While I no longer work as a professional barista for Dunkin Donuts, I did for several years during high school and college.
During that time, I noticed that one question kept popping up, and it had nothing to do with the coffee roasting levels or the flavored syrups offered.
The most common question was actually related to payment methods. More specifically, it was whether or not EBT payments were an accepted form of payment at Dunkin Donuts.
I’m here to set the record straight on whether or not Dunkin stores accept EBT. You’ve come to the right place!
Can You Actually Use EBT At Dunkin Donuts Stores?
The answer to whether or not Dunkin Donuts accepts EBT is more complicated than just yes or no. The real question should be does Dunkin Donuts take EBT where I live?
As I’m writing this, only 7 states currently accept EBT payments in restaurants and fast food chains like Dunkin.
Take this information with a grain of salt; it’s likely to change eventually, as many aspects of the food stamp program do.
So even though Dunkin Donuts is not a participating member of the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP), it could be in the near future.[1]
1. States That Accept EBT At Dunkin Donuts
As of right now, you can only buy items at a restaurant using an EBT card in these states:
To top that off, only select stores in these states accept EBT. If you’re a resident of one of these states, it’s still a good idea to call ahead to ensure your EBT card is valid.
2. Other Options For Using EBT On Dunkin Donuts Products
While not many Dunkin Donuts accept EBT, there are ways to “cheat” the system (and they’re all completely legal).
If you want to use your EBT card as a payment method for Dunkin, just head to the grocery store!
Most grocery stores carry Dunkin Donuts' most popular coffee beans and grounds, Keurig pods, and even branded packaged food items, so just use your EBT card as you check out.
How To Buy Dunkin Using EBT Card (Only In Certain States)
While I haven’t personally used food stamps, I have done tons of research on this topic and even asked friends who are enrolled in the SNAP benefits program.[2]
From my research, I found that the steps to use your EBT card are quite simple. If you’re lucky enough to live in one of the approved states that accept EBT cards at Dunkin, here’s what to do:
What Exactly Is EBT Anyway? (How To Apply)
The government gives a much better explanation of an EBT card than I ever could. Here’s what the US gov has to say:
“Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) is an electronic system that allows a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participant to pay for food using SNAP benefits. When a participant shops at a SNAP-authorized retail store, their SNAP EBT account is debited to reimburse the store for food that was purchased. EBT is in use in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Guam. EBT has been the sole method of SNAP issuance in all states since June of 2004.”[3]
So what does this all mean? Well, in layperson's terms, EBT cards are used like debit cards to pay for SNAP benefits, aka food stamps.
The Application Process
SNAP is a state-run program, which means you must apply through your state government.
SNAP recipients have to meet certain requirements with your state to be eligible for government benefits, specifically in terms of income.[4]
To start the application process, low-income individuals must get in contact with their state’s specific agency.
You can do that by heading to your local SNAP office, visiting the agency’s website, or calling the SNAP hotline.
As soon as you're found eligible and your application is processed, you'll receive your EBT card in the mail. Each month, funds are added to the card and deducted automatically as you make purchases.
Does Dunkin Donut Accept Other Forms Of Payment?
It’s rare that I go into any restaurant or retailer and don’t have multiple options for making payments.
Dunkin Donuts shops are fully on board with this trend - long gone are the days of only being able to buy coffee with credit, debit, or cash money.
While you may not be able to make EBT payments at Dunkin Donuts, there are plenty of card-free and cash-free options, including:
Other Stores That Accept EBT Cards
If your state is enrolled in the Restaurant Meals Program - remember, there are only 7 of them - you can use your EBT card at a long list of fast food restaurants.
Just a few participating restaurants that accept EBT include Domino’s, Subway, Burger King, Taco Bell, KFC, and more.
Some gas stations even accept EBT payments on prepared food items and beverages (as long as their non-alcoholic).
If you’re like most of us and don’t live in an RMT state, you still have plenty of options for using your EBT card to buy food and other items that are deemed “essential.”[5]
There are tons of grocery stores and retailers that accept EBT food stamps.
Just to name a few, you can do your grocery shopping at Target, Walmart, Kroger, Publix, Walgreens, Family Dollar, Aldi, CVS, and Walgreens.
I’ve even heard cashiers at Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s tell their customers that SNAP payments are accepted.
You can even use EBT cards to make approved purchases from online retailers like Amazon.
Common Questions About Using EBT Cards At Dunkin
Why doesn’t Dunkin accept EBT at some stores?
Dunkin does not accept EBT at all locations because it is not officially a member of the Restaurant Meals Program in most states. However, all 50 states accept food stamps at grocery stores, and you can purchase Dunkin Donuts coffee grounds at any location that accepts EBT cards.
Does Starbucks take EBT card?
No, Starbucks does not currently take EBT. For those of you wondering, though, you can use EBT benefits in many Starbucks locations within grocery stores, like Target or Kroger.
Does Dutch Bros take EBT card?
No, Dutch Bros does not accept EBT payments. SNAP food stamps are given to those in need of financial assistance for food, and Dutch Bros coffee does not qualify.
Can you buy donuts at the grocery store with EBT cards?
Yes, you can use your EBT card to buy donuts and donut holes at the grocery store. As long as you’re buying prepackaged snacks - and not prepared foods or hot meals - then your EBT card will be accepted.[6]
Conclusion
Let’s do a quick recap on whether or not Dunkin Donuts accept EBT cards.
There are only 7 states (as of right now) that are included in the Restaurant Meals Program, and some Dunkin Donuts locations are included in that program.
Even if you don’t live in one of these 7 states, EBT cards can be used to purchase food at a long list of grocery stores.
So even if you can’t get a hot coffee at a Dunkin store, you can still use your benefits to buy groceries and other eligible items like fresh Dunkin coffee grounds or Keurig pods!
References:
1. https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/retailer/restaurant-meals-program
2. https://www.benefits.gov/benefit/361
3. https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/ebt
4. https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/recipient/eligibility
5. https://usda-fns.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=e1f3028b217344d78b324193b10375e4
6. https://www.ncoa.org/article/what-can-you-buy-with-snap
