Does Popeyes Accept EBT?

If you’re receiving SNAP benefits, you’ve probably wondered — does Popeyes accept EBT?
Most people assume the answer is a flat no, but there’s a surprising twist.

In some parts of the U.S., you can buy hot meals at Popeyes using EBT — but only if a few conditions are met.

This isn’t widely known, which means many eligible people miss out. If you live in the right place and qualify under the right program, you may be able to swipe your EBT card at your local Popeyes — just like cash.

So, what are the rules? Which locations participate? And who qualifies? Let’s break it down.

What Is EBT and How Does It Work?

EBT stands for Electronic Benefit Transfer. It’s a government-issued debit card used to distribute food assistance to low-income individuals and families through the SNAP program.

Term	What It Means
SNAP	Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly food stamps)
EBT	The card used to access SNAP benefits
TANF	Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (cash benefits, may be used differently)

The EBT card works at grocery stores, supermarkets, and in some cases, select restaurants that are part of a special program. But here’s the catch…Under normal rules, you cannot buy hot or prepared food with EBT.

That’s where the Restaurant Meals Program comes in — and this is where Popeyes may enter the picture.

Also check: Popeyes Wraps – A Delicious Comeback in 2025

Does Popeyes Accept EBT?

Here’s the simple answer:
Yes — but only at specific locations that are part of the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP).

So if you’re asking does Popeyes accept EBT, the full truth depends on:

• Where you live
• Whether your state participates in RMP
• If the specific Popeyes location is enrolled in the program
• And if you personally qualify (not all SNAP users do)

Who Can Use EBT at Popeyes?

To use EBT at Popeyes, you must:

• Be in a state that offers the RMP (like California, Arizona, or Michigan)
• Meet one of these criteria:
  • Elderly (60+)
  • Disabled
  • Homeless

Even if all these apply, not every Popeyes accepts it. In California, for example, only select stores in Los Angeles County are approved.

Here’s what that looks like:

State	RMP Active?	Popeyes Participates?	Notes
California	✅ Yes	✅ Some locations	Must be in approved counties (e.g., LA)
Arizona	✅ Yes	✅ Some locations	Similar rules as CA
Michigan	✅ Yes	✅ Select stores	Check official Michigan RMP list
New York	🟡 Pilot	❌ Not yet listed	Limited participation

Also read: Popeyes Blackened Chicken | Price, Recipe & Review | 2025

Understanding the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP)

Here’s where things get interesting.

Most SNAP recipients can only use EBT for uncooked groceries. But under the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP), eligible users can use EBT for hot, prepared food at select restaurants — including Popeyes in some locations.

So, if you’ve been wondering “Does Popeyes accept EBT?”, the RMP is the program that makes it possible.

Who Qualifies for RMP?

Only SNAP recipients who meet one or more of the following:

• Elderly (60 years or older)
• Disabled
• Homeless

Which States Let You Use EBT at Fast Food?

If you’re still asking, “does Popeyes accept EBT?” — the answer depends on where you live.

State	Status	Popeyes Participation
California	✅ Active	✅ Yes (in LA County + others)
Arizona	✅ Active	✅ Yes (select locations)
Michigan	✅ Active	✅ Yes (limited stores)
Illinois	✅ Active	❌ No Popeyes listed
Maryland	✅ Active	❌ Not confirmed
Virginia	✅ Active	❌ Not confirmed
Rhode Island	✅ Active	❌ Not confirmed
New York	🟡 Pilot	❌ Not yet
Massachusetts	🟡 Pilot	❌ Not yet

How to Check Your Area

• Use the LA County May 2024 RMP list (PDF)
• Check your state’s Department of Human Services or SNAP website

Try Also: Homemade Popeyes Coleslaw (Copycat Recipe!)

How to Check If Your Local Popeyes Accepts EBT

Here’s how to find out:

1. Call the Store
   – Ask: “Does this Popeyes accept EBT through the RMP?”
2. Look for RMP/EBT Signs
   – Some stores place stickers near entrances or cash registers.
3. Use Online Tools
   – Try:
   • Propel SNAP Finder
   • Your state’s SNAP or DHS website
   • Official county-level PDFs (like LA County’s list)

Can You Order Popeyes Online or via Delivery Apps Using EBT?

This is one of the most common follow-up questions after: “Does Popeyes accept EBT?”

And the answer is straightforward:
No, you cannot use EBT for online orders or delivery from Popeyes. Even if your local Popeyes accepts EBT in-store through RMP, the rule doesn’t apply to digital platforms.

Why Not?

The USDA’s Online Purchasing Pilot currently allows EBT cards to be used only for groceries, not for hot, prepared foods or restaurant meals.

Also check: Popeyes 12 Piece Family Meal Price & Calories 2025

What Can You Buy With EBT Instead of Fast Food?

If you’re not in an RMP area, or your local Popeyes doesn’t participate, you can still make your EBT work for you — just in a different way.

EBT-Eligible Grocery Items:

Here’s what your EBT card can always buy:

• Bread, pasta, rice
• Sandwiches
• Chicken combos
• Beverages
• Sides like mashed potatoes, red beans and rice, biscuits
• Meat, poultry, seafood
• Dairy products and eggs
• Juice, water, non-alcoholic drinks
• Fruits and vegetables (fresh, canned, or frozen)
• Snacks, cereals, granola bars
• Frozen meals (as long as they’re not hot at the time of purchase)

You cannot buy:

• Hot prepared meals
• Non-food items (toiletries, paper products)
• Alcohol or tobacco

FAQs

Conclusion: So, Does Popeyes Accept EBT?

Let’s bring it all together.

Yes, Popeyes does accept EBT — but only in specific locations that are part of the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP).

Also read: Popeyes Hours | Opening & Closing Times | May 2025