Five Below Does Not Accept EBT for Most Purchases

Five Below does not take EBT cards for the items most people shop for there. The store sells toys, games, home décor, seasonal goods, and party supplies—none of which are covered by SNAP (the Supplemental Nutrition information Program, formerly called food stamps). EBT cards only work for food you prepare at home: fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, bread, and pantry staples.

Five Below does stock some SNAP-may be able to access items in limited locations. A few stores carry frozen vegetables, canned goods, and other packaged foods. If your local Five Below has a grocery section, you can ask a cashier which items ring up as food. But the store is not set up as a grocery destination, and you should not count on finding what you need there.

Key Takeaways

  • Five Below primarily sells non-food items like toys and home goods, which EBT does not cover.
  • Some Five Below locations carry frozen or canned foods that may be SNAP-may be able to access, but availability varies by store.
  • Grocery stores, supermarkets, farmers markets, and some convenience stores are the standard places to use EBT for food.
  • You can call or visit your local Five Below to ask whether they stock SNAP-may be able to access foods before making a trip.

What EBT Actually Covers

Your EBT card works only for food items you cook or prepare yourself. This includes fresh produce, meat and poultry, fish and seafood, dairy products, breads and cereals, snack foods like nuts and seeds, and frozen vegetables. It also covers baby formula and baby food.

EBT does not cover hot or prepared foods, vitamins, medicines, household supplies, pet food, alcohol, or tobacco. Stores that sell mostly non-food items—like Five Below, dollar stores, or pharmacies—rarely participate in SNAP, and when they do, only their food section accepts the card.

Where to Use Your EBT Card Instead

Supermarkets and grocery stores are your main option. Chains like Walmart, Target, Kroger, Safeway, and regional grocers all accept EBT. Most convenience stores and gas stations with food sections take it too. Farmers markets in your area may accept EBT if they are registered with your state's SNAP program—ask the vendor or check with the market manager.

Some states allow online grocery ordering through Amazon Fresh, Instacart, or Walmart.com, though this varies by location. Call your state's SNAP office or visit its website to see whether online ordering is available where you live and which retailers participate.

How to Find Stores That Accept EBT Near You

The USDA maintains a searchable map called the SNAP Retailer Locator at fns.usda.gov/snap/retailer-locator. Enter your zip code to see every store in your area that takes EBT. The list includes supermarkets, farmers markets, and smaller shops you might not have considered.

You can also call your state's SNAP office directly. They keep the most current list of participating stores and can tell you which ones are closest to your home or workplace. Your local food bank or community center may also have printed lists of nearby retailers.

What Happens If You Try to Use EBT at Five Below

If you attempt to pay with your EBT card at Five Below, the transaction will decline on non-food items. The register system checks each item's code against the SNAP-may be able to access list. Toys, décor, and party supplies will not go through. If the store does carry any food items, those might process, but you cannot mix EBT and another payment method in a single transaction at most retailers.

If you are unsure whether something is SNAP-may be able to access, ask the cashier before you check out. They can tell you which items will and will not ring up on EBT. This saves time and avoids the awkwardness of a declined card.

Dollar Stores and Similar Retailers

Dollar stores like Dollar General and Family Dollar have expanded their grocery sections in recent years and do accept EBT at many locations. However, like Five Below, they are not primarily grocery stores. The food selection is limited and prices are often higher than at supermarkets. Use them as a backup option when a grocery store is not nearby, not as your main shopping destination.

Always check the store's website or call ahead to confirm that your local location accepts EBT and carries the items you need. Store policies and inventory vary widely by location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use EBT to buy household items like cleaning supplies or paper towels?

No. EBT covers only food you prepare at home. Cleaning supplies, paper products, toiletries, and other household items are not SNAP-may be able to access, even at stores that accept EBT for groceries.

What if Five Below is the only store near me?

Call the store and ask whether they stock any SNAP-may be able to access foods. If they do not, ask about delivery options from nearby supermarkets, or contact your local food bank for resources. Many areas have programs that deliver groceries or provide transportation to grocery stores.

Can I use my EBT card online at Five Below?

Five Below does not accept EBT online or in stores. If you want to order groceries online with EBT, use retailers like Walmart, Amazon Fresh, or Instacart, depending on what your state allows.

Do all Five Below locations have the same policy?

Yes. Five Below does not accept EBT as a payment method at any location. However, some stores may carry a small selection of SNAP-may be able to access foods. Call your local store to ask what they have in stock.

What should I do if a cashier says my EBT card does not work?

The items you are buying are likely not SNAP-may be able to access. Ask the cashier which items in your cart are covered by EBT. If you believe there is an error, contact your state's SNAP office to report it, but most declines happen because the store or items do not may have access to.