EBT
How To Accept EBT/SNAP Payments At Your Business
Ready to accept EBT at your business? We’ll guide you from start to finish — FNS number, equipment, and everything in between.
The Process
3 Steps to Accept EBT at your Business
Most businesses know that accepting EBT payments will help grow their profits. However, there’s much to consider before accepting EBT cards, such as filing an application, meeting hardware requirements and understanding the costs involved.
Step 1
Qualification
Before diving in, let’s make sure your business qualifies. EBT approval depends on your business type and the goods you have on your shelves — and we know exactly what they’re looking for.
Step 2
Application
Before your business can accept EBT payments, you’ll need a USDA FNS (Food and Nutrition Service) number. Don’t worry — we help you every step of the way, from the application to approval.
Step 3
Equipment
Once your FNS number is approved, we handle the rest. Our team will program your payment equipment so it’s ready to accept EBT transactions — no tech headaches, no guesswork.
Qualifications
How to Qualify to Accept EBT at Your Business
Before you can accept EBT card payments, the USDA requires your business to meet certain eligibility rules. Whether or not you’re approved depends on the types of items you sell and how much of your revenue comes from staple foods.
Qualifying for EBT is based on the SNAP Retailer Criteria — not all businesses will be approved, and the requirements can be confusing.
But here’s the good news: You don’t have to figure it out alone.
Qualifications
How to Apply for an FNS Number
You must apply for a USDA FNS number — also known as a SNAP Retailer Application. But the process can be time-consuming, and one mistake can delay your approval by weeks.
At VMS, we’ve helped over 10,000 business owners nationwide successfully apply, get approved, and start accepting EBT payments with confidence
Here’s what we do for you:
✅ Help determine if your business qualifies
✅ Complete your FNS application accurately
✅ Submit required documents directly to the USDA
✅ Set up and program your terminal once approved
Don’t waste time trying to navigate the process alone.
Qualifications
What Equipment You Need to Accept EBT Payments
Do You Have the Right EBT Terminal to Accept SNAP Cards?
To process EBT transactions, your business needs equipment that’s fully compatible with the USDA’s latest standards — especially with new chip-enabled EBT cards now being rolled out.
Whether you’re upgrading your system or starting from scratch, your hardware must be able to:
✅ Accept PIN debit and EBT transactions
✅ Use a 7-digit FNS number for setup
✅ Keep EBT transactions separate from regular credit card payments
✅ Support chip cards for new EBT compliance
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I accept EBT payments at my business?
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.
How do I apply for a permit?
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.
Can farm stands, farmers’ markets, and CSAs accept SNAP food stamps?
Yes. Farm stands, farmers markets, and some CSAs can accept SNAP if they become authorized SNAP retailers.
Farm stands usually apply on their own. Farmers markets often use one central SNAP license for the whole market, and individual vendors can then accept SNAP through that setup. CSAs can also qualify, but they must follow special rules for how and when SNAP customers are charged.
To accept SNAP, they typically need USDA/FNS approval and equipment that can process EBT payments.
What foods can customers buy with SNAP food stamps?
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 product
What types of businesses are eligible to accept EBT?
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.
Why should my business accept EBT payments?
- ✅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.
Can I accept EBT with my current POS system?
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.
What do I need to know about the new EBT Chip cards?
- ✅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)
