An EBT card is a debit card that lets you buy food at grocery stores and farmers markets
An EBT card (Electronic Benefits Transfer) is a plastic card that works like a debit card and holds money from food information programs. When you swipe it at a checkout, the funds come directly from your account. The card itself does not say what program it is connected to — it looks like any other debit card.
The card is used only for food. You cannot use it to buy household items, medicine, gas, or anything else. The money loaded onto it can only be spent on items the program allows, and the register will decline the card if you try to buy something that does not may have access to.
Different states call their programs different names — SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition information Program) in most states, CalFresh in California, PEBT in some states for children — but they all work the same way. The card is the tool; the program behind it determines what you can buy.
Key Takeaways
- An EBT card is used to purchase food items at grocery stores, supermarkets, and farmers markets where the program is accepted.
- You cannot use an EBT card to buy prepared foods, hot foods, vitamins, medicine, household supplies, or anything that is not a raw or packaged food item.
- The card works at any store that displays the EBT or SNAP logo, including most major grocery chains and many small markets.
- Your EBT balance is separate from any cash you have; the card only spends the food information money loaded onto it each month.
What foods you can buy with an EBT card
EBT money can be spent on any food you cook or prepare at home. This includes fruits and vegetables (fresh, frozen, or canned), meat and poultry, fish and seafood, dairy products like milk and cheese, bread and grains, snack foods like chips and cookies, and beverages like juice and soda. Basically, if it is a food item you take home and prepare yourself, it is allowed.
Seeds and plants that produce food are also covered. You can buy tomato seeds, herb plants, or berry bushes with your EBT card, even though you do not eat them right away.
Some stores that accept EBT also accept it at farmers markets. At a farmers market, you can use your card to buy produce, honey, and other foods directly from the farmer or vendor. A few states also let you use EBT online at certain grocery stores for delivery or pickup, though this varies by state and store.
What you cannot buy with an EBT card
Hot or prepared foods are not allowed, even if they are sold at a grocery store. You cannot buy rotisserie chicken, deli sandwiches, hot pizza, or food from the store's hot bar. You also cannot buy food from restaurants, food trucks, or fast-food chains — the card will not work there.
Non-food items will be declined, no matter where you shop. This includes paper products, cleaning supplies, toiletries, medicine, vitamins, pet food, and alcohol or tobacco. If you put a non-food item on the conveyor belt with food, the cashier will separate them at checkout, and you will pay for the non-food items with cash or another card.
Some foods that seem like they should be covered are not. Soap, toothpaste, and shampoo are declined. Hot coffee or prepared drinks are declined. Candy and gum are allowed, but energy drinks and sports drinks are sometimes declined depending on the state — the rule is that drinks with added vitamins or supplements are not covered.
How the card works at checkout
When you are ready to pay, tell the cashier you are using EBT or hand them your card. They will swipe it or insert it into the card reader, just like a debit card. You will be asked to enter your PIN (the same number you use at ATMs). The transaction goes through in seconds, and your receipt will show the amount spent and your remaining balance.
If you do not have enough money on the card to cover your purchase, the card will decline. The cashier will ask you to remove items until the total matches your balance, or you can pay the difference with cash or another card. There is no overdraft — the card straightforward stops working when the balance is zero.
Your balance resets on a specific day each month (usually the first through the tenth, depending on your state and case number). On that day, the new month's funds are loaded onto the card automatically. You do not have to do anything. If you do not spend all your money in one month, it rolls over to the next month in most states.
Where you can use an EBT card
Any store that displays the SNAP or EBT logo accepts the card. This includes large grocery chains like Kroger, Safeway, and Walmart; smaller grocery stores and markets; and many convenience stores. Some dollar stores and warehouse clubs like Costco also accept EBT, though rules vary by location.
Farmers markets that accept EBT will have a sign at the entrance or at individual vendor booths. You can ask the market manager if you are not sure. Some states run programs that match your EBT spending at farmers markets — you spend five dollars and get five dollars extra to spend there — but this varies by state and market.
Online grocery shopping is available in some states through Amazon Fresh, Instacart, and other services, but not everywhere. Check your state's program website or call the number on the back of your card to learn about online shopping is an option where you live.
What happens if your card is lost or stolen
Call the number on the back of your EBT card right away. The card will be frozen when ready so no one else can use it. A new card will be mailed to you, usually within five to ten business days. In the meantime, you can ask for an emergency replacement card at your local office, or your state may send you a temporary card number you can use online.
If someone used your card before you reported it missing, contact your state's program office. They will investigate and may restore the stolen amount to your account, though this depends on your state's rules. Keep your PIN private and never share it with anyone, even family members or caseworkers.
Understanding your EBT balance and monthly funds
Your EBT card has a balance, just like a bank account. You can check it by calling the number on the back of your card, checking online through your state's website, or asking the cashier to tell you the balance when you swipe the card. Some states have a mobile app where you can see your balance anytime.
The amount you receive each month depends on your household size, income, and state. The money is loaded automatically on the same day each month. If you have questions about how much you should be receiving, contact your state's program office — they can explain the calculation and tell you if anything has changed.
Unused money carries over to the next month in most states, so you do not lose it if you do not spend it all. However, some states have a time limit — if you do not use your card for a certain number of months, the account may be closed. Check your state's rules to be sure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my EBT card to buy food online?
Some states allow online grocery shopping through certain retailers like Amazon Fresh and Walmart, but not all states offer this. Call the number on the back of your card or visit your state's program website to learn about online shopping is available where you live and which stores accept EBT online.
What happens if I try to buy something that is not allowed?
The card will be declined at the register. The cashier will separate the non-food items from your groceries, and you can pay for them with cash or another card. Food items will go through on your EBT card. There is no penalty for trying — the system straightforward will not allow the purchase.
Can someone else use my EBT card?
No. Your EBT card is for your use only. You will need to enter your PIN to complete a purchase, so do not share that number with anyone. If someone else uses your card without permission, report it to your state right away so they can freeze the card and investigate.
Do I have to spend all my EBT money each month?
No. Unused money rolls over to the next month in most states, so you can save it. However, some states close accounts if the card is not used for several months. Check your state's rules or call the number on your card if you are unsure.
Can I use my EBT card at restaurants or food trucks?
No. EBT cards only work at grocery stores, supermarkets, farmers markets, and some online retailers. Restaurants, food trucks, fast-food chains, and prepared food counters do not accept EBT, even if they are located inside a grocery store.