Carl's Jr. accepts EBT cards at some locations through the state-run Restaurant Meals Program (RMP). This is not a nationwide policy. Currently, participating restaurants are only found in Arizona and California, with 166 outlets accepting EBT in total.

Where You Can Use EBT At Carl's Jr.

You can use your EBT card for in-restaurant dining and takeout orders at participating locations. EBT payments are not accepted for online orders through the Carl's Jr. website or any third-party delivery apps.

Participating Carl's Jr. restaurants are in Arizona and California. In Arizona, numerous cities have participating locations, including Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, and Glendale.

Before visiting, you can confirm a location’s participation by calling them directly. You can also look for an official RMP sign on the door, which might feature a "Fork & Knife" logo. Use the official store locator to find contact information.

How To Pay With EBT At Carl's Jr.

Paying with your EBT card at a participating Carl's Jr. is a simple process. Just keep a few things in mind to help your transaction go smoothly at the counter.

• Simply swipe your card at checkout. Your purchase should not include sales tax or tips, and you will receive a receipt showing your remaining card balance.

• You will need another payment method for any SNAP-ineligible items. Some locations allow you to split the payment, but this policy can vary by store.

What Is The RMP And Who's Eligible

The Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) is a state option for SNAP. It allows certain recipients to buy prepared meals at approved restaurants with their EBT card. This is for those who may have difficulty storing or cooking their own food.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify, your entire household must meet specific criteria. You must be 60 or older, have a permanent disability, or be experiencing homelessness. Spouses of eligible individuals also qualify. Your eligibility is coded directly onto your EBT card for automatic verification at checkout.

Participating States

The RMP is not available nationwide. It is a state-run program, and participation varies. As of mid-2025, the following states have an active Restaurant Meals Program in place for eligible residents.

• Arizona

• California

• Illinois

• Maryland

• Massachusetts

• Michigan

• New York

• Rhode Island

• Virginia

You can find approved restaurants in your area by using the official SNAP Retailer Locator. Remember that your regular SNAP benefits are used for these meals, as no extra funds are provided for the program.

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

You can use your EBT card to purchase a variety of hot, prepared meals at Carl's Jr. This includes many of the restaurant's signature items and classic fast-food favorites.

• Burgers and Sandwiches: Enjoy a range of options from classic cheeseburgers to the famous Western Bacon Cheeseburger, known for its smoky, savory flavor.

• Chicken Items: Choose from various chicken products, including popular Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders, chicken sandwiches, and the brand's star-shaped Chicken Stars.

• Side Items: Your EBT card covers prepared sides like french fries that accompany your meal.

• Beverages: Non-alcoholic drinks such as sodas are eligible for purchase.

• Breakfast Foods: You can also purchase hot prepared breakfast items where available.

• Combo Meals: Complete meal combos are covered as long as they contain eligible food items.

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

The limited acceptance of EBT at Carl's Jr. is largely due to the structure of the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP). The RMP is a state-run option, not a nationwide mandate, so restaurants can only participate in states that have adopted the program. Furthermore, eligibility is tightly restricted to specific groups, such as the elderly, disabled, or homeless, which significantly narrows the potential customer base.

Since most Carl's Jr. locations are independently owned franchises, the decision to join the RMP falls to each owner. With a limited number of eligible customers in any given area, many franchisees may decide against it. Adopting EBT also involves logistical hurdles, like reprogramming payment systems to handle SNAP transactions, which can be a deterrent without a clear financial incentive.