EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) is an electronic system that allows people to transfer their government benefits from a federal account to a retailer account. EBT cards can be used at approved stores to pay for food and food products using SNAP (Food Stamp) benefits. However, EBT cards cannot be used to buy alcohol, tobacco, hot prepared foods or foods to be immediately eaten, vitamins, medicine, supplements, or non-food items such as paper products, soap, or pet food. EBT cards can also be used to withdraw cash benefits.
To find places that accept EBT, one can use the SNAP Retailer Locator, which allows anyone to locate nearby SNAP-authorized retailers by entering a street address, city and state, or zip code. The locator is designed to help SNAP recipients, but it is also helpful for other government entities, community organizations, and others aiding SNAP recipients. The locator data is available as Comma Separate Value (CSV) files, which can be opened by most desktop spreadsheet applications.
There are also hundreds of restaurants around the country that accept SNAP benefits as part of the Restaurant Meals Program. Some fast food restaurants that accept EBT include Burger King, Carl’s Jr., McDonald’s, Domino’s, KFC, Little Caesars, Subway, Popeye’s, Taco Bell, Wendy’s, and El Pollo Loco. Additionally, Amazon, Walmart, and Target are three major digital retailers that accept online EBT payments for SNAP-eligible food items.
