Upgrade Your EBT Equipment Without Interruption

Anyone that runs a business knows that you can’t go very long with something that upsets your payment processing. When it comes to retailers that process EBT or food stamps, any hiccups can mean losing your customer base.

EBT processing equipment provides both retailers and customers with easy access to government assistance benefits, streamlining the process for programs like SNAP and eWIC.

Unfortunately, the federal government made changes that mandate retailers that accept EBT or food stamps to provide their own equipment. Or they cannot process EBT transactions. That can be a significant expenditure for companies that may not know where to turn. Especially those who do not have the funds to purchase these expensive point of sale machines. The costs associated with EBT processing equipment can vary, but some providers offer free equipment as part of their service, making it more affordable for small businesses. Velocity Merchant Services also offers special deals and promotions for qualifying businesses, helping you save on setup costs.

But if you’re looking for EBT point of sale equipment, the experts at Velocity Merchant Services are here to help. We’re now accepting applications from retailers that want to upgrade their food stamp point of sale equipment. Keep in mind that you can still continue to accept EBT transactions during this transitionary period. Our EBT processing equipment can help you mitigate downtime, as well as allowing you to accept all types of transactions. This includes EBT, Visa/MasterCard and PIN based debit cards — all through one convenient piece of equipment. Accepting EBT can also lead to increased sales by attracting more customers who rely on government assistance programs.

When discussing who can use EBT, it’s important to note that both businesses and customers must meet eligibility requirements to participate in programs like SNAP and eWIC, and many business owners benefit from a comprehensive guide to EBT payments and how to succeed as an EBT retailer. EBT cards provide a secure and efficient way for recipients to access government benefits.

Here’s how the process of getting new EBT point of sale devices works.

Step One: Obtain an FNS Permit

To accept EBT payments, you must establish an account and obtain a permit from the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS). All retailers that accept EBT payments must have a USDA Food and Nutrition Service permit — also known as an FNS. You’ll need to have one before you can accept any EBT transactions via your food stamp processing equipment, and understanding EBT qualifications and retailer eligibility requirements will help you stay compliant.

The application process to accept EBT payments can usually be completed online and is straightforward. Retailers can apply to accept EBT payments through this online application process, which verifies your business’s eligibility.

If you don’t already have a USDA FNS permit, please call us directly at 1-888-902-6202 so that we can help or take advantage of our EBT retailer application assistance to get approved fast. Once approved for a SNAP permit, you will receive a seven-digit FNS Account Number that identifies you as an FNS-approved business. If you already have a USDA FNS permit, you can jump ahead to the next step.

Step Two: Contact Us

With your USDA FNS permit in hand, simply reach out to the experts at Velocity Merchant Services to get started with your claim. When choosing EBT processing equipment, it’s important to select reputable vendors and processors that specialize in EBT to ensure reliable and compliant service, since EBT retailers need specific POS equipment and registration to accept SNAP securely. Our staff of dedicated EBT/SNAP experts will help you obtain the proper EBT point of sale equipment, and some providers, including Velocity Merchant Services, may offer free equipment as part of their service.

Some EBT processing providers offer flat-rate pricing plans for unlimited EBT transactions, with no monthly minimums, additional monthly fees, or setup fees. However, many providers do not disclose their pricing for EBT transactions on their websites, so it’s important to ask for transparent pricing and understand all costs before making a decision. Even if you already have point of sale equipment, we may be able to help you qualify for equipment at a reduced cost. We can also reduce your EBT processing services, helping to streamline your transactions, especially when you follow a clear step-by-step guide on how to accept EBT. This gives both you and your customers a better experience.

Step Three: Wait for Approval

Once we approve your business and your request, we’ll send you your new EBT point of sale processing equipment direct to your business. After you receive your FNS Account Number, your processing equipment must be reconfigured to accept SNAP payments. You will get a machine that is capable of processing EBT and food stamp purchases, as well as EMV payments, credit and debit card transactions. The best part is that you can be ready to process transactions in as little as 24 hours, with most approvals and setups completed within one to two business days. EBT transactions are typically processed and deposited into your bank account within two business days, ensuring quick access to your funds. Meaning that if you’re approved today you may be able to process transactions tomorrow.

Industry Applications for EBT Processing

EBT processing plays a crucial role across a variety of industries that serve the needs of low-income individuals and families. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), administered by the federal government, allows eligible recipients to use their EBT cards to purchase food and other approved items, and there are many compelling reasons why businesses should take EBT and SNAP payments. By integrating EBT payments into their point of sale systems, businesses such as grocery stores, convenience stores, and farmers markets can expand their customer base and provide essential services to their communities.

For grocery stores and convenience stores, accepting EBT payments means making nutritious food and household goods accessible to more shoppers, while also increasing overall sales. Farmers markets that accept EBT can connect local growers with families who rely on SNAP benefits, supporting both community health and local agriculture. By participating in the SNAP program and offering EBT processing, these businesses not only comply with federal guidelines but also demonstrate a commitment to serving all members of their community.

Whether you operate a large grocery store or a small neighborhood market, the ability to accept EBT payments ensures that your business remains inclusive and competitive. With more customers able to purchase eligible food and approved non food items using their EBT cards, your store can play a vital role in supporting nutrition and well-being for families in need, and this mission is supported by the dedicated team members highlighted on our careers at Velocity Merchant Services page.

Additional Information About Our EBT Processing Equipment

EBT point of sale (POS) equipment we send to retailers is securely encrypted with PCI software that accepts many types of payments, including EBT card transactions, credit card payments, debit cards, EMV/smart chip cards, and cash. Integrated POS systems manage inventory and various payment types, allowing you to process EBT, credit card, and cash payments seamlessly at checkout, similar to the broader capabilities outlined in our merchant services FAQs for small businesses. Receipts generated by the POS system provide transparency by showing a clear breakdown of payment methods used, including EBT, cash, and credit card payments, which helps maintain compliance and customer trust.

EBT payments function as PIN-debit transactions, requiring customers to enter their PIN on a secure, encrypted terminal. The terminal sends encrypted card data to verify funds during EBT transactions, ensuring security and compliance. EMV compliance ensures the hardware can process chip-enabled EBT cards, enhancing transaction security. Item eligibility management is built into the POS system, automatically differentiating between SNAP-eligible and ineligible items to prevent compliance issues. Sales tax must not be applied to EBT-eligible items during checkout, and your POS system should correctly identify these items to avoid fines, penalties, or even disqualification from the SNAP program.

Standalone EBT terminals are basic countertop devices primarily for processing EBT transactions, while mobile EBT processing systems allow transactions via Wi-Fi or cellular data, making them ideal for farmers’ markets and food trucks. Most popular terminals are compatible with EBT payments, but they must accept PIN debit transactions to ensure proper functionality. If you switch providers or add EBT capability to your existing equipment, you must have your processing equipment reprogrammed to accept EBT payments.

With our EBT processing equipment, you’ll meet all the needs of the USDA FNS, including accepting PIN transactions, using encryption keys, and communicating your seven-digit FNS account number along with each valid transaction. Compliance with USDA SNAP regulations is critical and builds trust with your customers who rely on SNAP benefits for a smooth checkout experience. Reliable customer support is essential for troubleshooting EBT processing equipment and ensuring uninterrupted service, which is why we provide expert 24/7 support for Clover POS and EBT.

While you may be able to reprogram your existing processing equipment to meet the new demands of EBT payments, any mistake could hold up all your payments or put your entire account in jeopardy. It’s also much easier and quicker — and many times cheaper — to simply upgrade your equipment and keep on moving forward than trying to make that old and outdated equipment work.

Don’t forget that if your existing POS system isn’t compatible with EBT payments, you’ll need a separate device anyway. That could cost you extra in fees, not to mention the complication of managing two sets of devices — one for EBT payments and another for everything else. Aside from possibly paying more per transaction and various hidden fees, that can directly impact your profits. But with new EBT POS equipment, you won’t have to pay any extra fees aside from transaction processing. In addition, with the new EBT chip cards being implemented, this equipment will also be compatible for those types of EBT and SNAP transactions.

After Your EBT Processing Equipment Arrives

Once your EBT point of sale equipment has been installed, you’ll be able to offer EBT payments to any of your customers. As a company committed to providing value and reliability to merchants, we ensure your business is equipped with cost-effective and dependable solutions. That’s in addition to processing many other types of payments, including credit and debit payments. EBT processing fees are generally lower than traditional debit or credit card transaction fees, helping you save on costs. Accepting EBT benefits allows you to process split payments, where the customer pays any remaining balance with cash or another payment method if their EBT benefits do not cover the full purchase. This transparency ensures the customer pays only what is necessary, and receipts clearly show the application of EBT benefits. Accepting EBT and WIC payments can help your business serve low-income individuals and families, contributing positively to your local community. EBT accounts for a significant portion of food purchases in many states, helping retailers grow their customer base and increase overall sales. Many businesses have reported that accepting EBT has helped them sustain operations during challenging times, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Choosing reputable vendors and partners that are FNS-approved is essential for efficient and compliant EBT processing.

With an EBT point of sale reader from Velocity Merchant Services, you’ll be making all your future transactions swift and secure via the state of the art technology baked in, and that can make running your business easier from a payment collection standpoint. For over 20 years, we’ve helped businesses obtain the payment processing equipment that they need to continue to conduct business as a leading merchant services company for small businesses, and we can bring the same reliable service to your EBT transactions like the rest of all your transactions.

Partner With Velocity Merchant Services

If you’re in need of a point of sale system to process EBT payments or any other type of payments, get in touch with the expert team at Velocity Merchant Services. We’ll help you identify the right system for your needs, as well as helping you meet the requirements for your EBT point of sale payments. Please call us today at 888-902-6227 or send us an email at customercare@getvms.com to get started. You can also contact us via our website or apply for a free custom quote today. If you’d like to learn more about what you may need for this most recent EBT update, click here.

When to Upgrade Your EBT Equipment

Older EBT-only terminals and dial-up machines are being phased out as the networks move to internet-based, chip-capable hardware. If your current device can’t read EBT chip cards, drops the connection during settlement, or is no longer PCI-current, it’s time to upgrade your EBT equipment before a forced deactivation interrupts sales.

VMS migrates your existing FNS number and merchant setup to a modern terminal so you keep accepting SNAP and cash benefits without a gap. We handle the reprogramming, run the first live transaction with you, and leave your old device active until the replacement is confirmed working — so there’s never a day you can’t ring up an EBT sale.

Related: see our full guide to EBT machines and POS terminals.