Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Definition

Merchant Account Electronic Benefit Transfer Explained:

What is EBT? EBT, or Electronic Benefit Transfer, is a system that allows state welfare recipients to pay for their goods using a card with a magnetic strip. This form of payment has replaced the Food Stamp Program, which issued paper coupons to recipients. EBT cards, which function as PIN-debit cards, may be used to pay for USDA-authorized groceries through the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or to buy goods with cash benefits issued at the state level or through Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).

EBT transactions are processed in a way that is similar to PIN-debit transactions. A customer swipes the card through a point-of-sale terminal and enters a secret PIN to authorize the purchase. The funds are then deducted from the benefits account associated with the card. It is illegal for anyone to charge card processing fees for acceptance of EBT SNAP cards, but surcharges may be added to cash benefit cards.

Tell Us How They Treated You

Sharing your experience influences our rating and helps other business owners make informed decisions. Please take a moment to tell us if they are serving you well. Your email address will never be published, shared or sold. We only use it to authenticate that you are a real person and, if you select the option for it, to let you know if someone replies to your comment. Required fields are marked *

Comments must contain details about your experience. Please do not use ALL CAPS. Self-promotion, marketing content, or contact information of any kind will not be published. By submitting a comment, you are agreeing to our Comment Policy

Copyright

Copyright © CardPaymentOptions.com, Inc. (Digital Fingerprint: 0d38c6720f0d78a701b74d58653af608). Getting paid to re-write this page? Click here to earn a reward.

Any unauthorized copying and reproduction of the content of this page, including all meta data and computer code, is strictly prohibited. While the information in the above article is believed to be accurate as of its publish date, the author and publisher make no representation or warranties with respect to the accuracy, applicability, fitness, or completeness of the contents. The author and publisher shall in no event be held liable to any party for any direct, indirect, punitive, special, incidental or other consequential damages arising directly or indirectly from any use of this material, which is provided “as is,” and without warranties. Any and all use of trade names and/or marks are for identification purposes only and shall not be construed as a claim of affiliation, or otherwise, with CardPaymentOptions.com, Inc. ("CPO") in any form. The sole purpose of the material presented herein is to alert, educate, and inform readers. It is not intended as legal or financial advice. We may earn revenue if you obtain services from a provider that we recommend. See this page to learn how we support our operations.

Our Top Pick of 2022
helcim logo
star star star star star
Helcim Payments
done
No Monthly or Annual Fees
done
Super Low Processing Rates
done
POS, Mobile, and Online Payments
Sales & Support: (888) 506-7812
Thinking of working in merchant services? Download our free ebook first.
An Honest Buck ebook cover
Most Ethical Processor of 2024

The most ethical providers offer rock-bottom rates, no monthly fees, no contract, and superb customer support. Below we break them down by specialty and industry:

▶ Retail
▶ Restaurant
▶ Card-Not-Present
▶ Invoicing
▶ Online Checkout
▶ E-Commerce Store Creation
▶ Subscriptions & Recurring
▶ Web Developer Tools
▶ Mobile
▶ Non-Profit
▶ Canadian
▶ Seasonal
▶ Quickbooks Intergration
▶ Free (Zero-Fee) Processing