Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) is an electronic system allowing states welfare department to issue benefits via a magnetically encoded payment card.
EBT is an accepted form of payment in all states replacing paper food stamps and checks for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The EBT card is similar to an ATM or debit card. SNAP households are issued the EBT card to buy eligible food at stores authorized to take SNAP benefits. Approximately 14% of the population is on SNAP today.
EBT cards can also be accepted on certain POS and with additional setup. The following POS can accept EBT:
Verifone Commander
Verifone Ruby CI
Gilbarco Passport
Radiant
FD150
For locations with a POS that cannot accept EBT, a standalone FD150 can be rented to process EBT cards only, at a monthly fee.