Yes, some Subway locations accept EBT payments. However, this is only possible in states with a Restaurant Meals Program (RMP), and not every restaurant in these states participates. Currently, you can find participating Subways in Arizona, California, Michigan, and Rhode Island.

How To Use EBT At Subway

You can only use your EBT card for in-store purchases at an authorized Subway restaurant. EBT payments are not accepted for online orders placed through the Subway app or website. Third-party delivery services also do not accept EBT for Subway orders.

Because participation is decided on a restaurant-by-restaurant basis, it's best to call ahead to confirm. You can also use the official SNAP Retailer Locator to find authorized locations near you by entering your address or zip code.

How To Pay With EBT At Subway

When paying with your EBT card at a participating Subway, the process is straightforward. Just let the cashier know you’ll be using EBT before they ring up your order.

• Eligible Food: If you qualify for the RMP, you can purchase any prepared meal on the menu. Otherwise, EBT typically covers cold food items like sandwiches, salads, chips, and cookies. Bottled drinks and gift cards are not eligible for purchase with EBT funds.

• Splitting Payments: If your order includes items not covered by SNAP, you will need to pay for them separately. You can use another form of payment, like cash or a debit card, to cover the remaining balance.

What Is The RMP And Who's Eligible

The Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) is a state-run option within SNAP. It allows you to buy ready-to-eat meals at approved restaurants if you cannot easily store or cook food. You use your normal monthly benefits for these purchases; no extra funds are provided.

Eligibility Requirements

To use the RMP, your entire household must be made up of individuals who are 60 or older, have a permanent disability, or are experiencing homelessness. Spouses of qualifying members are also eligible.

Your eligibility is coded onto your EBT card. When the restaurant swipes your card, the system automatically checks if you qualify. If not, the payment for a hot meal will be declined.

Participating States

Because the RMP is a state-level program, it is not available nationwide. The states below currently offer the program, but you should always confirm which specific restaurants participate near you.

• Arizona

• California

• Illinois

• Maryland

• Massachusetts

• Michigan

• New York

• Rhode Island

• Virginia

What Can You Buy With An EBT Card At Subway?

When paying with EBT at Subway, your benefits can cover a range of food items. You can purchase many of the restaurant's signature offerings, from customizable sandwiches to fresh sides and drinks.

• Sandwiches and Subs: You can buy Subway's famous submarine sandwiches. This includes their full range of footlong and six-inch options, which you can customize with different breads, proteins, and fresh vegetables.

• Fresh Salads: If you prefer a lighter meal, your EBT card can be used for Subway's salads. These are often made with the same fresh ingredients available for their sandwiches.

• Snacks and Sides: You can also purchase side items to complete your meal. This typically includes single-serving snacks like bags of chips and individual cookies.

• Soups: At locations where soup is on the menu, you may be able to purchase it with your SNAP benefits.

• Beverages: Your purchase can include non-alcoholic drinks. This covers fountain drinks and bottled water that are sold as part of your meal.

It is important to know that SNAP-eligible items can vary between restaurants. For instance, a Subway located inside a SNAP-authorized grocery store might have different eligible items than a standalone location.

Why Isn’t EBT Accepted at More Subway Locations?

Subway's limited EBT acceptance is largely due to its reliance on the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP). This program is only active in a handful of states, automatically excluding most locations nationwide. Even in participating states, the RMP has strict eligibility rules, typically limited to those who are elderly, disabled, or homeless. This significantly narrows the potential customer base for any single restaurant.

Since most Subway restaurants are independently owned franchises, each owner must decide whether to seek EBT authorization. The application process involves approvals from both state and federal agencies. For many franchisees, the effort and potential costs of updating payment systems may not seem worth it, especially if they don't see a large enough market of eligible EBT users in their community.