Does Panda Express Take EBT?

Yes, Panda Express accepts EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), formerly known as food stamps. 

Please proceed to read the rest of this article to fully understand the details of dining at Panda Express with EBT.

There are many restrictions regarding whether you will be able to use EBT at Panda Express. Normally, SNAP funds may not be used to purchase hot food. However, EBT may be used for restaurant purchases if you qualify for the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP). 

RMP is offered in Arizona, California, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Rhode Island, and Virginia at restaurants that accept SNAP. Only certain individuals who receive SNAP benefits also qualify for RMP, such as the elderly, disabled, and homeless. If you qualify for RMP, whether you can use EBT at Panda Express depends on the state.

Arizona: the list of restaurants that participate in RMP does not include any Panda Express locations. The restaurants are listed by city, restaurant name, address, zip code and phone number.

California: the following counties participate in RMP.

• Alameda County
• Fresno County 
• Los Angeles County 
• Mariposa County
• Monterey County 
• Orange County 
• Riverside County
• Sacramento County 
• San Diego County
• San Francisco County 
• San Luis Obispo County
• Santa Clara County
• Santa Cruz County
• Siskiyou County
• Tehama County

Panda Express is included on the list of participating restaurants.

Illinois: RMP is only available in Dewitt County, Franklin County or Cook County with the zip codes of 60619, 60620, 60628 and 60617. Unfortunately, Panda Express is not on the list of participating restaurants.

Maryland: RMP is currently only available at one restaurant in Calvert County, and it is not a Panda Express.

Michigan: There are no Panda Express restaurants participating in RMP in Michigan. Please see the list of all Michigan RMP restaurants.

Rhode Island: RMP restaurants do not include any Panda Express.

Virginia: the Virginia Department of Social Services webpage on SNAP does not discuss RMP. It is not known whether there are any restaurants participating in this program in the state.

For those who qualify, TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) deposits funds onto the same EBT card as SNAP benefits, and TANF funds can be used like cash, to be spent on necessities such as food, rent, medical bills, transportation, or child care. You may spend these funds at Panda Express.

What Can You Buy With EBT at Panda Express?

Any Panda Express food items at participating restaurants may be purchased with EBT. You will not be charged sales tax.

How to Use an EBT Card at Panda Express 

1. Check Your Balance:  Before going to Panda Express, check your balance on your EBT account to make sure you know your spending limit. You can check your balance by calling the number on the back of your card and following the prompts on the call.
2. Swipe your EBT card and enter your PIN. Alternatively, you may need to hand the card to the cashier.
3. Take your receipt. Your current EBT balance is on the receipt. 

What is the Panda Express Return Policy for Items Purchased With EBT?

According to this federal law, all SNAP recipients must be treated like any other customer. It says that “you may return or refund an item bought with a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, so long as store policy allows it. 

All refunds for food items that you purchased with SNAP benefits go directly onto your EBT card. Cash refunds are not allowed for food items purchased with SNAP benefits under any circumstances.”

Panda Express allows you to return or exchange items at the restaurant where the purchase was made.

What Panda Express Locations Accept EBT?

As previously mentioned, certain Panda Express locations in California participate in RMP. 

EBT Card FAQ at Panda Express