Wondering if you can use your EBT Electronic Benefit Transfer card at Subway in 2025. The answer depends on the type of Subway location and how your food is prepared. In most cases Subway is considered a restaurant and does not accept SNAP EBT unless you qualify for the Restaurant Meals Program.
However there are important exceptions involving cold food purchases and Subway locations inside grocery or convenience stores. This guide explains exactly when EBT works at Subway and when it does not.
Does Subway Accept EBT in 2026
Most standalone Subway restaurants do not accept SNAP EBT. Subway is classified as a restaurant not a grocery store.
You can only use EBT at Subway in two situations.
- You are approved for the Restaurant Meals Program and the Subway location is authorized
- The Subway is located inside a grocery or convenience store and the food qualifies as cold SNAP eligible food
Using EBT at Subway Through the Restaurant Meals Program
Some Subway locations accept EBT through the Restaurant Meals Program also called RMP.
This option is limited to eligible SNAP recipients and approved locations.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| State Participation | Must live in a state offering the Restaurant Meals Program |
| Eligibility | Elderly age 60 or older disabled or experiencing homelessness |
| Location Approval | The Subway location must be individually authorized |
| Food Type | Hot and cold prepared meals allowed |
As of 2025 Restaurant Meals Program Subway locations are primarily found in California and Arizona. Availability varies by county.
Using EBT at Subway Inside Grocery or Convenience Stores
Some Subways operate inside grocery stores gas stations or convenience stores. These locations may allow EBT for cold food purchases even if the state does not offer the Restaurant Meals Program.
In these cases EBT works because the purchase is processed through the store not the restaurant.
| Condition | EBT Status |
|---|---|
| Cold sandwich not toasted | Allowed |
| Sandwich toasted or heated | Not allowed |
| Hot ingredients added | Not allowed |
| Packaged cold sides | Allowed |
If a sandwich is toasted or includes hot ingredients such as heated bacon it becomes ineligible and EBT will be declined.
States Where Subway EBT Use Has Been Reported
Subway EBT acceptance varies widely by state location and setup.
| State | How EBT Works at Subway |
|---|---|
| California | Restaurant Meals Program locations and some store based Subways |
| Arizona | Restaurant Meals Program locations |
| Florida | Cold food only at store based Subways |
| Rhode Island | Approved locations vary by city |
Acceptance depends on how the Subway is registered and how the transaction is processed.
What You Can Buy With EBT at Subway
What you can purchase depends on whether you are using Restaurant Meals Program benefits or standard SNAP food benefits.
| Scenario | Allowed Items |
|---|---|
| Restaurant Meals Program | Hot sandwiches cold sandwiches salads sides drinks |
| Store Based Subway Cold Only | Cold subs cold wraps cold salads packaged sides |
Always confirm whether your sandwich will be toasted before paying.
Common Reasons EBT Is Declined at Subway
- The Subway location is a standalone restaurant
- The sandwich is toasted or heated
- Hot ingredients were added
- The location only accepts EBT cash benefits
- The card is not approved for Restaurant Meals Program use
Declines are common and often related to preparation method not eligibility.
How to Check If Your Local Subway Accepts EBT
- Ask whether the Subway is inside a grocery or convenience store
- Confirm if cold food purchases are allowed
- Contact your local SNAP office about Restaurant Meals Program eligibility
- Ask the store how EBT transactions are processed
Never assume all Subways operate under the same rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use EBT for a cold sandwich at Subway
Only if the Subway is inside a grocery or convenience store and the sandwich is not toasted.
Can I toast my sandwich and still use EBT
No toasted or heated food is not SNAP eligible unless using Restaurant Meals Program benefits.
Can I use EBT at a standalone Subway
Only if you are approved for the Restaurant Meals Program and the location participates.
Can I use EBT for Subway delivery
No EBT cannot be used for delivery or mobile app orders.
Why does one Subway accept EBT but another does not
Each location is classified differently and processes payments separately.
Conclusion
Using EBT at Subway in 2025 depends on location eligibility and food preparation. Standalone Subways usually do not accept EBT unless approved under the Restaurant Meals Program. Store based Subways may allow EBT for cold food only.
Always confirm eligibility and preparation rules before ordering.
