific restaurants. In those states, Chipotle does not accept EBT. After checking SNAP-approved retailer information and contacts with the Chipotle location, we decided to share the news.
Don’t be sad, you can pay for Chipotle with Paypal, Cash, Debit, Credit, Gift cards, Venmo, Android Pay, and Apple pay. Continue reading to know about Chipotle and EBT, the reason behind it’s not available or where you order any food with EBT cards, and many more.
Why Doesn’t Chipotle Take EBT?
The Chipotle retailer can’t reveal the official reason why it doesn’t accept EBT cards. We assumed and hunted the internet to find the hidden information. According to Federal Law, EBT can’t be used to buy any hot or prepared food. So, each location of the Chipotle retailer can’t provide food by accepting EBT payment methods.
However, there is a national program called Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) to expand SNAP and EBT benefits and cover all types of hot-cooked food. Restaurant Meals are mostly used in cities like Arizona and California.
Learn More: Does Jamba Juice Accept EBT? (All You Need to Know)
Does Chipotle Qualify for the RMP?
Chipotle food stores don’t qualify for RMP or even accept EBT. To qualify for RMP, a restaurant must meet the following rules.
- Food restaurants must execute an MOU with the applicable state authorities in a state that qualifies for the RMP and go through a two-step application process that includes:
- Ask the USDA for permission to enroll as a food retailer in the Food Assistance Program.
- There must be dining options on the premises of the restaurant.
- People with disabilities must have complete access to the restaurant.
- Restaurants should follow all rules-regulations
- The restaurant must offer inexpensive dishes.
- Restaurants also need the Point-Of-Sale section for usage by qualified customers.
What Other Payment Options Does Chipotle Restaurants Accept?
Without EBT, you can use several payment methods on Chipotle restaurants such as:
- Paypal
- Cash
- Debit Card
- Credit Card
- Gift cards
- Venmo
- Android Pay
- Apple pay
You can also technically sell EBT for Cash then you can buy Chipotle easily at any location. But, most restaurants don’t allow this tactic because it’s the opposite of policy. It is also treated as a fraud and illegal try. We are just providing this for an informational purpose.
What Fast Food Places Take EBT
You can only use EBT cards at approved restaurants in particular states. Make sure those restaurants are participants of the Restaurant Meals Program. Here is a complete list of fast food places and fast food restaurants that accept EBT.
Fast Food Places
- Arizona
- California
- Illinois
- Maryland
- Michigan
- Rhode Island
Fast Food Restaurants
- Burger King
- Carl’s Jr.
- Church’s Chicken
- Cicis Pizza
- Dairy Queen
- Del Taco
- Denny’s
- Domino’s
- Eegee’s
- El Pollo Loco
- Fatburger
- Firehouse Subs
- Hungry Howie’s
- Jack In The Box
- KFC
- Krispy Krunchy Chicken
- Little Caesars Pizza
- McDonald’s
- Papa John’s
- Papa Murphy’s
- Pizza Hut
- Popeyes
- Quiznos
- Rally’s
- Subway
- Taco Bell
- Wendy’s
- Wingstop
Conclusion
If you again question me Does Chipotle Take EBT? My answer will be the same, Chipotle does not take EBT because this food doesn’t suit SNAP or EBT rules. You know Chipotle is a hot or prepared food item that is highly prohibited from getting the benefits of SNAP. Other hot food restaurants like Postmates, Doordash, and UberEats also can’t take EBT. Since EBT is a type of payment method, you can use other services like Kroger, Publix, Amazon, or Walmart with EBT Card. EBT Card won’t charge for limited food items.