To start accepting EBT/SNAP payments, your business needs a SNAP permit from the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS). The good news? Velocity Merchant Services (VMS) handles the entire application process for you. You just send us the required documents, and we take care of the paperwork.

Once approved, you’ll be authorized to accept EBT cards at your location using VMS-certified payment equipment. It’s fast, compliant, and completely free to apply—no permit fee required.

If you’re ready to get started, our team is here to help every step of the way. You must sell certain types of food in your store to get a permit, including staple foods in each of four food categories: (1) dairy products (2) breads, grains, and cereals (3) fruits and vegetables and (4) meat, fish, and poultry. Foods can be fresh, frozen, or canned. However, you must stock perishable foods in at least two of the food categories.
You can also get a permit if more than 50% of your gross retail sales comes from the sale of one or more staple foods.
Check out the official Stocking Requirements Guide.

You don’t have to apply on your own—We handle the entire SNAP permit application process for you. Our team will complete and submit your application directly to the USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS). All you need to do is send us a few required documents—we take care of the rest.
Here’s what we’ll need from you:
– A copy of your business license or permit (e.g., sales tax permit or health license)
– A copy of a valid photo ID (driver’s license or passport—front and back)
– Social Security cards for all owners, officers, and their spouses
– In some cases, the USDA may request store photos or additional verification
Once we receive your documents, our team will:
– Fill out the SNAP application on your behalf
– Submit it through the official USDA portal
– Handle all communication and follow-ups with the USDA
– Track the status and notify you when you’re approved
There’s no cost to apply for a SNAP permit, and the USDA typically reviews applications within 45 days. After approval, we’ll help you get set up with the right POS system to start accepting EBT payments right away.
Have questions or ready to get started?
Call us at 888-902-6202 and we’ll walk you through it.

Farm stands, farmers’ markets, and CSAs (Consumer Supported Agriculture) can become authorized SNAP vendors:
Farm stands apply as individual retailers.
Farmers’ markets usually apply for a single central SNAP retailer license that can be used by all individual vendors at the market. (Individual vendors can also apply on their own.) Farmers’ markets with a central license can use tokens, paper scrip, or a receipt system to allow SNAP customers to buy food from individual vendors in exchange for a single SNAP/EBT payment.
CSAs apply as individual retailers, but cannot charge SNAP customers up front for CSA shares in the same way as they charge non-SNAP customers. For-profit CSAs must give SNAP customers their farm share products when they pay
Non-profit CSAs can collect EBT/SNAP payments up to 14 days before SNAP customers get their farm share products
Farm stands, farmers’ markets, and CSAs that have electricity and a phone line can use an EBT-only machine supplied by the FNS, or a standard debit and credit card machine connected to the EBT system. Manual vouchers are another option.
For more information, see Becoming an Authorized SNAP Retailer – Guide for Farm Stands and CSAs from CISA; and Learn How You Can Accept SNAP Benefits at Farmers’ Markets from the USDA.

• Customers can use SNAP food stamps to buy any food item except food that is hot when sold, or food that is sold to be eaten in the store like restaurant food. Eligible food items will be determined by your state.
• Customers can use SNAP food stamps to buy seeds or plants that they will grow to produce food for their household.
• Customers cannot use SNAP food stamps to buy non-food items like alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, vitamins or medicines, pet foods, soap, cosmetics, laundry products, paper goods, or other household products.

• Grocery stores, corner markets, gas stations, farmers markets, and certain restaurants (through the Restaurant Meals Program) can typically accept EBT. If you’re unsure whether your business qualifies, we can verify your eligibility in minutes.

• ✅Over 41 million Americans rely on SNAP/EBT to buy food.
  • That’s 1 in 8 people in the U.S. — and they can’t spend their benefits at your business unless you’re EBT-enabled. Imagine how many of them live within five miles of your store.
• ✅87% of SNAP households shop at small and medium-sized retailers.
  • That means they prefer to shop local. But if you’re not accepting EBT, you’re not even an option.
• ✅In 2024, SNAP spending topped $110 billion — the highest in history.
  • And that number is still growing, especially in underserved communities. That’s a giant pie you could be getting a slice of.
• ✅Farmers markets and convenience stores that accept EBT report up to 40% more foot traffic.
  • Accepting EBT isn’t just about being inclusive — it’s a traffic-driving, customer-retaining, revenue-boosting move.

• It depends on the model. Most basic terminals don’t support EBT, and many modern POS systems need a software update or a certified processor to accept SNAP payments. At VMS, we’ll check your system and upgrade you if needed — often at no extra cost.

• ✅POS Terminal Requirements – What your system must be able to do
  • Accept chip (EMV) and tap (contactless) payments
  • Recognize the EBT ID: A0000000044542
  • Support fallback to magnetic stripe (Track II, service code 220)
  • Confirm with your POS/payment provider that EBT chip cards and fallback are supported
• ✅PIN Pad – Why you need it
  • EBT chip and tap payments require a PIN
  • Terminal must have a PIN pad (built-in or external)
  • Each transaction must include your FNS number
• ✅Staff Training – How employees should handle EBT chip cards
  • Try insert or tap first
  • If that fails, swipe the stripe
  • If swipe fails, use manual entry (if allowed)
  • Record failed attempts (error code + time) and report them
• ✅Testing & Compliance – Making sure your setup works correctly
  • Use EBT chip test cards to check your terminal
  • Verify both chip and fallback are working
  • Report and confirm results with SNAP EBT Modernization Technical Assistance Center (SEMTAC)