Your EBT card works like a debit card at the register, but only for food you can eat at home

Your EBT card is a plastic card linked to your food benefits account. When you use it at checkout, you enter your PIN (the same one you use at ATMs), and the amount comes out of your benefits balance. The card works at most grocery stores, farmers markets, and some online retailers — but only for food items you prepare yourself. Hot food, alcohol, vitamins, and non-food items like soap or paper towels will be rejected at the register.

You do not need to tell the cashier you are using EBT. Hand them your card like any other payment method. If the transaction is declined, it usually means either your PIN was wrong, your balance is too low, or you tried to buy something the program does not cover. The cashier can tell you which one happened.

Key Takeaways

  • Your EBT card requires a PIN at checkout; without it, the transaction will not go through.
  • The card only pays for food you cook at home — produce, meat, dairy, bread, canned goods — not prepared foods or non-food items.
  • You can check your balance by calling the customer service number on the back of your card, checking online through your state's portal, or asking the cashier.
  • Some grocery stores and Amazon Fresh now accept EBT online, though availability depends on your state and which retailer you use.
  • If your card is lost, stolen, or damaged, contact your state's EBT customer service line to request a replacement within 24 hours.

What you can and cannot buy with EBT

EBT covers food you prepare and eat at home. This includes fruits and vegetables, meat and poultry, fish and shellfish, dairy products, breads and cereals, snack foods like chips and cookies, frozen foods, canned goods, and baby formula and food. Seeds and plants that produce food are also covered.

EBT does not cover hot or prepared foods (rotisserie chicken, deli sandwiches, pizza by the slice), alcohol or tobacco, vitamins and medicines, pet food, soap and paper products, or anything you do not eat. Some items are borderline — for example, a cold rotisserie chicken from the grocery store case may be covered, but a hot one from the deli counter is not. If you are unsure, ask the cashier before you check out.

How to use your PIN and protect it

Your PIN is a four-digit number you create when you first receive your card. You enter it at the keypad after the cashier scans your card, just like you would with a regular debit card. If you forget your PIN, you can reset it by calling the customer service number on the back of your card or through your state's online EBT portal.

Never share your PIN with anyone, including store staff, family members, or friends. Your PIN is how the system knows it is you spending your benefits. If someone else uses your card and PIN, those benefits are gone and you may not get them back. If you think someone has used your card without permission, call customer service right away to report it and request a new card.

Checking your balance and transaction history

You can check how much money you have left in three ways. First, ask the cashier to tell you your balance when you swipe your card — they can see it on their screen. Second, call the customer service number on the back of your card and follow the prompts to hear your balance. Third, log into your state's EBT online portal if your state offers one; most do, and you can set up an account with your card number and PIN.

Checking your balance before you shop helps you know how much you can spend. Your benefits usually reload on the same day each month — your state's EBT office will tell you which day when you apply. If your benefits do not show up on the expected day, wait 24 hours and check again, then call customer service if they still have not arrived.

Using EBT online at grocery stores and retailers

Some states now allow you to use EBT to buy groceries online through Amazon Fresh, Walmart, and some local grocery chains. The process is similar to using your card in a store: you add may be able to access food items to your cart, enter your EBT card number and PIN at checkout, and the order is delivered or ready for pickup. Not all states have this option yet, and not all retailers participate in every state.

To learn about online EBT shopping is available where you live, visit your state's EBT website or call the customer service number on your card. If it is available, the retailer's website will show you how to add your EBT card as a payment method. Online orders follow the same rules as in-store purchases — only food you prepare at home is covered, and hot or prepared foods are not.

What to do if your card is lost, stolen, or not working

If your card is lost or stolen, call the customer service number on the back of your card as soon as possible — ideally within 24 hours. The representative will deactivate your old card so no one else can use it and will order a replacement. In most states, a replacement card arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If you need benefits before the new card arrives, ask about emergency cash or a temporary card; some states offer this.

If your card is not working at the register — the machine will not read it, or it keeps asking for your PIN — try a different store first to rule out a problem with that particular register. If it does not work anywhere, the card may be damaged. Call customer service to report it and request a replacement. Do not try to fix the card yourself by cleaning it or bending it, as this can make it worse.

Using your card at farmers markets and other vendors

Many farmers markets accept EBT cards directly. You swipe or insert your card at the vendor's portable card reader, enter your PIN, and the transaction goes through just like at a grocery store. Some farmers markets also run a matching program where your EBT dollar is matched with an extra dollar to spend on produce — ask the market manager if they offer this.

A few states also allow EBT at restaurants that serve people with disabilities or seniors, but this is not common. Your state's EBT office can tell you if any vendors near you accept EBT beyond grocery stores and farmers markets. If a vendor says they take EBT but their card reader is broken, ask if they can process it manually or if you can come back another time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone else use my EBT card if I give them permission?

Legally, only you can use your EBT card. If you give someone else your card and PIN, you are responsible for what they buy, and if they misuse it, you may not get the benefits back. If you need help shopping, go with them and use the card yourself, or ask your state's EBT office about other options.

What happens if I use my EBT card for something that is not covered?

The transaction will be declined at the register. The cashier will tell you which items are not covered, and you can remove them and try again with only may be able to access food. There is no penalty for attempting to buy something that is not covered.

Can I get cash from an ATM with my EBT card?

No. EBT cards for food benefits do not allow ATM withdrawals. If your state also gives you cash assistance (TANF), that may be on a separate card or the same card with a separate PIN, and that portion can be withdrawn as cash. Check the back of your card or call customer service to find out.

What if my balance runs out before the end of the month?

Once your balance reaches zero, you cannot use the card until your benefits reload on your state's scheduled day. There is no overdraft or borrowing against next month's benefits. If you run out, contact your local food bank or community resources for additional food support.

Do I have to use my EBT card every month or I lose the benefits?

No. Your benefits roll over month to month in most states, so you do not lose money if you do not spend it all. However, some states have a time limit — if your card is inactive for 12 months or longer, you may lose the benefits. Call your state's EBT office if you have not used your card in a while.