What is an EBT card?

EBT stands for Electronic Benefit Transfer, which is an electronic system that provides means for states to issue benefits to recipients of food assistance or other cash assistance. The money is issued to a card, which individuals can use at stores.

EBT cards are similar to bank ATM or credit cards in that they are plastic cards with a personal identification number that allows access to an account. They are mostly used in United States and United Kingdom to offer benefits in two main categories: cash and food. Recipients use their EBT cards to make purchases of food stuffs from participating retailers, as well as for cash withdrawals from a participating ATM.