Grabbing a beverage from Starbucks is something many of us will be familiar with. Whether you’re grabbing a coffee on the go, or meeting friends for a latte and a catch-up, Starbucks has us covered.
If you’re reading this, you’re probably wondering if Starbucks accepts EBT. Luckily for you, we have all the answers you need. Read on to find out more.
Does Starbucks Accept EBT?
The short answer to this is, yes, Starbucks does accept EBT. However, it is only accepted in certain stores and locations. Starbucks accepts EBT in non-corporate stores but not in corporate stores.
So what exactly does this mean? Keep reading to find out!
What Is The Difference Between Corporate Stores And Non-Corporate Stores?
Starbucks corporate stores are stand-alone stores that may or may not have a drive-thru. These are known as corporate stores and do not accept EBT.
Non-corporate Starbucks stores can be found inside grocery stores or gas stations. These are the only Starbucks stores that accept EBT as a form of payment.
EBT is accepted at Starbucks in non-corporate locations because places like Walmart or Kroger accept EBT as a method of payment for groceries.
What Can I Purchase At Starbucks Using EBT?
Firstly, you cannot purchase any hot drinks or hot food using an EBT card. So it seems pointless using an EBT card at Starbucks, right?
Wrong! You can still purchase iced drinks, cold sandwiches, and any dessert items that fall under SNAP-eligible items.
Here is a list of EBT-eligible items:
- Fruit
- Vegetables
- Dairy products (cheese, milk)
- Red meat (steak, mince)
- Desserts (ice cream, cookies)
- Potato chips
- Soft drinks(Sprite, Pepsi)
- Energy drinks
- Other meat products (chicken, ham, pork)
In this instance, it would be fair to say that cold drinks sold at Starbucks such as iced coffee, iced tea, iced lemonade, etc – would fall underneath the soft drinks section.
Does Starbucks Accept EBT At The Drive Thru?
Unfortunately, Starbucks does not accept EBT at the drive-thru. This is because a Starbucks with a drive-thru system would fall under a corporate store. As discussed above, EBT is only accepted at non-corporate Starbucks stores.
Does Starbucks Accept EBT Online?
Starbucks does not accept EBT online. The only Starbucks stores that accept EBT are those in licensed locations.
How To Find Out If Your Local Starbucks Accepts EBT
Locate Your Local Starbucks
Firstly, locate your local Starbucks using the Starbucks Locator Tool which is featured on the Starbucks website.
Corporate or Licensed
You will then need to check whether your local Starbucks is a corporate or licensed (non-corporate) store. The answer to this will automatically reveal whether or not you can use your EBT card.
Other Ways To Find Out What Starbucks Stores Accept EBT
EBT is accepted as a method of payment in a variety of stores and restaurants. To find out where you can use your EBT card, contact your local SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) agency.
They will provide you with a list of stores and restaurants that accept EBT as a form of payment for food and drinks.
Using Your EBT Card At Starbucks
Using your EBT card at Starbucks is simple and is used just like any other regular debit or credit card. To pay for items using your EBT card, you will need to place your card inside the reader and enter your four-digit PIN number.
If you are new to using an EBT card at Starbucks, you may want to make the cashier aware you are paying using EBT beforehand. This will reduce any problems you may encounter when choosing items and paying.
Coffee Shops That Accept EBT
For a list of coffee shops that accept EBT, you will need to get in touch with your local SNAP agency. A SNAP team member will provide you will a list of restaurants and stores that accept EBT as payment.
While there are a number of fast-food restaurants that accept EBT, it is worth noting that SNAP benefits are there to provide low or no-income individuals and families with access to healthy and nutritional foods.
Purchasing hot food and drinks from local coffee shops or fast food joints is deemed a luxury, which is not what SNAP benefits are for.
Conclusion
Starbucks only accepts EBT as a method of payment in certain locations. Corporate stores – or stand-alone stores – do not accept EBT. However, licensed stores such as those that can be found at gas stations or inside grocery stores do accept EBT.
Remember, EBT cannot be used to purchase hot food or beverages. However, you can still purchase cold drinks (such as iced coffees) and cold sandwiches, desserts, etc. We hope the information provided in this article has been helpful.
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