Can I Enter My EBT Card Manually?

Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) is a system that allows state welfare departments to issue food and cash benefits electronically. This system provides a convenient and secure way for recipients to access their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and other forms of cash assistance. Questions sometimes arise about how transactions are processed when a physical card swipe isn’t possible, leading to inquiries about manual card entry.

Manual Entry for In-Store Transactions

For in-store purchases, EBT cards are typically swiped through a point-of-sale (POS) terminal, similar to a debit or credit card. However, there are instances where a card’s magnetic stripe may be damaged, worn, or the POS device itself experiences a malfunction, preventing a successful swipe. In such situations, manual entry of the EBT card number is a necessary alternative. Most modern POS systems allow a merchant to key in the card number directly.

For manual entry, the merchant will ask for the 16-digit EBT card number and, if prompted, an expiration date. While EBT cards often do not have a visible expiration date printed on them, a system-encoded date exists, and merchants may use a generic default like “12/49” if required by their system for manual input. Once the card number is entered, the system prompts the cardholder to enter their Personal Identification Number (PIN) on the keypad. The cardholder must always enter their PIN themselves for security purposes; this sensitive information should never be disclosed to store personnel. This process ensures benefits remain protected against unauthorized use, even when the physical card cannot be swiped.

Manual Entry for Online Transactions

Online transactions with an EBT card involve manual entry, similar to using a standard debit or credit card for internet purchases. As online EBT purchasing becomes more widely available, customers can select EBT as a payment method on participating retailer websites. The cardholder is prompted to enter the 16-digit EBT card number and its expiration date into designated fields on the e-commerce platform.

After entering card details, the process involves a secure step for PIN validation. This often occurs on a secure page managed by a third-party payment processor, ensuring PIN confidentiality. PIN entry is important for authenticating the transaction and is a consistent security measure across both in-store and online EBT purchases. Cardholders should remember that EBT benefits can only be used for eligible food items; delivery or service fees for online orders typically require an alternative payment method.