Can I use my EBT card at Subway?

(Last Updated On: January 21, 2019)

In today’s post, we are going to breakdown one of our most asked questions: Can I use my EBT card at Subway? Typically, EBT cards can not be used to purchase prepared, ready-to-eat food. However, there have been rumors that Subway will accept EBT cards as payment. Today, we are going to solve this mystery. This post we will cover the following the topics regarding Subway and EBT cards:

To find out if your local Subway accepts EBT cards as payment, keep reading this post.

About Subway

Subway is a popular American fast food restaurant franchise that specializes in subs and salads. Subway is best known for it’s customized subs, fresh ingredients, and fast service. With over 44,000 locations around the United States, chances are there is a Subway in your local area.

To answer the question you’ve been waiting for – Yes, you can use your EBT card at Subway to purchase qualified food items. In order to use your EBT card at Subway, there are a few rules you must follow. First, you can only use your EBT card at Subway to purchase cold subs and salads. You cannot purchase hot subs and use your EBT card to pay because it violates the hot and “ready-to-eat” food purchase restriction set by the USDA. Second, you must order your sub for carry-out only. You cannot eat any Subway items in the store because it violates the USDA SNAP rules.

Subway does not officially state their acceptance of EBT on their website; however, it has been widely reported that they do under that certain criteria. EBT acceptance at Subway has been confirmed in several states: including Arizona, California, Virginia, Florida, and Michigan. If you have any questions regarding EBT acceptance at your local Subway, give them a call to confirm.

To find an EBT approved Subway near you, use the Subway location finder here.

How to use your EBT Card at Subway

If you would like to redeem your Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, also known as food stamps at Subway using your EBT card, follow the instructions below. We’ve made this process super easy for you!

Simply order any EBT approved item (cold sub or salad) from the Subway employee, customize your sub or salad as you wish, and checkout as normal at the cash register. You can use your EBT card just like a normal debit card at the cash register. Once you swipe your EBT card, you’ll be prompted to enter your 4-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN). You must have this information in order to complete the transaction. Once you enter your PIN your transaction will be completed and you will receive your receipt with current EBT card balance.

If you need additional help with using your EBT card at Subway, any Subway employee will be able to help you at the cash register. If it is your first time using your EBT card at this specific Subway location, you should confirm that they accept EBT cards before attempting to make your purchase.

What you can Buy at Subway with EBT

If you still aren’t sure what items you can buy at Subway with your EBT card, we have listed all menu items eligible for purchase with your EBT card below.

Subway Approved & Unapproved EBT Food Items

Confirmed Eligible EBT Food Items at Subway:

Cold Cut Sub, Salad or Wrap
Turkey Breast Sub, Salad or Wrap
Spicy Italian Sub, Salad or Wrap
Black Forest Ham Sub, Salad or Wrap
Italian BMT Sub, Salad or Wrap
Veggie Delite Sub, Salad or Wrap
Turkey Breast & Black Forest Ham Sub, Salad or Wrap
Tuna Sub, Salad or Wrap
Seafood Sensation Sub, Salad or Wrap
All fresh, veggie toppings

The Subway menu items listed above are confirmed as eligible to be purchased with your EBT card. Any Subway sub, salad or wrap that has the following items cannot be purchased with your EBT card.

Confirmed Ineligible EBT Food Items at Subway:

No Subs, Salads or Wraps containing Chicken
No Subs, Salads or Wraps containing Bacon
No Subs, Salads or Wraps containing Steak
No Hot, Toasted Subs or Wraps
No Breakfast Sandwiches
No Pizza

As you can see, there are quite a few items that are not eligible to be purchased with your EBT card at Subway. It’s important to be aware of the items you can and cannot purchase with your EBT card before you attempt to make a purchase with your food stamp benefits. For a full list of all EBT approved and unapproved items, check out our post here.

Check your EBT Card Balance

Another thing you should be aware of before redeeming your food stamp benefits at Subway is your EBT card balance. If you do not know how much money is on your EBT card and your transaction amount is larger than your available EBT card balance, your transaction will not be processed. You will have to pay for the extra difference with another form of payment such as cash or credit.

For help checking your EBT Card Balance, check out our EBT Card Balance by State list here. Once you are on the page, select the state where you are receiving benefits and follow the instructions provided to receive your current EBT Card Balance.

Stores that Accept EBT

With one in seven Americans on food stamps or nutritional aid, many households are dependent on the benefits that the government provides. Since many laws for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are constantly changing, it’s important to know where and how to use your EBT benefits.

There are hundreds of stores that accept EBT cards from food stamp recipients. EBT approved stores can include grocery stores, markets, wholesale stores, convenience stores, discount stores, specialty food stores, and farmer’s markets. To find out what stores take EBT near you, check out our full list of EBT approved stores here.

Can I use my EBT card at Subway?

About Subway