Frequently Asked Questions from Retailers for SNAP EBT Chip Card Initiative

Yes. The software required for EBT chip cards is different from that used for regular banking chip cards. If your POS device is not updated to specifically accept EBT chip cards, it may stop accepting EBT transactions, which could result in lost sales.

In most cases, no. Retailers typically do not need to change their TPP vendor. Instead, you will need to work with your current POS service provider to ensure the POS device receives the software upgrade required to process EBT chip card transactions.

You would only need to switch TPPs if:

• Your current TPP cannot or will not support EBT chip functionality.
• The TPP does not offer the required software updates or fallback capability.

For most retailers, a software update through your existing POS service provider is all that is required.

Begin by contacting your existing POS service provider, as they support the hardware and software used at your checkout. They can confirm whether a software update is available for your current device. If an upgrade is not possible, you may need to replace your POS device with a compatible model.

If your sales device rejects a card:

1. Assure the customer it is not their fault; it's a technology issue. Their chip card should work in other stores set up for insert/tap-enabled EBT cards.
2. Inform store management of any insert/tap card transaction failures and any error messages on the POS terminals.
   • Print a duplicate receipt, or write down transaction details such as date, time, transaction amount and any error codes or messages.
3. Contact your POS service provider to find out why insert/tap card transactions are failing. Provide specific examples, including the error message received and the time of the transaction attempt.

If your POS provider is unaware of the changes required for EBT chip, please refer them to the technical resources (FNS/USDA technical resources) or contact EBTChip@nationalgrocers.org.

If a retailer does not update their POS device by September 2026, the system may no longer be able to process EBT transactions. This can lead to:

• Loss of EBT sales because customers will not be able to complete purchases using their EBT cards.
• Customer inconvenience that may reduce repeat business.
• Increased risk of transaction errors, especially if the device cannot properly handle required chip or fallback functions.
• SNAP households experiencing food insecurity and hunger.

Updating your POS devices as soon as possible ensures uninterrupted service for EBT customers and helps protect your business from lost revenue.

Yes. Contact your POS service provider, acquirer or third-party processor to request test cards and formal test scripts.

• EBT host processors have supplied merchant acquirers with test cards to distribute.
• Test scenarios are also available on the FNS webpage: fns.usda.gov/snap/ebt/modernization/chip-resources

Your first point of contact should be your POS service provider. Alternatively, you may contact your third-party processor, send an email to solutionscenter@nationalgrocers.org or call 833-SEMTAC1 (736-8221).

A wealth of information and contacts can be found through the following resources:

• SNAP EBT Modernization Technical Assistance Center - FAQs
  
  • National Grocers Association - SEMTAC Get Support
  • You may also email solutionscenter@nationalgrocers.org or call 833-SEMTAC1 (736-8221) .
  • USDA Food and Nutrition Service - Chip Card Technical Resources