Can You Add EBT to Apple Pay or Apple Wallet?
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When researching government benefits and consumer behavior, we found that many EBT users are asking one key question: “Can I add EBT to Apple Pay?”
As digital payments become part of everyday life, people really want to manage their government benefits the same way they handle cashless transactions, making shopping faster and more convenient. Can you add EBT to Apple Pay? In this post, we’ll explain how EBT works.
1. Can You Add EBT to Apple Pay or Apple Wallet?
At this time, you generally cannot add your EBT card to Apple Wallet or Apple Pay in most states. EBT cards currently use a separate digital system that does not widely support mobile payment technologies like Apple Pay or Google Pay.
EBT cards work similarly to debit cards, and each cardholder is assigned a Personal Identification Number (PIN) used at the point of sale. EBT programs are managed at the state level, and support for digital wallets like Apple Wallet may vary by state.
If you want to try adding your EBT card to Apple Wallet on your iPhone or iPad, open the Wallet app, tap the “+” icon, and select “Add Credit or Debit Card.” Follow the instructions to add your card and complete the setup process.
However, many users who attempted this reported receiving a message like “This card is not eligible for Apple Pay.”
This issue can be explained by the fact that Apple Pay typically requires a security code (CVV) – three digits for Visa or Mastercard, or four digits for American Express, to verify and activate a card.
EBT cards work similarly to debit cards, but are not traditional credit or debit cards. Since EBT cards do not have a CVV and are designed for PIN entry at checkout, they are not compatible with Apple Pay’s verification system.
For in-store purchases, you still need to use your physical EBT card and enter your PIN at checkout. Some major retailers do allow online EBT purchases for eligible items; these transactions are done by manually entering your EBT card information on the retailer’s website or app.
>>> Food Stamps, SNAP vs EBT: The Difference?
2. Can You Add EBT to Google Pay?
EBT is not supported in Google Pay or Google Wallet in most states and regions at this time, for the same reasons as with Apple Pay.
Instead of adding your EBT card to Apple Pay or Google Pay, many states offer their own EBT management apps (such as ebtEDGE) where you can check your balance and view your transaction history.
For online purchases using your EBT card, you typically need to enter your card information directly on major retailer websites or apps that accept SNAP Online, rather than paying through a digital wallet like Apple Pay or Google Pay.
3. Alternative Ways to Use EBT Digitally
Here are great ways to make shopping faster and more convenient:
State-Specific EBT Apps
This is the most common way to manage your SNAP benefits on a smartphone. These apps provide essential tools for managing and protecting your EBT account. A popular example is ebtEDGE, which many states use.
Through these apps, you can:
- Check your SNAP/Cash balance
- View detailed transaction history
- Change your EBT PIN
- Lock or unlock your EBT card
To use these features, download your state’s official EBT app (available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store), then sign in using your EBT card number and PIN.
>>> Read more: When Does EBT Reload?
USDA Mobile Payment Pilot
USDA Mobile Payment Pilot is a federal initiative to integrate contactless EBT payments into mobile devices. The goal is to allow SNAP recipients to pay with their smartphones (by tapping or swiping at the POS terminal) instead of using a physical EBT card.
However, this is currently a pilot program. Implementation is limited to certain states and requires collaboration between EBT providers, retailers, and mobile wallet platforms. As of now, it’s not yet available nationwide.
Online SNAP Purchasing
For quicker and more convenient shopping, you can link your EBT card to authorized online retailers such as Amazon and Walmart that participate in the SNAP Online Purchasing Program.
Simply add eligible SNAP items to your cart, then select EBT as your payment method at checkout. You’ll be asked to enter your EBT PIN to confirm the purchase.
For any non-eligible items (such as service or delivery fees or non-food items), use a separate debit or credit card to complete payment.
4. Internet Access for EBT Users with the Lifeline Program
People who participate in SNAP are often eligible for low-cost phone and internet service through the federal Lifeline Program.
Lifeline is a government program that helps low-income consumers afford essential communication services. Eligible households can receive a monthly discount of up to $9.25 on phone service, internet, or bundled plans.
Participation in SNAP automatically qualifies you for Lifeline benefits.
You may also qualify if you or someone in your household participates in programs such as Medicaid, SSI, FPHA/Section 8, or the Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit.
If you qualify, you can apply with AirTalk Wireless to receive free monthly service and other great benefits, including a free smartphone, a low-cost tablet, unlimited talk and text, and free international calling.
Conclusion
Many seniors and other shoppers would love a more straightforward, all-in-one payment method that doesn’t require switching between EBT and bank cards.
That’s completely understandable. Unfortunately, Apple Pay or Google Pay currently do not support storing or using EBT cards. Hopefully, this will change in the future.
For now, keep in mind that no matter which payment method you use, SNAP benefits can only be used to buy eligible items, and there are restrictions on what you can purchase with EBT funds.
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