Yes, select Carl's Jr. locations accept EBT payments. However, this is not a nationwide policy. Acceptance is limited to participating restaurants in Arizona and California through the state-run Restaurant Meals Program (RMP), which allows certain SNAP recipients to buy prepared meals.

Only 166 Carl's Jr. restaurants in the country are set up for EBT. In Arizona, participating locations are found in cities like Phoenix, Tucson, and Mesa. California also has participating restaurants under its CalFresh Restaurant Meals Program.

How To Use EBT At Carl's Jr.

You can use your EBT card for dine-in and takeout orders at approved Carl's Jr. locations. EBT payments are not accepted for online orders through the Carl's Jr. website or delivery apps. Curbside pickup is also not an option for EBT payment.

To find a participating restaurant, you can check the official store locator and call ahead to confirm. Participating locations often display a sign with a "Fork & Knife" logo or text indicating they are part of the SNAP Restaurant Meals Program.

How To Pay With Your EBT Card

When paying with your EBT card at a participating Carl's Jr., here are a few things to keep in mind to make your transaction go smoothly:

• When you swipe your card, the transaction should not include sales tax or tips. Your receipt will show your remaining SNAP balance.

• Since EBT only covers eligible food items, you should bring a separate payment method for any non-food purchases or to cover the rest of your bill if your SNAP funds are low.

• Store policies on splitting payments can vary. Some locations may not allow you to pay with both EBT and another card in the same transaction, so it's best to be prepared.

What Is The RMP And Who's Eligible

The Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) is a state-level SNAP option. It lets you buy ready-to-eat meals at approved restaurants using your EBT benefits if you cannot easily store, prepare, or cook your own food.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify, all members of your household must be either 60 or older, permanently disabled, or experiencing homelessness. Spouses of eligible individuals are also covered under this program.

Your eligibility is coded directly onto your EBT card. When you use your card, the system checks for this flag. If your household is not approved for the RMP, the transaction will be declined.

Participating States

The RMP is not available in every state. As of mid-2025, the program is active in the following states, though restaurant participation can vary within each one.

• Arizona

• California

• Illinois

• Maryland

• Massachusetts

• Michigan

• New York

• Rhode Island

• Virginia

You can find approved restaurants using the USDA's SNAP Retailer Locator. Remember that restaurants must apply through their state agency and the USDA to be part of the program, so availability can change.

What Can You Buy With An EBT Card At Carl's Jr.?

At participating Carl's Jr. locations, you can use your EBT card to purchase a variety of hot, prepared meals. This includes many of their classic menu items and combo meals.

• Burgers and Sandwiches: You can purchase classic cheeseburgers and signature items like the Western Bacon Cheeseburger or the Famous Star.

• Chicken Items: Options include their popular Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders, various chicken sandwiches, and their unique star-shaped chicken nuggets.

• Sides and Beverages: Your EBT card covers sides like french fries and non-alcoholic drinks such as sodas to complete your meal.

• Breakfast Foods: Hot prepared breakfast items are also eligible for purchase where available.

• Combo Meals: You can buy complete combination meals that bundle eligible food items together.

Why Isn’t EBT Accepted at More Carl's Jr. Locations?

The main reason for limited EBT acceptance is that Carl's Jr. can only participate through the state-run Restaurant Meals Program (RMP). This program isn't active in every state, creating immediate geographic restrictions. Even where the RMP is available, eligibility is strict—you must typically be elderly, disabled, or homeless. This significantly narrows the potential customer base for restaurants considering the program.

Additionally, since most Carl's Jr. locations are franchises, each owner decides whether to join the RMP. Without strong incentives, many may opt out. There are also logistical hurdles. Supporting EBT requires programming the point-of-sale (POS) system to process transactions correctly with a USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) account number, which is a technical step for individual restaurants.