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If you receive cash benefits on your Electronic Balance Transfer (EBT) card, you may want to withdraw cash at ATMs for your convenience. However, it is important to note that some ATMs may charge fees for EBT transactions, which may not be ideal for you.
Fortunately, there are several ATMs that offer free EBT transactions, including those operated by well-known banks such as Bank of America and Wells Fargo. These ATMs can help you avoid additional fees that may reduce your available funds. On the other hand, if you cannot access an ATM that offers free EBT transactions, we also recommend some ATMs that charge EBT fees but may still be valuable options for you if you need your funds urgently.
By considering these options, you can make the most of your EBT card without worrying about unexpected fees.
What are EBT cash benefits?
Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards are issued to those who qualify for government assistance programs such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).
EBT cash benefits are a form of government assistance that can be deposited onto the EBT card, allowing recipients to access cash in addition to eligible food and drink items. Unlike SNAP benefits, which can only be used to purchase eligible food and drink items from authorized retailers, EBT cash benefits can be used for a wider range of purposes, including getting cashback at participating retailers and withdrawing money from ATMs. Since June 2004, the EBT card has been the only method of issuing government benefits to eligible recipients.
Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) is a widely used system in the United States that enables the delivery of government welfare benefits. It is currently operational in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Guam.
One primary program that provides EBT cash benefits is the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. If you qualify for TANF, you can receive automatic deposits to your EBT card. These deposits can be withdrawn from Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) across the country, providing you with cash benefits to support your needs.
Where can I withdraw my EBT cash benefits?
When it comes to withdrawing cash benefits from your EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) card, it’s important to know that each state has its own set of requirements. This means that where you can withdraw your cash benefits may vary depending on where you live.
You can generally withdraw cash from ATMs at locations that display the QUEST logo and support remarks such as “EBT Accepted Here.” However, it’s important to note that there are certain types of establishments where you cannot use your EBT card to withdraw cash.
For instance, in most states, you cannot use your EBT card at ATMs located at liquor stores, casinos or other gambling establishments, race tracks, adult entertainment establishments, medical marijuana dispensaries, tattoo or body piercing facilities, or facilities providing psychic services.
It’s important to consider these restrictions when withdrawing cash from your EBT card, as attempting to use your card at a restricted location may result in your transaction being declined.
Free EBT ATMs
If you receive cash assistance benefits and own an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, you can withdraw cash from Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) using your card. However, not all ATMs are surcharge-free. To help you save on ATM fees, here is a list of surcharge-free EBT ATMs that you can use:
- Bank of America
- Bank of the West
- Capital One
- Chase
- Citibank
- Flagstar Bank
- U.S. Bank
- Wells Fargo
By using any of these ATMs, you can withdraw cash without any additional fees. Remember to check your account balance before making any withdrawals to ensure you have enough funds.
It is important to know that not all ATMs charge fees for EBT transactions. Apart from major national banks, several smaller regional banks and credit unions do not charge EBT fees. For instance, if you are a resident of California, you can find more than 40 such banks and credit unions that allow EBT transactions at their ATMs. You can access the complete list of such banks and credit unions here.
If you are not from California, you can still find local banks and credit unions near you that don’t charge fees for EBT transactions. The best approach would be to contact a branch near you and inquire about their EBT transaction policy. Simply call them and ask if they charge any fees for EBT transactions at their ATMs. This way, you can save money and avoid unnecessary fees while using your EBT card.
Free ATM networks
In the United States, several companies operate surcharge-free ATM networks that are available nationwide. These ATM networks are accessible through various channels, including some banks, credit unions, retail stores, grocery stores, and convenience stores. These ATM networks partner with financial institutions to offer their ATM services and provide convenience to their customers.
It’s important to note that while the ATM networks themselves do not charge fees, some of their partner institutions might charge fees at certain locations. However, if fees are charged, a message will appear on the screen asking you to accept them before you complete your transaction. It is always a good idea to read the on-screen message before proceeding with your transaction to avoid any unexpected fees.
If you’re looking for the major surcharge-free ATM networks that you can access in the United States, here are some of the most popular ones:
- Allpoint is one of the largest surcharge-free ATM networks in the United States, with over 55,000 ATMs available nationwide. These ATMs are in many retail stores, gas stations, and convenience stores.
- MoneyPass is another popular surcharge-free ATM network that offers over 32,000 ATMs across the United States. These ATMs are available at various locations, including banks, credit unions, and retail stores.
- PULSE is a surcharge-free ATM network with over 380,000 ATMs across the United States. These ATMs are available at various locations, including banks, credit unions, and retail stores.
- TransFund is another surcharge-free ATM network that offers over 100,000 ATMs across the United States. These ATMs can be found at various locations, including banks, credit unions, retail stores, and gas stations.
By using these surcharge-free ATM networks, you can save money on ATM fees while enjoying convenient access to cash.
ATMs that have EBT transaction fees
In today’s world, Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) has become a popular mode of payment for those who rely on government assistance programs for their daily needs.
However, using EBT at ATMs can sometimes be costly, as many banks charge fees for EBT transactions. It is important to note that not all banks charge fees for EBT transactions, and there are options available for people who want to use their EBT cards without paying additional charges.
To help you make an informed decision, we have compiled a list of banks that charge fees for EBT transactions. These banks include Ally, BB&T, Citizens Bank, City National Bank, Discover, Fifth Third Bank, First National Bank, HSBC, M&T Bank, PNC, Sterling National Bank, SunTrust, TD Bank, and Valley National Bank.
It’s crucial to remember that when you’re already struggling financially, additional fees can be a significant burden. Therefore, it’s wise to research and choose a bank that offers EBT transactions without charging extra fees. This can help you save money in the long run and make your financial situation less stressful.
How to find free EBT ATMs near you
If you are looking for ATM locations to withdraw funds using your EBT card, I have a few suggestions. Firstly, you can try the ATM locations that I previously mentioned. However, if you want more specific information about using your benefits locally, I recommend visiting the website of your state’s health/human resources/social department.
On these websites, you can find details on how to use your benefits at local retailers and merchants, as well as the ATM locations that accept EBT cards. For instance, in Arizona, there is an app available that can help you find nearby ATMs that accept EBT cards.
To find the relevant website for your state, simply visit the site listed for each state:
Alabama
Alaska
- Alaska Temporary Assistance Program
- Association of Village Council Presidents
- Bristol Bay Native Association
- Cook Inlet Tribal Council, Inc.
- Kodiak Area Native Association
- Maniilaq Association
- Tanana Chiefs Conference
- Central Council Tlingit Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska (CCTHITA) TANF
Arizona
Arkansas
California
- California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids
- CTTP/Robinson Rancheria
- Graton Rancheria
- Hoopa Valley
- Karuk Tribe
- Morongo Band
- North Fork Rancheria
- Owens Valley Career Development Center
- Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians
- Round Valley Indian Tribes
- Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians
- Shingle Springs Tribal TANF
- Soboba TANF
- Southern California Tribal Chairmen’s Association
- Tolowa Dee Ni’ Nation
- Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians
- Tuolumne Me-Wuk Tribal TANF
- Yurok Tribe
- Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
District Of Columbia
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
- Montana Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
- Blackfeet Tribe Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
- Oregon Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
- Confederated Tribes of the Siletz Reservation
- Klamath Tribes
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
- South Dakota Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
- Department of Social Services
- Sisseton – Wahpeton Oyate
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
- Washington TANF and WorkFirst Program
- Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation
- Lower Elwha Tribe
- Lummi Nation
- Nooksack Indian Tribe
- Port Gamble S’Klallam
- Quileute Indian Tribe (TANF)
- Quinault Indian Tribe
- Spokane Tribal TANF
- Tulalip Tribes
- Upper Skagit Indian Tribe
- South Puget Inter-Tribal Planning Agency
West Virginia
Wisconsin
- Wisconsin Works (W-2) Program
- Bad River Band of Lake Superior Tribe of Chippewa
- Social & Family Services- Economic Support
- Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians
- Health & Human Services- Economic Support Department
- Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians
- Red Cliff Family Human Services Division
- Stockbridge Munsee Community Band of Mohican Indians
- Human Services -Economic Support Department
Wyoming
The bottom line
If you receive cash benefits through the EBT program and need to withdraw them, it’s recommended that you use one of the fee-free EBT ATMs listed above. These ATMs will allow you to withdraw your funds without additional charges. To find a location near you, simply refer to the list of fee-free EBT ATMs provided above.
Additionally, if you require more information about your state’s cash benefits program, visit your state’s specific cash benefits page for further details.