There seems to be a Menchie’s at every corner nowadays. Everyone loves these self-serve treats!
But, I was wondering the other day, does Menchies accept EBT cards? I looked into it and this is what I found…
Does Menchie’s Accept EBT?
When you visit Menchie’s, you can pay with cash or most forms of credit cards, and you can redeem your mySmileage points, but Menchie’s does not currently accept EBT cards.
This article takes a look at the EBT system: what it is, what it’s for, how it works, and where you can use it.

What Is EBT?
EBT stands for electronic benefit transfer. It’s a system in the United States which allows state welfare departments to distribute benefits to citizens through a digital card.
Recipients of the programme can receive benefits in the form of food and cash. The food (and non-alcoholic drinks) benefits are distributed through the SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
It is the SNAP which authorizes food items for the programme, and it is SNAP who approves retailers and markets for food provision.
Once recipients have applied for and been approved for benefits, they will receive an account for the transferral of ‘SNAP’ benefits each month. A plastic bank card is issued to the recipient (with a PIN for account access).
When paying for eligible purchases, the cashier scans the card and the amount spent will be debited (via electronic benefit transfer) from the recipient’s account.
There is no actual exchange of cash, and the card cannot be used anywhere not approved by the scheme.
What Kind Of Places Accept EBT
The SNAP programme (which used to be the Food Stamps Programme) was designed to help low-income families purchase nutritious food. So while EBT is accepted at food suppliers, it may not be accepted at fast food outlets, such as Menchie’s.
The benefits are predominantly nutritional food benefits. Stores participating in the scheme usually display some kind of acceptance poster.
Most major grocery chains will accept your EBT card, and so will big retail stores such as Walmart and Target. Pharmacies, such as CVS and Walgreens, will allow you to use the card for eligible food items.
You can also use the card at certain convenience stores, farmer’s markets, food cooperatives and service stations. You can even use the card to make purchases from approved online retailers (such as Amazon and Walmart).
If you’re not sure about where you can use your EBT card, use the online USDA SNAP Retailer Locator tool to find approved retailers near you.
How Do I Know Where I Can Use My EBT Card?
The SNAP retailer tool is one way to find out where you can use your EBT card. You can also check retail stores for the EBT participation notice, and if you’re shopping online, you’ll see there’s an EBT option for payment at checkout.
Meanwhile, the programme is being extended to include more retail outlets. The best way to keep up with benefits is to contact your state social services agency.
You can use your EBT card in different states, but if you move house to another state, you will need to reapply for the scheme in your new state.
The benefits accrued on your old card will not transfer to your new card. And if your EBT card is lost or stolen, it’s a good idea to cancel it immediately. You will then be issued with a replacement card, usually within 7 days of you notifying your local SNAP agency of the loss.
What Kind Of Food Can I Buy With My EBT Card?
The programme focuses on the provision of healthy nutritional food for families in need. These include:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Dairy products
- Breads and cereals
- Ice and drinking water
- Chemist items
- Staple cooking ingredients such as herbs and spices
- Baking ingredients such as flour, sugar, eggs, flavourings, and so on
There are certain foods which are not eligible, and these include fast foods, takeaway foods orders, alcohol, street stall drinks and snacks. This is because the focus of the support is on items which help families prepare basic but nourishing meals at home.
The United States Department of Agriculture has published a list of foods and products you can buy using your SNAP benefits. However, you won’t find Menchie’s froyo products there!
How Can I Pay For Food At Menchie’s?
When you visit Menchie’s, either instore or via the Menchie’s app, you’ll have to pay with Visa card, Mastercard, Discover, or American Express (or cash).
You can also redeem gift cards, Smiley account points or birthday vouchers instore.
Want to learn more about Menchie’s? Check out our related post to learn if Menchie’s has sugar free yogurt and does Menchie’s deliver?
Conclusion…
Although there’s a variety of ways you can pay for your Menchie’s frozen yogurts, EBT payments is not one of them. The EBT SNAP programme focuses primarily on assisting low income families with weekly meal purchases rather than on fast food snack items.
This mean that EBT cards can only be used at authorized retail outlets and only for approved food and drink items.