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Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT, also known as Food Stamps or SNAP) is a system used by government welfare programs to distribute benefits to eligible individuals. Instead of paper food stamps or vouchers, EBT allows recipients to access their benefits electronically using a plastic card similar to a credit or debit card.

Overview

In a retail space, customers can use EBT cards to purchase eligible food items at authorized retailers. When a customer pays with an EBT card, the transaction is processed electronically, deducting the cost of the purchased items from the customer's benefit balance. The point-of-sale (POS) system is capable of processing EBT transactions. The system facilitates your compliance with regulations regarding eligible items and payment processing via the P5 card terminal.

EBT has two components: EBT Food and EBT Cash.

Pricing

Your normal pricing has a flat per-transaction amount plus a percent of the total charges that combine to comprise the transaction fee. EBT transactions only have a single per-transaction fee. That fee is typically set to ten-cents (10¢) per EBT transaction. You can view your fee amount on the Portal's Profile page in the Rates section if you are set up for EBT.

Reporting and Payout

Unlike normal transactions where the fees are taken out of each transaction, the fees for EBT charges are taken in one lump sum at the end of each month. The EBT transactions are not included in the Payout reports, as those reports are for only standard transactions. EBT Transactions are paid out with a separate payout each day.

Payouts for EBT transactions may vary from state to state, but are typically completed within 24 to 48 hours of the transaction standard cutoff.

EBT Program Types

EBT Food

The EBT Food cards are used to buy eligible food items at authorized retailers (for example, produce, dairy, meat, and other staple foods).

EBT Cash

The EBT Cash cards are used for non-food items or cash withdrawals, according to state rules and program eligibility.

Troubleshooting and Tips

• Declined or Invalid PIN — Ask the customer to retry their PIN carefully. If the error persists, suggest they verify the balance or contact their local county welfare office.

• Ineligible Items — Only eligible items can be purchased with EBT Food. If some items are ineligible, the Front End will indicate items that are not eligible for EBT and will require a different payment method to pay for those items.

• Receipts and Balance — The Front End will automatically print the customer's EBT balance on the receipt for the customer's reference.

Related Topics

Tender Types in the Front End

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Who can accept EBT payments?

A. You must be authorized and onboarded for EBT by your payment provider, and your POS must support EBT transactions.

Q. What fees apply to EBT?

A. EBT often has a separate, flat per‑transaction fee. Check your payment provider agreement for your specific rate.

Q. When will I receive my EBT deposits?

A. EBT deposits are usually funded separately from card deposits and generally arrive within 24–48 hours, subject to state schedules and bank cutoffs.

Q. Can I split a sale between EBT and a card?

A. Yes. Use the mixed payment flow to apply EBT first, then complete any remaining balance by card.

Q. How do customers verify their remaining EBT balance?

A. After the transaction, the terminal can display the remaining balance and you can print it on the receipt on request.

Q: I have a question, but I can't find my answer here, how do I get more assistance?

A: If you need immediate assistance, the team is available 24/7. Feel free to contact our support team at: 877-752-0625. Or you can email us at support@marktpos.com and we will respond within 24-hours.