How goEBT Helped Wendy’s Strengthen EBT Fraud Prevention in Their California Stores
For multi-location restaurant operators, accepting EBT can open the door to significant new revenue and customer access—when implemented with the right safeguards in place. One Wendy’s franchise group in California, Cotti Foods, learned this firsthand after early fraud incidents with a previous provider revealed the risks of inadequate safeguards. After transitioning to goEBT, the organization saw immediate improvements in fraud protection, operational efficiency, and overall confidence. Their experience offers a valuable lesson for franchise groups looking to scale EBT acceptance the right way.
5 Signs You’re Overpaying on EBT Processing Fees
Most merchants set up EBT processing, check the box, and move on. Getting authorized, selecting a terminal, and training staff is already a lot of work. Once it is done, most store owners never go back to look at what they are paying in EBT processing fees month to month. That is where processors quietly profit. EBT processing fees are often buried inside a broader statement, making them easy to overlook, even when the charges are higher than they should be. With SNAP participation at record levels and more transactions running through EBT than ever, the cost of overpaying adds up faster than most merchants realize.
Accepting EBT at Your Butcher Shop: The Complete Guide to SNAP Authorization and Payments
Butcher shop EBT acceptance is one of the most overlooked revenue opportunities in specialty retail. Tens of millions of Americans rely on SNAP benefits and are actively looking for quality local meat, yet most independent butcher shops and meat markets still do not accept EBT. The barrier is rarely eligibility; most shops already carry the inventory needed to qualify for SNAP authorization. What has held many back is the lack of a payment system built for how a butcher counter operates. CHEXIT POS by CDE changes that. It is an all-in-one platform purpose-built to handle butcher shop EBT, scale-integrated pricing, dual pricing, and split-tender checkout at the counter. This guide covers everything you need to get authorized and get the most out of every transaction.
Health Benefit Cards: A Retailer’s Guide to Getting Started
Millions of Medicare Advantage members carry supplemental spend card which includes Health Benefits that can only be spent at stores participating in the S3 network. These are Medicare Advantage members with pre-funded monthly or quarterly allowances for eligible food and OTC health products, and they actively use the Healthy Benefits+ app to find participating stores before they shop. If your store is not in the network, you are invisible to that customer base entirely. Learning how to accept Health Benefit is one of the most straightforward ways to open your store to a large, recurring customer segment that is already looking for places to spend.
SNAP Retailer Authorization: How to Apply to Accept EBT at Your Store
If your store is not yet authorized to accept SNAP EBT, you are missing a payment type that nearly 1 in 8 Americans relies on for food purchases. The good news is that SNAP retailer authorization is a free, online process administered directly by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), and most stores that sell food can qualify. This guide walks store owners and operators through every step, from eligibility requirements to what happens after authorization is granted.
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 […]
New SNAP Restrictions: Keys to Success in 2026
New SNAP restrictions from the USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) are now in effect, introducing important policy changes that redefine how retailers must apply purchase limitations—particularly for items like candy, sugary drinks, and other state‑regulated products. If your store accepts SNAP, these updates may require adjustments to your POS system, staff training, and overall […]
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.
One Platform, Many Ways to Win: POS Integration for Busy Retailers
POS Integration is essential for businesses that want to offer smooth, reliable payment experiences for every customer–and CHEXIT can help. By connecting payment processing, menu data, reporting tools, and compliance requirements into one system, integrated POS solutions help restaurants reduce errors, speed up transactions, and operate more efficiently.
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 […]
Winning Customer Loyalty in a Crowded Retail Market
Customer loyalty doesn’t happen by accident, it’s built through consistency, connection, and care. In an age where shoppers have endless options, the most successful retailers are the ones who make every visit feel personal. With the right tools and a focus on customer loyalty, small businesses can transform casual shoppers into devoted regulars who keep coming back.
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.
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.
How to Accept EBT Payments in 2025
Navigating the EBT/SNAP Approval Journey | How to Accept EBT Payments
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.
3 Ways Independent Retailers Can Support SNAP Customers
Independent grocers, c-stores, and other specialty retailers are prime pieces in the puzzle of fighting hunger. These retailers are key community pillars that economically support many in their community, especially people like SNAP recipients.
4 Ways C-stores, Grocers, Specialty Retailers Gear Up for Christmas
C-stores, grocers, and specialty retailers should gear up for Christmas. The holiday season is certain to be a busy one. 47% of Americans plan to travel this season, according to travel leisure and consumers plan to spend $832.84 on average for holiday items like food and décor and gifts, according to NACS.
Become a SNAP Retailer and Fight Hunger this Holiday Season
SNAP retailers are always a vital resource for SNAP recipients, but they are especially important during the holiday season. More than 34 million people, including 9 million children, are food insecure during the United States, according to the USDA. With the holiday season revolving largely around gathering with friends and family to enjoy a meal, […]
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 […]
Our TOP Posts of 2018
It’s the beginning of the new year and the future is exciting. 2018, is in the past and done. No matter how hard you wish you can’t reverse time, but you can still take a look at the helpful articles, that have been written, at goEBT. Even though each article is helpful and can make a […]
Do You Know Who Uses SNAP/EBT?
As experts on the government safety net program, SNAP (also known as food stamps), it’s important to us that retailers considering or currently participating in the program are aware of the facts that surround the way benefits are issued and eventually spent in their store. While most store owners understand how valuable being a SNAP […]
Make Fresh a Priority Without a Challenge
Fresh foods are one of the fastest growing trends in retail and grocery. As supermarkets have adapted to consumers’ evolving eating habits by offering more organic and healthier products, convenience stores have also started to make the change. Aside from healthier foods, they want fresh food, food that is prepared just before they purchase it. […]
Merchant Question: “Can I sell energy drinks?”
Question: “Can I sell energy drinks?” -Ranny Gammo, Peck Market
Merchant Snapshot: Khurram Ghani
Khurram Ghani opened his first store, Island Lake BP, in 2015. After seeing success with this store in a small community, Khurram saw an opportunity to expand and open a second store. His second store, Jefferson BP, was opened in Joliet, IL in 2017. In a town with close to 170,000 people, he saw a […]
New SNAP Retailer Application: Submit Your Comments
The government agency that controls the SNAP program, FNS, has released their proposal for the newest version of the application that a store owner must complete to become a SNAP retailer. We want to make sure that retailers like yourself are aware of some of the changes that have been made that could directly impact […]
Merchant Snapshot: AJ Jabr
Our Merchant Spotlight for September goes to AJ Jabr, a multi store owner in Michigan. The family owned business has been successfully running Citgo Gas for 3 years and 2575 Dix Station Inc for 12 years.
5 Ways to Compete with Larger C-Store Chains
Large c-store chains are expanding and with big box stores like Walmart have recently expanded into the convenience store industry , the competition is getting even more intense. To keep attracting customers and driving profits for your store, you will have to do things differently to compete. As a small c-store owner, you may be […]
Why Your Customers’ Income Level Is so Important
You may have heard people say that you need to understand your customer ‘demographics’. Demographics are facts or characteristics that can be counted or measured about a certain population or group of people. These numbers can help people like business owners and government officials make decisions about certain areas.
Why Flat- Rate EBT Processing Makes Sense
We know that customers hate surprises. Most companies have hidden fees and confusing rates that end up costing you more. They take advantage and hide charges that are in the small print that you do not see until it’s too late. The charges end up costing you a fortune, but to end your contract will […]
Debunking Myths About EBT Processing/SNAP
There’s a lot of myths surrounding EBT processing. Some common concerns may be:
Government Updates and Retailer Trends in 2018: What C-Store Owners Need to Know
Since 2018 has started our government has shutdown twice, new tax laws have taken effect, and a new government budget has finally been approved. With so many new rules being considered regularly, it’s important that c-store owners stay aware of what the government is up to and how any laws could affect their business.
New SNAP Stocking Rules: Take Action Now
As we reported before, SNAP retailer requirements have changed, and these changes will impact your c-store in the immediate future. Per the changes made to the retailer qualifications, the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) will begin implementing these finalized rules this month. You can view FNS’s webinar and download their one pager for more help […]
Card Processors Trick C-Stores Into New Contracts
Be on the alert – there’s a new EBT scam in town, and they’re targeting goEBT customers. Recently, we’ve had several retailers call us and ask if we were sending them updated equipment from another company. Other retailers have asked whether we were partnering with other companies, and if they needed to send back their […]
How to Succeed in Low-Income Areas
As a convenience store owner, it’s important to know who your primary customer is and how to best serve them. If your c-store, like so many others, is in an area where most of the consumers are low-income, serving your primary customer has some unique challenges. Serving a low-income demographic doesn’t have to mean your […]
Top 6 Fourth of July C-Store Essentials
In 2016, it was estimated that almost $7 billion would be spent on food for the Fourth of July. Otherwise known as America’s Independence day, this holiday has become an annual time of relaxation and celebration with family and loved ones. With most spending the holiday eating, it is important that you are carrying the holiday […]
2016 SNAP Summary: Stocking Rule Change Deadline Coming Soon
We’re well into the year 2017, and the May 17th deadline for ensuring your store is up to date with new SNAP retailer stocking regulations is fast approaching. If you haven’t already, look over the changes that have been made to stocking requirements and make sure your store is carrying all the right products to […]
Meeting Stocking Requirements to Maintain SNAP Eligibility
Recently, the USDA passed a new rule regarding minimum stock requirements for SNAP authorized retailers. The changes to the rule are significant, but should not be very difficult for convenience store owners to comply with.
SNAP Through the Years
Today, there are roughly 44.2 million Americans receiving food stamp benefits, including children. With an average of $125 in benefits being issued to each individual in the program, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a critical part of the federal aid available to low income Americans. Over the years, the program has evolved a […]
A Quick 2016 Trend Update
We always keep our eyes and ears open for what’s next and what’s important in the convenience and small grocery store industry. We also enjoy sharing this information with the store owners and operators that need it. Of course, what may be most helpful to you and your business might be different from what is important to […]
Important Changes to SNAP Authorization
Background
Everything You Need to Know About the FNS Application
Now that you’ve decided to become an authorized SNAP retailer through the USDA and FNS, your first step is filling out the application. FNS has made this process pretty simple by putting the whole application into an easy to navigate website portal. That means, you don’t even have to worry about the daunting tasks of […]
Are You Stocking SNAP Eligible Items?
Part of accepting EBT or SNAP payments in your store is making sure that you are carrying the right food and beverage products to not only remain an authorized SNAP retailer, but also keep cardholders satisfied. Adhering to the USDA’s regulations on SNAP eligible items and also meeting customer demands can be a challenge, but […]