EBT and Credit Card Payments: Fees, Compliance, and What Retailers Need to Know
Retailers who accept both EBT and credit or debit cards are operating across two distinct payment systems simultaneously. Each has its own fee structure, compliance requirements, and risk exposure. Understanding how both work at the processing level helps retailers manage costs, avoid violations, and build a checkout experience that works for every customer.
Convenience Store Trends: What’s Driving Growth Today
Convenience store trends in 2026 are redefining what it means to compete in a rapidly evolving retail landscape. No longer limited to fuel and snacks, today’s C-stores are becoming technology-driven, experience-focused destinations. From all-in-one POS systems to expanded payment options like EBT and OTC Benefits, operators are embracing new strategies to increase revenue, streamline operations, and meet rising customer expectations.
How to Accept EBT Chip Cards — and How They Protect Your Store
As EBT chip cards roll out nationwide, merchants are on the front line of preventing fraud and avoiding costly chargebacks or benefit-theft disputes. The USDA confirms that EBT fraud—especially card skimming—is rising, and chip cards are a critical modernization step because they are far harder to copy or clone than magnetic‑stripe cards. Chip-enabled EBT cards […]
Avoid These Common Retail Mistakes in 2026 That Cost Small Retailers Time and Money
Many of the biggest challenges small retailers face today aren’t caused by market conditions alone, but by retail mistakes that go unnoticed in daily operations. Outdated technology, unclear processes, and skipped reviews can quietly erode profit and efficiency. As 2026 introduces new expectations around payments and compliance, addressing these retail mistakes proactively help businesses stay resilient and prepared for growth.
Boosting Communities Through Restaurant Meal Programs and EBT Acceptance
Accepting EBT through the Restaurant Meal Programs opens the door for businesses to serve more customers while supporting essential community needs. As more individuals rely on SNAP benefits for groceries and everyday essentials, retailers who offer EBT gain a competitive advantage and build stronger customer trust. With the right tools and support, adding EBT to your […]
How a Smart POS System Can Help Your Business Accept SNAP/EBT and More
Today’s shoppers expect to pay their way, whether that’s with cash, credit or debit card, digital wallets, or SNAP/EBT. Retailers with modern smart POS systems can give their customers payment flexibility and more. In today’s retail environment, offering payment options isn’t just convenient; it’s good business. It helps attract more customers, encourages repeat visits, streamlines […]
EBT Retailer Application: Discover Your Instant SNAP Eligibility!
Starting your EBT Retailer Application is more than just paperwork, it’s a strategic move to expand your customer reach and strengthen your store’s community impact. By becoming SNAP-authorized, your business can better serve families who rely on EBT benefits while increasing sales on everyday essentials. The process is simpler than many think, and the payoff […]
Retail Store Management Solutions That Help You Accept Every Payment Type
Retail store management goes far beyond inventory and staffing; it’s also about making checkout effortless. When customers can’t pay how they want, sales are lost, and loyalty erodes. By investing in modern retail store management solutions, retailers can accept every payment type, simplify operations, and deliver the seamless experience today’s shoppers expect.
7 Signs It’s Time to Upgrade to a Modern POS System
Upgrading to a modern POS system can significantly improve these aspects and enhance overall store performance. POS system performance can make or break your retail operations. When it’s outdated, slow, or limited in features, it hurts efficiency and customer satisfaction. Recognizing the 7 signs it’s time to upgrade your POS system ensures you stay ahead […]
How to Apply for a Restaurant Meal Program
Understanding how to apply for a Restaurant Meal Program (RMP) can feel overwhelming, but the benefits make it worth the effort. The RMP allows eligible restaurants to accept EBT for hot meals, creating new opportunities to serve your communities. With the right steps, your restaurant can join and make a lasting effort.
The Future of SNAP EBT Chip Card Technology for Enhanced Security and Convenience
Discover the news about SNAP EBT chip card technology, how skimming has become a serious problem, and new security-compliant EBT chip cards are essential to combat it.
What is the Restaurant Meals Program?
The FNS Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) is an initiative that is making a significant impact in the fight against hunger. This program, operated by individual states, enables SNAP recipients to use their benefits at various restaurants, including quick-service ones, to purchase prepared meals. This initiative is not just about providing food; it’s about ensuring access […]
Maximizing Revenue with the USDA Summer EBT Program
The USDA’s new Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) program provides retailers a unique opportunity to tap into a significant market segment and add to their revenue streams. The USDA initiative, aimed at closing the summer hunger gap for children, is not just a stride towards national nutrition and health; it’s an opportunity for retailers to […]
SNAP Benefits Are Increasing on 10/1 – How You Can Maximize Revenue through EBT Acceptance
The USDA recently announced an increase in SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits, set to take effect on October 1st. This boost in assistance is aimed at providing relief to millions of Americans struggling to put food on the table.
Where Do SNAP Customers Shop?
SNAP customers shop can use their EBT cards to purchase healthy food items from convenience stores, grocery stores, quick service restaurants (in states that operate an RMP), bodegas, and other specialty retailers. What you may not know is SNAP customers can bring in a new revenue stream to your business.
Maximize Your Revenue: Benefits of Accepting EBT at Your Store
Accepting EBT at your store has many benefits for your business. A recent Supermarket News article cited “SNAP households represent 24% of U.S. consumer goods spend.” Opening your doors to this new market can increase your revenue and your store’s foot traffic.
Requirements to Accept EBT Payments in Your Store
The requirements to accept EBT payments in your store can be confusing for owners. Seeing if you qualify to be a SNAP retailer, the application process, and even the reauthorization process for existing retailers can be time-consuming and difficult for busy store owners. Make the process a little easier with this quick, easy overview of […]
SNAP For Restaurants: 3 Things You Need to Know
Learn how to accept EBT payments at your restaurant. SNAP recipients can use their EBT cards to purchase hot/prepared meals from restaurants with the Restaurant Meals Program through Food and Nutrition Services (FNS). This program is a great initiative from FNS that increases access to nutritionally balanced, prepared meals. Here are 3 of your questions, […]
SNAP Retailer Tips: Seasonal Produce and SNAP-Ed
SNAP retailers can benefit from knowing what produce is in season. SNAP-Ed emphasizes the added benefits of buying seasonal produce and provides this resource for what produce is in season now.
SNAP Benefits Increased in Louisiana
Louisiana announced an increase in SNAP benefits beginning October 1st, 2022 in response to increased cost of living. This is the second more recent increase, the first of which was on October 1st, 2021 and was the first reevaluation of the Thrifty Food Plan (TFP) in 45 years.
SNAP Update: Record High Spending
SNAP spending reached an all-time high of $113.8 billion in fiscal year 2021, according to the USDA. This is largely due to recent economic challenges in the last few years and the expansion of SNAP benefits during the pandemic.
FNS Reauthorization: 5 Things You Need to Know
FNS reauthorization might sound like another painful task you want to put off, but the reality is the process is easier than you think! How do you know you need to apply for FNS reauthorization? You will receive a letter in the mail telling you that it is time to re-apply! In the meantime, here […]
EBT For Farmers Markets is a SNAP
EBT, the payment system for SNAP benefits, is available in more farmers markets than you may think. In fact, EBT is accepted in farmers markets in all 50 states! EBT being accepted in farmers markets provides a number of benefits for both farmers and SNAP recipients including…
USDA Announces Summer P-EBT Program
On July 11th, 2022, the USDA announced their P-EBT program, which is a partnership with 27 states and territories (and growing) that provides summer food benefits to eligible children. For years, the summertime has been a struggle for millions of families who rely heavily on the school system to feed their children throughout the year. […]
Ultimate Guide: Applying to Accept SNAP as a Retailer
Are you a store owner looking for a quick snapshot of the retailer application for SNAP? Our free EBT resources are exactly what you need if you are interested in applying to accept SNAP! Before you get started on the application take our SNAP retailer quiz to see if you qualify.
SNAP Recipients | Know Your SNAP Customers
SNAP recipients come from a variety of backgrounds and situations. While we may think we know who uses SNAP, the reality is SNAP recipients are far more diverse than most people realize, and can include your friends, neighbors, family, coworkers, etc. SNAP users are more varied and a lot closer to home than you think, […]
Don’t make these SNAP retailer mistakes…
SNAP retailer requirements are strict, and keeping track of mistakes can be a complex process. Although SNAP fraud is relatively rare, failure to comply with program rules can result in severe consequences for your business, such as: Temporary or permanent disqualification from the program Monetary penalties and fines Criminal prosecution To help you navigate program rules, we’ve put together a list of common types of fraud and errors that […]
SNAP benefits increased by over 25 percent in USDA’s Thrifty Food Plan
On Monday, August 16, 2021, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released a re-evaluation of the Thrifty Food Plan, which is used to calculate Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. As a result of this re-evaluation, the average SNAP benefit–excluding additional funds provided as part of COVID-19 pandemic relief–will increase beginning on October 1, 2021.
How the new Families First Coronavirus Response Act can support the health of your business
Now more than ever the American people will be turning to local businesses to meet their families’ nutritional needs. With the economic impact of COVID-19 the number of applicants for government assistance has doubled. As part of the U.S. government’s $2T stimulus package, an additional $15.5B has been allocated to the SNAP/EBT government benefits program.
SNAP News: 2018 Farm Bill
About every five years, it is the government’s duty to pass a new Farm Bill that molds the foundation for food and agriculture, and other similar matters. Last month, in December, the 2018 Farm Bill was passed by the Senate and House. Soon after the President gave his signature, allowing it to become law. As […]
Can I Still Accept SNAP Benefits When the System is Down?
Question:“Is there an alternative option to charge customers and accept food stamps when the system is down?” – Israel Jurado, Jurado Family Farms, Inc.