Five Below does not accept EBT cards at any of its stores

Five Below, the discount retailer with locations across the United States, does not take Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards as payment. This applies to both in-store purchases and online orders. If you have an EBT card, you will need to use a different payment method at Five Below — such as cash, debit card, credit card, or gift card.

The reason Five Below does not accept EBT is that most of its inventory does not may have access to for EBT purchases. EBT can only be used to buy food items that are approved by the USDA — things like fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, bread, and canned goods. Five Below sells toys, home décor, electronics, clothing, and seasonal items. Even the food products Five Below carries — such as snacks and candy — are typically not EBT-may be able to access because they are considered prepared or non-essential foods.

Key Takeaways

  • Five Below does not accept EBT cards in stores or online, because most of what it sells does not may have access to as an EBT-may be able to access food item.
  • EBT can only be used to purchase USDA-approved foods like produce, meat, dairy, and bread — not toys, clothing, electronics, or non-essential snacks.
  • If you need to buy groceries with EBT, use a supermarket, grocery store, or online retailer like Amazon Fresh or Walmart that carries USDA-approved foods.
  • Five Below does accept other payment methods including cash, debit cards, credit cards, and Five Below gift cards.

Which stores do accept EBT

EBT is accepted at grocery stores, supermarkets, and some online retailers that stock USDA-approved food items. Major chains that accept EBT include Walmart, Target, Kroger, Safeway, Whole Foods, and most local grocery stores. Some online options also work: Amazon Fresh, Walmart.com, and Instacart (when ordering from participating stores) all accept EBT for food purchases.

The key difference is that these retailers carry a large selection of foods that meet USDA guidelines. When you shop at one of these stores with your EBT card, you can buy fresh produce, meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, breads, cereals, snack foods like chips and crackers, and beverages like milk and juice. You cannot use EBT to buy hot foods, prepared meals, vitamins, pet food, or non-food items — even at stores that accept EBT.

What Five Below sells and why EBT does not work there

Five Below is a discount variety store that focuses on toys, home goods, seasonal décor, electronics, and clothing. Its product mix is designed for entertainment and household items rather than groceries. Even when Five Below stocks food — such as candy, chips, or cookies — these items fall into the category of non-essential snacks and are not approved for EBT purchase under USDA rules.

The USDA Food and Nutrition Service maintains a strict list of what can and cannot be purchased with EBT. The rule is straightforward: the food must be intended for home preparation and consumption, not for when ready eating. Hot foods, prepared foods, and foods considered luxury items or snacks do not may have access to. Because Five Below's business model centers on non-grocery merchandise, it has no reason to set up EBT processing, and retailers are not required to accept EBT unless they choose to.

How to use your EBT card at the right stores

When you shop with EBT, bring your card to any retailer that displays the QUEST or EBT logo at checkout. You will enter your PIN just as you would at an ATM. The cashier will separate your EBT-may be able to access items from any non-may be able to access items; you pay for the may be able to access food with your EBT card and pay for other items with cash or another card.

If you shop online, the process is similar but happens during checkout. Amazon Fresh, Walmart.com, and Instacart all have EBT payment options built into their websites. You enter your EBT card information and PIN at the time of purchase. Some online retailers will deliver your groceries to your home, which can be helpful if you have limited transportation or mobility.

Other payment options at Five Below

Five Below accepts all major credit cards, debit cards, and cash. You can also use a Five Below gift card, which you can purchase with any payment method and then use in-store or online. If you are looking to stretch a limited budget at Five Below, watch for sales and clearance items, which are marked down regularly throughout the year.

Five Below also runs periodic promotions and offers a loyalty program called Five Below Rewards. Signing up is free and allows you to earn points on purchases, which you can redeem for discounts on future shopping. This is not a substitute for EBT, but it can help reduce the cost of items you buy there if you shop regularly.

Finding EBT-friendly stores near you

To find stores that accept EBT in your area, you can search the USDA's SNAP Retailer Locator at fns.usda.gov/snap/retailer-locator. Enter your zip code and the tool will show you every authorized retailer nearby — grocery stores, supermarkets, farmers markets, and online options. This is the official government resource and is updated regularly as retailers join or leave the program.

You can also call your state's SNAP office or visit your state's SNAP website to ask which retailers in your area accept EBT. Local food banks and community information programs often have lists of nearby stores as well. If you are new to using EBT or have questions about what you can buy, your state's SNAP office can provide guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my EBT card to buy anything at Five Below?

No. Five Below does not accept EBT cards at all, whether you are buying food, toys, clothing, or anything else. You will need to use cash, a debit card, a credit card, or a Five Below gift card instead.

What if I use a Five Below gift card — can I buy it with EBT?

No. You cannot use EBT to purchase a gift card, because gift cards are not food items. You would need to buy the gift card with cash or another payment method, and then use the card to shop at Five Below.

Does any discount retailer accept EBT?

Some discount retailers that carry groceries do accept EBT — Walmart and Target are the most common examples. However, you can only use EBT to pay for USDA-approved foods at these stores, not for clothing, toys, or household goods. Five Below does not carry enough may have access to food items to make EBT processing worthwhile.

Can I buy snacks with EBT at any store?

It depends on the snack. Crackers, bread, nuts, and seeds are EBT-may be able to access. Candy, cookies, chips, and prepared snacks are not. The USDA rule is that the food must be intended for home preparation and consumption. When in doubt, ask the cashier before you check out.