How to Take Money Out of an EBT Card

An Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card serves as a digital method for distributing government assistance. This card functions much like a standard debit card, allowing recipients to access benefits electronically. Many recipients inquire about obtaining physical cash from their EBT card. Understanding the cash withdrawal process can help manage household finances. This article details the steps and considerations for accessing cash from an EBT card.

Understanding EBT Card Benefits

EBT cards carry two distinct benefit types. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, often called food stamps, are for eligible food items only and cannot be converted to cash. Cash assistance benefits, such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), are for broader use and can be withdrawn as physical money.

Recipients can identify their benefit type and current balances through several methods. Transaction receipts often display remaining balances for both food and cash accounts. Account holders can also check balances and history online via state-specific portals like ebtEDGE.com or ConnectEBT.com, or through mobile applications. A toll-free customer service number, found on the back of the EBT card, provides balance information.

Accessing Cash at ATMs

Withdrawing cash from an EBT card at an ATM is a straightforward process, similar to using a bank debit card. Locate an ATM that accepts EBT cards, identified by the Quest® logo or other major network logos like Plus or Cirrus. Insert the EBT card into the machine’s card reader.

The ATM will prompt the cardholder to enter their four-digit PIN. After entering the PIN, select “cash withdrawal” from the menu, then choose “checking” as the account type, as cash benefits are usually drawn from this category. The cardholder specifies the desired withdrawal amount in whole dollar figures. The ATM will dispense the cash and a transaction receipt showing the remaining balance.

Getting Cash Back at Stores

Another common method for obtaining cash from an EBT card is requesting cash back at participating retail stores during a purchase. Many retailers offer this service, allowing cardholders to receive cash with their merchandise. This option often helps avoid fees associated with ATM withdrawals.

To get cash back, swipe the EBT card at the point-of-sale (POS) terminal during checkout. The terminal will prompt for the PIN, which should be entered securely. Inform the cashier the desired cash back amount in addition to the purchase total. The transaction will process, deducting the purchase and cash back amounts from available cash benefits. The cashier will provide the requested cash and a receipt detailing the transaction and the updated card balance. Not all stores offer EBT cash back, and some may have limits on the amount of cash that can be provided.

Key Considerations for Cash Withdrawals

When withdrawing cash from an EBT card, several practical aspects warrant attention. One important factor is the potential for fees. While using EBT food benefits never incurs a fee, cash withdrawals, particularly from ATMs, may involve charges. Some ATMs may impose a surcharge, typically $1.00 to $4.00 per transaction, deducted directly from the EBT account. Major banks like Wells Fargo, Chase, Bank of America, and Citibank waive these ATM surcharges for EBT cardholders. Some states may charge a small transaction fee (e.g., $0.32 to $1.00) after a certain number of free ATM withdrawals per month. Obtaining cash back with a purchase at a store typically does not incur any fees.

States may impose daily or monthly limits on the amount of cash that can be withdrawn from an EBT card. While some states do not have a daily limit, the specific ATM or store might have its own maximum withdrawal amount, potentially requiring multiple transactions for larger sums. Regularly checking the EBT card balance through receipts, online portals, or mobile apps helps monitor available funds and track transactions. Protecting the PIN is important; it should never be shared, written on the card, or entered without covering the keypad. If an EBT card is lost or stolen, contact the customer service number on the back of the card immediately to report it and request a replacement, as benefits may not be replaced if used by an unauthorized individual.