In-N-Out does not accept EBT as payment at any of its locations
In-N-Out Burger is a private restaurant chain that does not participate in the SNAP program (the federal food benefit program that issues EBT cards). This means you cannot use your EBT card to pay for food at In-N-Out, whether you're ordering at the counter, drive-through, or using their app. The restaurant accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards only.
This is a business decision made by In-N-Out's ownership. Many fast-food chains and restaurants do not accept SNAP benefits because the program is designed to help people purchase groceries and food to prepare at home, not prepared meals. Some states do allow SNAP to be used at certain restaurants under specific circumstances (like for elderly or disabled people), but In-N-Out does not participate in any of these programs either.
Key Takeaways
- In-N-Out does not accept EBT cards at any location, and this applies to all payment methods they offer.
- SNAP benefits are intended for groceries and food you prepare yourself, not restaurant meals, which is why most chains do not participate.
- You can use your EBT card at grocery stores, farmers markets, and some food delivery services that partner with SNAP.
- If you need affordable food options, food banks and community meal programs in your area may offer free or low-cost meals without requiring payment.
Where you can use EBT instead
Your EBT card works at grocery stores, supermarkets, and farmers markets that display the SNAP logo. You can buy fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, bread, and other food items to prepare at home. Some grocery delivery services like Amazon Fresh and Instacart also accept EBT for online orders, though availability depends on your state and the specific service.
A small number of states allow SNAP to be used at restaurants, but only for people who are elderly, disabled, or homeless. Even in those states, the participating restaurants are limited and do not include In-N-Out. If you think you might be in one of these categories, contact your state's SNAP office to learn which restaurants near you accept benefits.
Why restaurants generally don't accept SNAP
SNAP is designed to reduce food insecurity by helping people buy groceries they can prepare and store. Restaurant meals are considered prepared food, which falls outside the program's scope. The federal government does not reimburse restaurants for SNAP transactions the way it does for grocery stores, so most chains have no financial incentive to set up the systems needed to accept EBT.
In-N-Out, like most fast-food restaurants, has chosen not to pursue the restaurant SNAP programs that do exist in certain states. This is a common policy across the industry — McDonald's, Burger King, Taco Bell, and most other chains also do not accept EBT. The cost and complexity of integrating SNAP payment systems into their existing point-of-sale infrastructure makes participation unattractive for most businesses.
Low-cost food options if you're on a tight budget
If you're looking for affordable meals, food banks and community pantries in your area offer free groceries with no purchase required. You can find these through your local city or county website, or by calling 211 (a free helpline that connects you to local resources). Many also distribute prepared meals or ready-to-eat items during certain times of the week.
Community meal programs run by churches, nonprofits, and government agencies serve free or very low-cost dinners and breakfasts. These are open to anyone and do not require you to prove income or benefits status. Your local 211 line can tell you which programs operate near you and when they serve. Some areas also have mobile food pantries that bring groceries directly to neighborhoods.
How to maximize your EBT at the grocery store
Your SNAP benefits go further when you buy foods that are filling and store well. Rice, beans, eggs, peanut butter, canned vegetables, and frozen fruit are inexpensive per serving and last longer than fresh items. Store brands cost less than name brands and are the same product. Planning meals before you shop and making a list helps you avoid impulse purchases that eat into your budget.
Many grocery stores double or triple SNAP benefits at farmers markets during certain seasons. This means if you spend $10 in SNAP benefits, you receive $20 or $30 in tokens to spend on local produce. Check with farmers markets in your area or your state's SNAP office to learn which ones participate. This is one of the best ways to stretch your benefits while buying fresh food.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my EBT card at any fast-food restaurant?
Most fast-food chains do not accept EBT, including McDonald's, Wendy's, Burger King, and Taco Bell. A very small number of restaurants in a few states accept SNAP, but only for people who are elderly, disabled, or homeless. In-N-Out is not one of them.
What if I use a food delivery app like DoorDash or Uber Eats?
Most food delivery apps do not accept EBT because they deliver prepared restaurant meals. However, some grocery delivery services like Amazon Fresh and Instacart do accept EBT for groceries. Check the app's payment options or contact customer service to confirm before ordering.
Can I buy hot food with my EBT card at a grocery store?
No. SNAP does not cover hot or prepared foods, even if a grocery store sells them. You can buy cold rotisserie chicken or deli items that are not heated, but items from the hot bar or prepared section are not allowed.
What counts as food I can buy with EBT?
You can buy fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, dairy, bread, cereals, snacks, and beverages. You cannot buy alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, medicine, hot food, or non-food items like soap or paper towels.
Does In-N-Out offer any discounts or programs for people with low income?
In-N-Out does not have a formal low-income discount program. However, their menu prices are generally lower than other fast-casual restaurants. If you need affordable meals, food banks and community programs are your best option for free or very low-cost food.