5 Below does not accept EBT cards as payment

5 Below, the discount retailer that sells items for $5 and under, does not take SNAP benefits (the food portion of EBT). The store sells toys, home goods, seasonal items, snacks, and candy — most of which are not food items that SNAP covers anyway. Even the food products 5 Below carries, like packaged snacks and drinks, are typically sold in formats or combinations that don't meet SNAP rules.

If you're looking for a place to use SNAP benefits, you need a retailer authorized by the USDA to accept EBT. That list includes grocery stores, supermarkets, farmers markets, and some convenience stores and pharmacies — but not general merchandise retailers like 5 Below, Target, or Walmart (though Walmart's grocery section does accept EBT for may be able to access food items).

Key Takeaways

  • 5 Below does not accept SNAP EBT cards because it is not an authorized food retailer.
  • Most items sold at 5 Below — toys, home goods, and seasonal merchandise — are not may be able to access for SNAP purchase anyway.
  • You can find authorized SNAP retailers by searching the USDA's store locator or asking your state's SNAP office.
  • Some 5 Below locations may be near grocery stores or supermarkets where you can use your SNAP benefits for may be able to access food purchases.

What SNAP actually covers at retail stores

SNAP benefits pay only for food and beverages intended for home preparation or consumption. That means fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, bread, cereal, snacks, and drinks — but not hot foods, prepared meals, vitamins, medicine, or non-food items.

5 Below's inventory is built around non-food merchandise. Even when the store stocks food items like candy, chips, or energy drinks, these are often sold in bulk packs or seasonal assortments that fall outside SNAP rules. The store is designed as a discount destination for household goods and entertainment, not as a grocery source.

Where you can use SNAP EBT instead

SNAP benefits work at any store that has been authorized by the USDA and displays the SNAP acceptance sign. Common retailers include Kroger, Safeway, Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, Publix, Albertsons, and most regional supermarket chains. Many Walmart and Target locations accept SNAP for groceries in their food sections. Costco and Sam's Club also accept SNAP, though you need a membership to shop there.

Farmers markets in your area may accept SNAP as well — some use a special card reader at the market entrance, while others work with individual vendors. Call ahead or check the market's website to confirm. Smaller grocery stores, ethnic markets, and some convenience stores are authorized too, even if they're not national chains.

How to find authorized retailers near you

The USDA maintains a searchable database called the SNAP Retailer Locator at fns.usda.gov/snap/retailer-locator. You can search by address, city, or ZIP code to see every authorized store within a certain distance. The tool shows store hours, whether they accept online ordering with EBT, and which SNAP benefits they take.

You can also contact your state's SNAP office directly — they keep lists of authorized retailers and can tell you which stores are closest to your home or workplace. Many state offices have phone lines and websites where you can search by location.

Why some retailers don't accept SNAP

Retailers must go through an authorization process with the USDA to accept SNAP. They need to meet certain requirements: they must stock a variety of foods from different categories (produce, dairy, meat, bread, and staples), maintain those items regularly, and have the equipment to process EBT cards. Stores that focus on non-food merchandise, like 5 Below, don't meet these requirements and aren't part of the program.

Some small stores choose not to participate even though they could, because the application process takes time or because they don't want to deal with the compliance rules. But 5 Below's business model — deep discounts on toys, décor, and seasonal goods — means SNAP authorization was never part of their plan.

What to do if you can't find a store nearby

If authorized retailers are far from your home, you have a few options. Some states now allow SNAP to be used for online grocery orders through Amazon, Walmart, and other retailers — you pay with your EBT card just as you would in a store. Check your state's SNAP website to see if online ordering is available where you live.

If you live in a rural area with limited store access, contact your state SNAP office. They may know about smaller authorized retailers you haven't found yet, or they can tell you about programs that help people in underserved areas. Some states also run special initiatives to bring SNAP access to food deserts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my EBT card at 5 Below for any items?

No. 5 Below does not accept EBT cards at all. The store is not authorized by the USDA to process SNAP benefits, and most of its merchandise — toys, home goods, seasonal items — would not be may be able to access for SNAP purchase anyway.

Does 5 Below sell groceries that would be SNAP-may be able to access?

5 Below stocks some snacks and beverages, but these are typically sold in bulk packs or seasonal assortments that don't fit SNAP rules. Even if individual items might be may be able to access, the store itself is not an authorized SNAP retailer, so you cannot use your EBT card there.

What if I have both SNAP and cash — can I split my payment at 5 Below?

Since 5 Below does not accept EBT at all, splitting payment won't help. You would need to pay entirely with cash or another payment method. For SNAP-may be able to access purchases, use an authorized grocery retailer instead.

How do I know if a store accepts SNAP before I go?

Use the USDA SNAP Retailer Locator at fns.usda.gov/snap/retailer-locator to search by address or ZIP code. You can also call your state SNAP office or look for the SNAP acceptance sign posted at store entrances.