Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) Overview
January 5, 2024
Description
Overview of EBT card acceptance
Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards allow participants in government programs such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), and other programs sponsored by the Federal and state governments to pay for food and goods. EBT replaces the old food stamps program, allowing participants to use a card that is similar to a PIN debit card. EBT is in use in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Guam.
A merchant must be onboarded with EBT to process EBT card transactions. To accept EBT, a merchant must provide their Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) number. Merchants can find information about eligibility and registration at: USDA SNAP Retailer.
NOTE:
With very few exceptions, restaurants are not allowed to redeem SNAP benefits.
- How does EBT work?
- Customers swipe the card at the point of sale terminal and enter their PIN.
- Transactions are authorized and the amount is debited from the customer's government benefit allotment.
- EBT transactions are included in the same settlement and reports as the Visa PIN Debit Gateway Service transactions.
- What types of merchants accept EBT cards?
- Cash Account Merchant: A person or entity that has agreed to accept cards for purchases of goods or services from cash accounts and not from SNAP accounts.
- Full Service Merchant: A person or entity that has agreed to accept cards for purchases of goods or services from cash accounts and SNAP accounts and that has been specifically authorized by FCS to accept SNAP transactions under the Quest Rules.
- SNAP Only Merchant: A person or entity that has agreed to accept cards for purchases of goods or services from SNAP accounts, but not from cash accounts, and that has been specifically authorized by FCS to accept SNAP transactions under the Quest Rules, including a Manual Only Merchant.