Does Starbucks Accept EBT? – All You Need To Know

By Phillip Adcock
Last updated: Jan 8, 2023
Does Starbucks Accept EBT

Starbucks is a well-known coffee brand in the world. At first, it was only accepted by cash payments, but now you can also make purchases with your card and various payment methods.

If you’re looking for more information about “Does Starbucks Take EBT?” which stores accept these benefits and pointers on where else they might be useful in your life, read on!

Does Starbucks Take EBT?

The short answer is NO.

You can not use EBT cards at their stores. Some retail locations and grocery sections have a “licensed store,” which may still allow purchases with government benefits such as Food Stamps or Medicaid. 

If you want to use your EBT card at a Starbucks, you should call ahead first.

Which Product Can You Purchase At Starbucks With EBT?

What’s the deal with EBT cards at Starbucks? Here is the answer!

You can’t use your government-issued benefits token to buy hot drinks. For example, you’re not allowed to purchase hot mocha or cappuccino — only cold items will work!

Using an EBT card, you can have iced coffee at Starbucks licensed stores or other beverages such as soft drinks, snacks and energy drinks. However, hot food is not allowed with this benefit, so make sure to ask before ordering!

The EBT card is a way for food stamp recipients to purchase groceries and other items from local stores. 

However, there are some restrictions; you can’t use it at fast-food joints or if the item has an individual nutritional label (examples include hot drinks).

Which Product Can’t You Purchase At Starbucks With EBT?

One of the major restrictions on EBT cards is that they are simply used to purchase food items intended for home use. These benefits cannot be spent at restaurants and other outside vendors who sell drinks or hot foods as part of their business model.

It indicates that deli and hot prepared food are ineligible for being purchased with an EBT card.

The United States Department of Agriculture maintains a long list of qualifying things you can purchase with your EBT card, including food for household use, such as:

  • Fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry which are frozen, canned, and even fresh
  • Products derived from milk
  • Cereals and bread
  • Snack foods such as chips or popcorns
  • Juice and soda
  • Breakfast goods and pizza can be found in the freezer aisle.
  • Plants and seeds that yield nourishment for the family

See more: Food List Of What You Can Get With OTC Card

The USDA maintains a list of qualifying items purchased with EBT cards. These include home food items such as the ones listed below:

  • Alcohol, cigarettes
  • Supplements, vitamins, and medications – products with an AddendumDetails tag are normally considered nutrients and are not qualified.
  • Living animals 
  • Popular foods and beverages at the selling point
  • Pet food, hygiene products, craft supplies, cosmetics, and other home supplies (or so-called nonfood items).

Are There Any Stores That Take EBT Accounts?

Starbucks is an extravagant brand, so EBT purchases do not cover it. EBT cards are supposed to help families with food and nourishment.

EBT cards are accepted at many grocery stores and retail establishments with grocery departments, including Target and Walmart.

The USDA has an online retailer locator that you can use to search by street address, city, and state, or zip code for locations that accept EBT cards.

Can You Shop Online With An EBT Card?

EBT card

Instacart, the popular shipping service, now accepts EBT cards. It means that you can order your groceries without ever leaving home!

With Instacart, you can get your favorite groceries delivered directly to you. The service is perfect for those looking to save time in their busy lives!

Which Way Can You Get A Card For An EBT Account?

EBT cards are a way to get food stamps from the United States Department of Agriculture.

The Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) is handled by them and can be yours if you qualify! This federally funded program provides food assistance to low-income households. 

The states administer the SNAP through an EBT card that you receive with your PIN attached, so there are no worries about losing them!

Which Way Can You Use Your EBT Card?

Your card is connected to a bank account, into which the amount of benefits due each month is deposited. You can keep track of your spending with an online account and see how much money is still in your pocket!

The EBT card functions similarly to a debit card and can be used online or at the groceries.

The bill you earn at the end of your shopping trip will show how much money was spent, as well as what’s left in the account for this month.

If an EBT cardholder is unable to purchase for themselves, they can have somebody else appointed as their representative.

Conclusion

Starbucks won’t accept EBT card payment, unless it is one of the licensed stores within grocery chains and retail shops like Walmart or Target. They may accept the payment with certain restrictions; and other nearby food retailers do!

Thank you for reading, and we will see you soon.

To learn more about Starbuck, you can also read our articles on Does Starbucks Take Apple Pay and How To Send Starbucks Gift Card Via Text

* Disclaimer: We do not buy, sell or provide service, we only share with you our trusted sources, and experience. In case of any changes in the products or services of the companies, all the information below is supposed to change at any time.

Phillip Adcock is the founder and Managing Director of the research agency Shopping Behaviour Xplained (SBXL), a shopping research organization using psychological consumer insight to explain and help consumers answer their questions about stores and services.

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