Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT)

Now, in addition to cash, credit, debit, and check, you can offer your customers one more payment solution. Introducing the Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, a payment option that brings the former paper environment of government Food Stamp or Cash Benefits program into the electronic age.

The EBT card may be used to access funds in two types of benefit programs (depending on the issuing state), the cash benefits or food stamp program. One or both programs may be right for your retail establishment.

EBT is ideal for:

• Cash Benefits - Any type of retail merchant can accept Cash Benefit EBT cards. There is no qualifying criteria dictated by the state for a merchant to accept cash benefit cards although a few states have restrictions on the acceptance of EBT cards in gambling establishments. The most suitable merchants are those where benefit recipients are likely to shop (e.g.; drug stores and pharmacies, general discount stores, clothing/shoe stores, restaurants, etc.)
• Food Stamps - Supermarkets, grocery stores, and convenience stores (who have been authorized for food stamp acceptance by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service) are the primary markets for the food stamp EBT program.

It's easy to get started:

If you have been approved to process credit cards with us, you can participate as an EBT Cash Benefits merchant automatically and accept on-line debit cards as well. (Specific terminal hardware required)

• The EBT card program uses the same technology used for credit card and debit card processing.
• The EBT process eliminates the handling, counting, and deposit of food stamp coupons.
• Funds for EBT transactions are settled to your account along with credit and debit card funds.
• EBT transactions are PIN-protected and authorized on-line. The potential for fraud is greatly reduced.
• When you accept EBT cards, you are providing another payment option for customers who may not have otherwise shopped in your store.
• The EBT card looks and works like any other mainstream plastic card accepted at your store.
• Check out time is much faster and easier than with paper food coupon transactions.
• The EBT card is secure. By requiring a PIN to be used, it is less vulnerable to theft than paper coupons.
• EBT is convenient. Funds for the EBT accounts are reliably available on schedule.
• Easy - total food purchase amount is subtracted from the customers benefit balance to the penny, so there's no need to give change from the cash drawer.

EBT features include:

• Food Stamp Transactions include: Purchase, balance inquiry and refund
• No cash back allowed on a food stamp purchase
• Merchant can key in the Primary Account Number (PAN), as long as the cardholder is present and they enter their Personal Identification Number (PIN).

• Replaces paper checks issued to pay out benefits such as: State and local Welfare Payments, Unemployment, Housing, Energy Assistance
• Cash Benefit Transactions include: Purchase, purchase with cash back, balance inquiry, cash only.

• Omni® 3200
• Hypercom® ICE 5500
• Hypercom® T77