How to Add EBT Card to Apple Pay (2023 Complete Guide Step-by-Step)

Adding your EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) card to Apple Pay can be a convenient and secure way to access your benefits and make purchases.

With the growing popularity of digital payments, many states now allow EBT cardholders to use their benefits with Apple Pay.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how to add your EBT card to Apple Pay, the benefits of doing so, and which states and stores accept EBT payments through Apple Pay.

Can You Add Food Stamps or EBT Card to Apple Pay

Yes, you can add an EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) card to Apple Pay. However, this option is only available in certain states and with certain EBT programs.

To add your EBT card to Apple Pay, go to the Wallet app on your iPhone, tap the plus sign, and follow the instructions to add your card.

If your EBT program is eligible for Apple Pay, you will see the option to add it.

Snap Benefits

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) was established by Congress to provide assistance to low-income families to purchase food.

The program is under the administration of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and receives funding from the federal government and state governments through block grants.

SNAP is among the most extensive nutrition assistance programs in the U.S., with a yearly cost of $68 billion as of 2013. By the end of 2017, there were 44 million participants in the program across the nation.

What Factors Depend to Add Your EBT Card to Apple Pay

There are several factors that may impact your ability to add your EBT card to Apple Pay:

1. State eligibility: Currently, only a limited number of states allow EBT cards to be used with Apple Pay. If you live in a state where this option is not available, you won’t be able to add your EBT card to Apple Pay.
2. Card issuer compatibility: Some EBT card issuers may not support Apple Pay, which could prevent you from adding your card to the service.
3. Device compatibility: To use Apple Pay with your EBT card, you’ll need an iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch that’s compatible with the service. If you don’t have a compatible device, you won’t be able to use Apple Pay.
4. Apple Pay availability: While Apple Pay is accepted at a growing number of stores and restaurants, it may not be available at all locations. You’ll need to check with the specific store or restaurant beforehand to confirm whether they accept Apple Pay.

Overall, your ability to add your EBT card to Apple Pay will depend on a variety of factors, including where you live, who issued your card, and what kind of device you have.

How to Add EBT Card to Apple Pay

Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide on how to add an EBT card to Apple Pay:

First, make sure that your EBT program is eligible for Apple Pay. Currently, only a few states and EBT programs support this feature. You can check with your state’s EBT program or visit the Apple Pay website for more information.

Step 1

Open the Wallet app on your iPhone.

Step 2

Tap the plus sign (+) in the upper-right corner of the screen.

Step 3

You will be prompted to scan your EBT card or enter the card information manually. If you have a physical EBT card, position it so that the card details are in the camera frame.

The Wallet app will automatically read and recognize the card information. If you don’t have a physical card, tap “Enter Card Details Manually” and type in the required information.

After you’ve entered the card information, tap “Next.”

Step 4

You will then be asked to verify your card by providing additional information, such as your name, address, and social security number.

This information is necessary to confirm your identity and eligibility for the EBT program.

Once you’ve provided the necessary information, tap “Next.”

Step 5

Review the terms and conditions for adding your EBT card to Apple Pay, then tap “Agree.”

Step 6

Finally, wait for your EBT card to be verified and added to your Wallet. This may take a few minutes, so be patient.

Note: Once your EBT card is added to your Wallet, you can use it to make purchases at stores and online retailers that accept Apple Pay.

Simply hold your iPhone near the payment terminal or use your Apple Watch to make a purchase. You will be prompted to authorize the payment using Touch ID, Face ID, or your passcode. Read for, Using EBT at Costco

Tips for Using EBT Card for Apple Pay

Here are some tips for using your EBT card with Apple Pay:

1. Make sure your EBT program is eligible for Apple Pay

As mentioned earlier, only a few states and EBT programs support this feature. Check with your state’s EBT program or visit the Apple Pay website for more information.

2. Keep your EBT card information up to date

If your card information changes, such as your card number or expiration date, you will need to update it in the Wallet app.

To do this, select your EBT card in the Wallet app and tap the “i” icon in the lower-right corner. Then, tap “Card Information” and make the necessary updates.

3. Check your EBT balance before making a purchase

Your EBT balance may be lower than expected if you have recently made purchases using your physical EBT card.

To check your EBT balance, open the Wallet app and select your EBT card. Your current balance will be displayed.

4. Only use your EBT card for eligible purchases

Just like with a physical EBT card, you can only use your EBT funds for eligible food items. Make sure you are using your EBT card for eligible purchases when using Apple Pay.

5. Keep your iPhone or Apple Watch secure

As with any payment method, it’s important to keep your iPhone or Apple Watch secure. Make sure you have a strong passcode and don’t share it with anyone.

Additionally, if you lose your device or it is stolen, you can use Find My to remotely erase your device to prevent unauthorized access to your EBT card information.

6. Understand the fees associated with using Apple Pay

Some merchants may charge fees for using Apple Pay, so be aware of any additional costs before making a purchase.

There may be fees associated with using your EBT card for online purchases, so check with your EBT program for more information.

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Where You Can Add EBT Card to Apple Pay

States that support adding EBT cards to Apple Pay:

• Arizona
• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Florida
• Idaho
• Indiana
• Kentucky
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• New Jersey
• New York
• North Carolina
• Ohio
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Virginia
• Washington
• Washington D.C.
• Wisconsin

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Where You Can’t Add EBT Card to Apple Pay

The following states did not support adding EBT cards to Apple Pay:

• Alaska
• Arkansas
• Hawaii
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Montana
• Nebraska
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Mexico
• North Dakota
• Oklahoma
• Rhode Island
• South Dakota
• Vermont
• West Virginia
• Wyoming

Stores That Accept Apple Pay

Here’s a list of stores that accept Apple Pay:

• 7-Eleven
• Ace Hardware
• Aeropostale
• Aldi
• American Eagle Outfitters
• Anthropologie
• Apple Stores
• Banana Republic
• Barnes & Noble
• Bath & Body Works
• Bed Bath & Beyond
• Best Buy
• BJ’s Wholesale Club
• Bloomingdale’s
• Champs Sports
• Chevron
• Chick-fil-A
• Chipotle
• Costco
• Crate & Barrel
• Dunkin’ Donuts
• Foot Locker
• Forever 21
• GameStop
• Gap
• H&M
• Jack in the Box
• J.C. Penney
• KFC
• Kohl’s
• Macy’s
• McDonald’s
• Nike
• Office Depot
• Panera Bread
• Petco
• PetSmart
• Pizza Hut
• Rite Aid
• Sephora
• Shell
• Starbucks
• Subway
• Target
• TJ Maxx
• Trader Joe’s
• Whole Foods
• White Castle
• 1-800-Flowers.com
• Taco Bell
• Chick-fil-A
• HEB

This is not an exhaustive list, and there are many other stores that accept Apple Pay. The availability of Apple Pay may vary by location or franchise, so it’s always best to check with the store or restaurant beforehand to confirm that they accept Apple Pay.

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Stores That Do Not Accept Apple Pay

Some major stores that do not accept Apple Pay:

• Walmart
• Sam’s Club
• Target (some Target locations do accept Apple Pay, but it’s not universally accepted)
• Home Depot
• Lowe’s
• Best Buy (although Best Buy does accept Apple Pay in its iPhone app and on its website)
• Gas stations that are not equipped with contactless payment terminals
• Some smaller retailers or businesses may not accept Apple Pay
• Walgreens (some Walgreens locations do accept Apple Pay, but it’s not universally accepted)
• Kroger (although some Kroger stores do accept Apple Pay)
• Meijer
• Publix

Note: store policies may change over time, and some retailers may choose to start accepting Apple Pay in the future.

It’s always best to check with the store or restaurant beforehand to confirm that they accept Apple Pay.

Benefits of Add EBT With Apple Pay

There are several benefits to adding your EBT card to Apple Pay:

1. Convenience: With Apple Pay, you can make purchases using your EBT card without having to carry a physical card with you. You can make purchases at participating stores and restaurants by simply holding your iPhone or Apple Watch up to the payment terminal.
2. Security: Apple Pay uses advanced security features to protect your payment information. When you add your EBT card to Apple Pay, your card number is replaced with a unique Device Account Number that’s stored securely on your device. This means that your actual card number is never shared with merchants, helping to protect you against fraud.
3. Availability: Adding your EBT card to Apple Pay can help you access your benefits more easily. This is particularly useful if you don’t have access to a physical EBT card, or if you lose your card and need to access your benefits quickly.
4. Budgeting: By using Apple Pay to make purchases with your EBT card, you can easily track your spending and keep tabs on your remaining balance. This can help you stay on budget and avoid overspending.

Overall, adding your EBT card to Apple Pay can be a convenient and secure way to access your benefits and make purchases. Read about, County care OTC card

Conclusion

In conclusion, adding your EBT card to Apple Pay can simplify the process of using your benefits to make purchases, providing you with added convenience, security, and accessibility.

While not all states and stores currently accept EBT payments through Apple Pay, it’s worth checking with your local authorities and favorite retailers to determine if this option is available.

By following the step-by-step instructions and tips outlined in this article, you can start using your EBT benefits with Apple Pay and enjoy a more streamlined and hassle-free shopping experience.

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