How to Withdraw Cash From Your EBT Card: The Definitive Guide
EBT cards are government-issued cards that allow qualifying individuals to receive food stamp and cash benefits.
There are 2 types of EBT cards, some focus only on food benefits (SNAP) while others include both food and cash benefits (TANF). If you have an EBT card that only focuses on food benefits, then you will not be able to withdraw cash from the card. On the other hand, if you have an EBT card that includes both food and cash benefits, then you will be able to withdraw cash from the card.
The biggest confusion in regards to EBT cards is how to actually withdraw cash from the card. This happens because not all ATM machines are equipped to handle EBT cards, but there are still ways to get your cash.
Also, each state has different rules and regulations in regards to EBT, so it’s important to know what your state’s specific policies are. For example, some states limit the amount of cash you can withdraw from your EBT card per day, while other states have no such restrictions.
In this article, we will walk you through the steps on how to withdraw cash from your EBT card, as well as touch on some of the different state policies.
EBT Cards and Cash Benefits
If you have an EBT card, that means you are receiving food stamp and cash benefits from the government. The food stamp benefits can be used to purchase groceries at participating stores, while the cash benefits can be withdrawn from an ATM or used to pay for certain types of expenses.
Let’s preface this by saying that only those people receiving TANF benefits will be able to withdraw cash from their EBT card. TANF is a government assistance program that provides temporary financial assistance to low-income families. The program’s goal is to help families become self-sufficient, and part of that is giving them access to cash benefits. TANF benefits are temporary and can be used for things like rent, utilities, food, and other necessary expenses.
If you are receiving SNAP benefits (food stamps), then you will not be able to withdraw cash from your EBT card. SNAP benefits can only be used to purchase food at participating stores. And not even all types of food. For example, you cannot use SNAP benefits to purchase alcohol, cigarettes, or pet food.
Now that we’ve clarified which type of EBT card will allow you to withdraw cash, let’s move on to how you can actually get your hands on the cash.
How to Withdraw Cash From Your EBT Card
The process of withdrawing cash from your EBT card is actually pretty simple, but it can be confusing because not all ATM machines are equipped to handle EBT cards.
Editor’s note: Since we assume that you want to save as much money as possible, here’s a list of some of the banks whose ATMs offer free withdrawals all around the United States:
- Bank of America
- Bank of the West
- Capital One
- Chase
- Citibank
- Flagstar Bank
- S. Bank
- Wells Fargo
However, there are many more banks with free ATM withdrawals, so we encourage you to check with your bank to see if they offer this service. For example, here is the full list of banks with free ATM withdrawals in the state of California.
If you don’t have a bank account with one of the above-mentioned banks, don’t worry, there are still other ways to get your cash.
You can always go into the actual bank and request a teller withdrawal. This means that you will need to provide your ID and EBT card to
Here are the steps you need to take in order to withdraw cash from your EBT card:
- First, find an ATM that accepts EBT cards. These are typically located at grocery stores, banks, and credit unions.
- Once you’ve found an ATM that accepts EBT cards, insert your card into the machine and enter your PIN.
- From there, select “Withdraw Cash” and choose the amount of cash you would like to withdraw. The ATM will dispense the cash and you will be on your way!
Here is a video of the process:
As you can see, the process is exactly the same as if you were using a regular debit or credit card. The only difference is that not all ATM machines are equipped to accept EBT cards.
But remember, this only works if your card has TANF founds. If you have only SNAP benefits, then you will not be able to use an ATM machine to withdraw cash. And if you qualify for both SNAP and TANF benefits, you’ll only be allowed to withdraw cash from your TANF balance.
Be Mindful of Different State Policies
As we mentioned earlier, each state has different rules and regulations in regards to EBT cash withdrawals. Here are a few examples of how states differ:
Some states limit the amount of cash you can withdraw from your EBT card per day. For example, in California, you can withdraw all of your balance (provided the ATM supports that).
Other states have no limit on how much cash you can withdraw from your EBT card per day.
Some states charge a fee for each EBT cash withdrawal, while other states do not. For example, in the state of New York, your first EBT cash withdrawal each month is free, but subsequent withdrawals will cost you $0.50 each.
When it comes to state policies on EBT cash withdrawals, the best thing you can do is familiarize yourself with the rules in your state. You can do this by contacting your state’s social services office or visiting their website.
Before you try to withdraw cash from your EBT card, be sure to check with your state’s specific policies. That way, you will know what to expect and can plan accordingly.
Alternative Ways of Getting Cash from Your EBT Card
If you find yourself in a situation where you need cash but don’t have access to an ATM, there are still other options available to you. For example, you can always go into the actual bank and request a teller withdrawal. This means that you will need to provide your ID and EBT card to the teller, who will then give you the cash you requested.
Another option is to use a cash back service at a participating grocery store. This works similarly to an ATM withdrawal, but instead of using an ATM machine, you would go to the customer service desk and request cash back on your purchase. Not all stores offer this service, so be sure to call ahead and ask before you go.
Another way to get cash from your EBT card is by using a service like Green Dot. Green Dot is a company that offers prepaid debit cards and they have an option specifically for those who receive government benefits.
With the Green Dot program, you can load cash onto your card at participating stores and then use the card to withdraw cash at any ATM. There is no credit check required and you can get started by picking up a Green Dot card at a participating store.
And finally, if you have a smartphone, there are a few apps that allow you to withdraw cash from your EBT card without having to use an ATM. For example, the Cash App allows users to link their EBT card and then withdraw cash at any participating retailer.
Before you try to withdraw cash from your EBT card, be sure to check with your state’s specific policies. That way, you will know what to expect and can plan accordingly.
Warning: Make sure you’re only using your EBT card for approved purchases. This means no alcohol, tobacco, gambling, or anything else that is not food or cash. If you’re caught making unauthorized purchases, you could lose your benefits and/or face criminal charges.
Conclusions
As you can see, there are a few different ways that you can withdraw cash from your EBT card. The most basic one is using your EBT card like any other debit or credit card at an ATM. However, depending on your state’s policies, you may be limited in how much cash you can withdraw per day.
If you need cash and don’t have access to an ATM, you can always go into the bank and request a teller withdrawal. Alternatively, you can use a service like Green Dot or a cash back service at a participating grocery store.
Just be sure to familiarize yourself with your state’s policies before you try to withdraw cash from your EBT card. That way, you will know what to expect and can plan accordingly. Thanks for reading!
It’s important to note that you should only use your EBT card for approved purchases. If you’re caught making unauthorized purchases, you could lose your benefits and/or face criminal charges.
Also Read: Does Costco Take EBT: Everything You Need to Know About Costco and EBT
