Five Below does not accept EBT cards at checkout

Five Below, the discount retailer with stores across the United States, does not take SNAP EBT cards (the card that loads your food benefits). You cannot use your EBT card to pay for anything at Five Below, whether in-store or online. This is true at every Five Below location.

Five Below sells toys, games, home goods, seasonal items, and some snacks and drinks. Even though some of those items might seem like they could be food-related — such as candy or beverages — the store is not authorized by the USDA to accept SNAP benefits. Only retailers on the USDA's approved list can take EBT at the register.

If you are looking to use your SNAP benefits, you need to shop at a store that is both authorized and carries food items that meet SNAP rules. Grocery stores, supermarkets, and some convenience stores accept EBT. Five Below is not one of them.

Key Takeaways

  • Five Below does not accept SNAP EBT cards for any purchases, in-store or online.
  • Only retailers authorized by the USDA to accept SNAP can take EBT at checkout, and Five Below is not on that list.
  • You can check whether a specific store accepts SNAP by searching the USDA's retailer locator tool online.
  • Stores that accept SNAP must carry food items; Five Below's inventory does not meet SNAP food requirements.

Why Five Below is not an authorized SNAP retailer

The USDA maintains a list of retailers authorized to accept SNAP benefits. To be on that list, a store must meet specific requirements: it must carry a certain variety and quantity of food items that fit SNAP rules, and it must apply for authorization and pass a review.

Five Below's business model centers on discount merchandise — toys, décor, seasonal goods, and some consumables — but not on groceries or staple foods. The store does not stock the range of fresh produce, dairy, meat, or pantry staples that SNAP is designed to purchase. Because of this, Five Below has never sought or received SNAP authorization.

Even though Five Below does sell some food items like candy, chips, and drinks, selling those items alone does not make a retailer SNAP-authorized. The store would need to carry a much broader selection of food categories to meet USDA standards.

Where you can use your SNAP EBT card instead

Your SNAP benefits work at thousands of retailers across the country. The most common places are supermarkets and grocery stores — chains like Kroger, Safeway, Whole Foods, and Trader Joe's, as well as independent grocers and farmers markets. Many convenience stores and smaller markets also accept SNAP.

Some online retailers now accept SNAP as well. Amazon and Walmart both allow SNAP purchases through their websites in most states, though the selection and delivery options vary by location.

To find an authorized retailer near you, use the USDA's SNAP Retailer Locator tool on their website. You can search by address or ZIP code and see which stores in your area take EBT. This tool is updated regularly and shows you exactly where your benefits will work.

What you can and cannot buy with SNAP

SNAP covers food you prepare at home: fruits and vegetables, meat and poultry, dairy products, breads and cereals, snack foods, and non-alcoholic beverages. You can also buy seeds and plants that produce food.

SNAP does not cover hot or prepared foods, alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, medicines, pet food, household supplies, or personal care items. Even though Five Below sells some items that look like food — candy, for example — SNAP rules are strict about what counts as an may be able to access food purchase.

This is why Five Below cannot accept SNAP, and why you will not see EBT payment as an option there. The store's inventory simply does not align with what SNAP is authorized to purchase.

How to check if a store accepts SNAP before you shop

Before you go to a store, you can verify that it accepts SNAP using the USDA's online retailer locator. Go to the USDA SNAP website, enter your address or ZIP code, and the tool will show you authorized retailers nearby. You can filter by store type — supermarket, farmers market, convenience store — to narrow your search.

You can also call a store directly and ask whether they accept SNAP EBT. Most customer service lines can answer this question in seconds. If you are shopping online, look for a payment method section that lists "SNAP" or "EBT" as an option before you add items to your cart.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my EBT card to buy candy or drinks at Five Below?

No. Even though Five Below sells candy and beverages, SNAP does not cover purchases at Five Below because the store is not an authorized SNAP retailer. You can only use your EBT card at stores that are authorized by the USDA and carry may have access to food items.

Does Five Below accept any government benefits cards?

Five Below does not accept SNAP EBT cards. The store does not participate in any government food benefit programs. You can pay with regular debit cards, credit cards, or cash.

Can I use my EBT card online at Five Below's website?

No. Five Below does not accept EBT online or in-store. The store is not authorized to process SNAP payments through any method.

What if I have cash assistance (TANF) instead of SNAP?

TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) loads onto a debit card that works like a regular card at most retailers, including Five Below. However, TANF rules vary by state, so check your state's program to confirm what you can buy with your cash assistance card.