If you receive SNAP benefits via an EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) card, you may be wondering: Can I use my EBT card at Panda Express? The short answer is: Not everywhere, but some locations in certain states may allow it under certain conditions.
What Is EBT and SNAP?
EBT is a payment system that allows eligible low-income individuals and families to access SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits. These funds are generally used to purchase foods such as fruits, vegetables, meats, bread, and dairy products.
Generally, purchases at restaurants or fast food outlets are not permitted with EBT. However, there is one exception: the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP).
What Is the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP)?
The RMP is a special SNAP program that allows certain people to purchase hot and prepared meals at participating restaurants. This program is only available to:
- Senior citizens (age 60 and older)
- People with disabilities
- Homeless people
- Their spouses (if applicable)
These groups often have limited ability to cook at home, so the RMP offers them more food access options.
⚠️ Important:
- Not all states offer the RMP.
- Not all restaurants in participating states accept EBT.
- Participation is voluntary for restaurants, including fast-food chains like Panda Express.
Does Panda Express accept EBT?
The answer depends entirely on where you live and whether that particular Panda Express participates in the RMP.
✅ Panda Express Accepts EBT Only in Certain Locations in RMP States
Some Panda Express restaurants accept EBT, but only in states that participate in the Restaurant Meals Program and if the establishment has enrolled.
Currently, the following states participate in the RMP (by mid-2025):
- Arizona
- California
- Illinois
- Maryland
- Michigan
- Rhode Island
- Virginia
- New York (limited areas)
- Massachusetts (pilot programs in development)
In these states, Panda Express can choose to participate, and some California and Arizona locations already do so.
❌ Panda Express Does NOT Accept EBT in Most States
If your state doesn’t participate in the RMP, or if your local Panda Express hasn’t signed up, you won’t be able to use your EBT card to purchase meals there. Panda Express locations in states like Texas, Florida, Georgia, or Ohio are very unlikely to accept EBT, as their state SNAP offices don’t accept restaurant meal purchases.
🗺️ State-by-State Overview of Panda Express EBT Eligibility
| State | RMP Available? | Panda Express Accepts EBT? |
|---|---|---|
| California | ✅ Yes | ✅ Some locations |
| Arizona | ✅ Yes | ✅ Some locations |
| Michigan | ✅ Yes | ❌ Not confirmed |
| Illinois | ✅ Yes | ❌ Not confirmed |
| Maryland | ✅ Yes | ❌ Not confirmed |
| Virginia | ✅ Yes | ❌ Not confirmed |
| Rhode Island | ✅ Yes | ❌ Not confirmed |
| New York | ✅ Limited (NYC pilot) | ❌ Not confirmed |
| Massachusetts | ⚠️ Pilot Only | ❌ Not confirmed |
| All other states | ❌ No | ❌ No |
How to Check if a Nearby Panda Express Accepts EBT
If you live in California, Arizona, or another state with an RMP, you can check here:
Visit your state’s EBT website or RMP list.
For California: EBT Restaurant Locator
For Arizona: AZ DES RMP
You can also use Propel’s Fresh EBT Restaurant Finder.
Call your local Panda Express.
Ask if they participate in the Restaurant Meals Program and if they accept EBT.
Check in Person.
Look for a sign on the door or window that says “EBT Accepted” or “RMP Participant.”
What you can buy with EBT at Panda Express (if accepted)
If the restaurant accepts EBT under the RMP, you can use your card to purchase:
- Hot combo meals
- Bowls, plates, or family meals
- Sides and beverages (if included in the meal)
You cannot use EBT to:
- Buy food for others who are not part of your SNAP household
- Tipping employees
- Purchase merchandise or gift cards
Why don’t most Panda Express restaurants accept EBT?
There are several reasons why many Panda Express restaurants don’t participate in the RMP:
State restrictions: If the state doesn’t offer the RMP, they can’t accept EBT.
Operational concerns: Fast-food chains may find RMP compliance and setup too complex.
Franchising decisions: Some restaurants are individually owned and choose not to participate.
Alternatives If Panda Express Doesn’t Accept EBT
If your local Panda Express doesn’t accept EBT, you still have options:
Use EBT at supermarkets to buy microwaveable Chinese food, frozen meals, or ready-to-eat deli items.
Look for nearby restaurants that participate in the RMP, such as:
- Subway
- El Pollo Loco
- Domino’s
- Pizza Hut
- Jack in the Box (in California)
- Church’s Chicken (in Arizona)
Final Thoughts
Panda Express accepts EBT, but only in limited cases. Most establishments do not participate unless they are located in Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) states, such as California or Arizona. Even so, only a few establishments participate in the program.
If you are a SNAP recipient and qualify for the RMP, we recommend looking for participating restaurants in your area. Be sure to call ahead to verify: policies can change and not all establishments are the same.
