If you’re on a budget, knowing where you can use your EBT card can be super important. EBT, or Electronic Benefit Transfer, is a way for people to access food assistance benefits. You might be wondering if you can use your EBT card at Five Below, the store known for its cool stuff that’s usually $5 or less. Let’s dive in and find out!
The Simple Answer: Does Five Below Accept EBT?
So, does Five Below take EBT? No, Five Below does not currently accept EBT cards. The store focuses on non-essential, low-cost items, and EBT is typically designed for purchasing eligible food items. This means that if you’re hoping to use your EBT card to buy anything at Five Below, you’re out of luck.
What Can You Buy with EBT? The Basics
EBT cards are primarily used for purchasing food items. The specific items you can buy are determined by the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service. It’s not as simple as just “food,” though. Many items fall under different categories.
You’ll find it’s pretty straightforward for what you can get:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Dairy products
- Breads and cereals
- Other food items such as snacks and non-alcoholic beverages
Remember, it’s mostly about groceries and essential foods that keep you going. That’s the main focus of the EBT program.
Here is a list of food categories in relation to what the EBT program provides.
- Fruits and Vegetables
- Meat, Poultry, and Fish
- Dairy Products
- Breads and Cereals
- Snacks and Beverages
Why Doesn’t Five Below Take EBT?
Five Below’s business model is all about selling fun, trendy, and inexpensive non-essential items. The types of items they sell, like toys, school supplies, room decor, and accessories, are usually things you want, not necessarily things you need to survive. These types of items are not what EBT cards are designed to cover.
The focus of Five Below’s product selection and the types of products covered by EBT benefits don’t really match up, leading them to not accept EBT.
Here are a few reasons why:
- They’re not a grocery store.
- Their products are mainly non-food items.
- EBT is for food assistance programs.
It’s just the way the program is set up, so their focus doesn’t align with EBT eligibility.
Stores That *Do* Accept EBT
So, if you can’t use your EBT at Five Below, where can you use it? Loads of places do accept it! Generally, you’ll be able to use your card at grocery stores and supermarkets, like Kroger, Walmart, and Target. These are places that are designed to sell food.
Here are some places where you can use your EBT:
- Grocery stores (e.g., Kroger, Safeway, Publix)
- Supermarkets (e.g., Walmart, Target)
- Farmers’ markets (check with individual vendors)
- Some convenience stores and gas stations (check with the store)
These stores have already been approved by the government to accept EBT cards because they mostly sell eligible food items. Many local food retailers also accept it.
Here is some additional info:
| Type of Store | EBT Acceptance |
|---|---|
| Grocery Stores | Generally Accepted |
| Convenience Stores | May Vary, Check Store |
| Farmers Markets | Check with Individual Vendors |
What About Online Shopping with EBT?
You can often use your EBT benefits for online grocery shopping and delivery! Many major grocery chains that accept EBT in-store also allow you to use it online. This can be super convenient if you can’t get to the store or if you just prefer to shop from home.
Many online retailers and delivery services have started accepting EBT cards. Here’s what you should know:
- Check the retailer’s website for EBT acceptance.
- You typically enter your EBT card details at checkout.
- Delivery fees and other non-food items may not be covered.
The convenience of online shopping is a huge plus. Many retailers that offer EBT payment options online have started to offer delivery as well.
If you want to use your EBT online, here is what you can do:
- Go to the retailer’s website or app.
- Add your groceries to your cart.
- At checkout, choose EBT as your payment method.
- Enter your EBT card details.
Alternatives if You Need to Shop at Five Below
While you can’t use EBT at Five Below, there are still options if you’re looking for some of their fun items. You could save up cash, or you might get help from a friend or family member. Maybe you can also put some items on your wishlist to buy at a later date.
If you want to purchase items from Five Below, here are a few options:
- Pay with cash.
- Use a debit or credit card.
- Ask for assistance from a friend or family member.
Even though you can’t use EBT, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy what Five Below has to offer.
Here is an example of potential expenses that you can’t buy with EBT:
| Item | EBT Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Toys | Not Eligible |
| Room Decor | Not Eligible |
| School Supplies | Not Eligible |
The Bottom Line
In short, while Five Below offers tons of cool and affordable items, it’s not set up to accept EBT. Remember that EBT is specifically for buying eligible food items, and Five Below’s focus is on non-essential products. Knowing this helps you plan your shopping trips and make the most of your resources. So, if you need to use your EBT, you’ll want to head to stores that sell groceries. Happy shopping!