5 Below does not accept EBT cards at checkout, either in stores or online

5 Below, the discount retailer with locations across the United States, does not take SNAP benefits (the program formerly called food stamps) or any form of EBT card. This applies to both their physical stores and their website. If you arrive at the register with an EBT card, it will not process as a payment method.

The reason is straightforward: 5 Below sells general merchandise — toys, home goods, electronics, seasonal items, and clothing — not food. SNAP benefits can only be used to buy food for human consumption at stores authorized by the USDA. 5 Below is not on that authorized list, and the items they stock do not meet SNAP rules anyway.

If you are looking for a place to use SNAP benefits, you need a retailer that has been approved by the USDA and carries may be able to access food items. Grocery stores, farmers markets, and some convenience stores accept EBT. 5 Below is not one of them.

Key Takeaways

  • 5 Below does not accept EBT or SNAP cards because it is not a food retailer and is not authorized by the USDA.
  • SNAP benefits can only be used at stores that sell food for home preparation and consumption, and 5 Below does not meet that requirement.
  • If you need to use SNAP benefits, look for grocery stores, supermarkets, farmers markets, or authorized convenience stores in your area.
  • 5 Below does accept other payment methods including credit cards, debit cards, and cash, but not government benefit cards.

What SNAP actually covers and where you can use it

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition information Program) is designed to help people buy food to prepare at home. The program covers fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, bread, cereals, and other staple foods. It does not cover prepared foods, hot foods, vitamins, medicines, pet food, or household items.

Because 5 Below sells toys, home décor, electronics, and general merchandise, nothing in their store qualifies as an may be able to access SNAP purchase. Even if 5 Below wanted to accept EBT, the items would not be approved by the USDA for purchase with SNAP benefits.

You can use SNAP at any store that displays the SNAP logo and has been authorized by the USDA. This includes most supermarkets, many grocery stores, farmers markets that accept EBT, and some smaller grocery or convenience stores. The USDA maintains a searchable database of authorized retailers on their website if you need to find a location near you.

Other payment methods 5 Below accepts

While 5 Below does not take EBT, they do accept standard payment methods. You can pay with Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and debit cards. They also accept cash in physical stores.

Online, 5 Below accepts credit and debit cards but not cash. If you shop in their stores, you have the option to pay with cash, which can be useful if you want to manage spending without a card.

Why some retailers accept EBT and others do not

The USDA controls which retailers can accept SNAP benefits. A store must meet specific requirements: it must be a food retailer, it must stock a certain variety of food items, and it must have the infrastructure to process EBT cards. Stores that sell primarily non-food items — like 5 Below, Target, Walmart's general merchandise sections, or pharmacies — are not authorized to accept SNAP, even if they also sell some groceries.

Walmart and Target do accept EBT, but only for food items purchased in their stores. The EBT card will work at the register, but only may be able to access food will ring up as SNAP-covered. Non-food items must be paid for separately with another payment method.

5 Below has chosen not to pursue USDA authorization, likely because their business model focuses on non-food merchandise. Adding SNAP acceptance would require them to stock may be able to access food items and meet USDA compliance standards, which would change their store layout and inventory.

What to do if you need to shop at 5 Below with limited funds

If you receive SNAP benefits and want to shop at 5 Below, you will need to use a different payment method. This means using cash, a debit card, or a credit card if you have one. If you do not have access to those payment methods, you may need to prioritize your spending or look for similar items at retailers that do accept EBT.

Some people use SNAP to buy food, which frees up cash or other funds for non-food purchases at stores like 5 Below. This is a common budgeting strategy when benefits are limited. You buy groceries with SNAP, then use whatever cash you have for other necessities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my EBT card at 5 Below for any items?

No. 5 Below does not accept EBT cards at all, for any items. The store is not authorized by the USDA to process SNAP benefits. You will need to use cash, debit, or credit card to shop there.

Does 5 Below sell food that would be covered by SNAP?

5 Below does not stock traditional grocery items like produce, meat, or dairy. Their inventory is primarily toys, home goods, electronics, and seasonal merchandise. Even if they did sell food, the store would still need USDA authorization to accept EBT, which they do not have.

What stores near me accept EBT?

Most supermarkets and grocery stores accept EBT. Many Walmart and Target locations do as well. You can search the USDA's authorized retailer database online by entering your zip code, or call your local SNAP office for a list of nearby stores that accept benefits.

If I have both SNAP and cash, can I split my payment at 5 Below?

No. Because 5 Below does not accept EBT at all, you cannot use SNAP for any part of your purchase there. You would need to pay the entire transaction with cash, debit, or credit card.

Why does Target accept EBT but 5 Below does not?

Target pursued USDA authorization to accept SNAP because they stock a wide variety of may be able to access food items. 5 Below's business model focuses on non-food merchandise, so they have not sought that authorization. Retailers must meet USDA requirements and choose to participate in the SNAP program.