People usually depend on their EBT cards to redeem their federal benefits at authorized retail stores. The card is used to purchase food with government funds, but it’s not completely free as it seems. Usually, you will have to pay fees for withdrawals at the bank counters and ATMs. But still, many ATMs across the country allow free money withdraw from EBT card without any charge.

So, this article is for those who always look for an opportunity to withdraw money from EBT card at a surcharge-free ATM. Here I will mention the bank names as well as the ATMs that don’t charge any fees for EBT cardholders. I aim to provide a lot of solid information in this regard so that you can enjoy your benefits free of charge and free of hassles.

Places to withdraw money from my EBT card for free

As I mentioned, there are many ways to make surcharge-free cash withdrawals when most banks and ATMs charge withdrawal fees. But people who enjoy government benefits such as SNAP beneficiaries are considered lower earners and tend to find ways of making surcharge-free money withdrawals. So, the good news for them is that some banks, ATMs, and merchants still allow the withdraw of money from EBT card for free. Let me mention some of the places:

Withdraw money from Surcharge-Free EBT card ATMs

Luckily, most of the big names in the banking industry allow surcharge-free ATM withdrawals for EBT cards. People who receive food assistance through EBT cards are more likely to withdraw the funds from ATMs and purchase necessary food items from stores. If you have an EBT card, then you will definitely look for fee-free ATMs instead of those that charge fees. Here are the banks and credit unions that allow free withdrawals from their ATMs. 

  • Bank of America 
  • Wells Fargo 
  • Flagstar Bank
  • Chase
  • Bank of the West
  • US Bank 
  • Citibank 
  • Capital One 

Though these banks are major stakeholders in the banking industry, the local and smaller banks are also on the list that provide surcharge-free ATM withdrawals through their ATMs. You can contact the bank that you always deal with to check if their ATMs charge fees for withdrawing money with an EBT card. The bank branch near you or the state benefits agency should be able to help you with the necessary information as they have their lists of ATMs in a specific state. If you live in California, then you will find a list consisting of more than 40 banks and credit unions that have thousands of ATMs with surcharge-free money withdrawal facilities for EBT cardholders.   

If you cannot find an ATM near you to withdraw money for free, then at least you can try the EBT card cashback offer at a retail store.

Withdraw money from Surcharge-Free ATM networks

There are surcharge-free ATM networks nationwide, which is another opportunity for EBT cardholders to withdraw money. Below is the list of surcharge-free ATM networks:

Besides banks and credit union locations, their ATMs are available at retail stores, grocery stores, and other convenience stores. Basically, these ATM networks don’t apply any charges. They have partnerships with financial institutions to provide ATM services, and those institutions charge fees. But the fees are not hidden; you will see the option if there are any fees when you enter your card into the ATM. The prompt from the ATM screen should let you know if there is any fee. 

Withdraw money from Surcharge-Free EBT merchants store

There are thousands of merchants nationwide listed as EBT merchants who offer several features for EBT cardholders. You can buy it there without any surcharge as they have partnerships with federal government programs. You can redeem your SNAP or other benefits at one of those listed merchants and get cashback while purchasing products like medicine and food. Here are some of the EBT merchants that serve customers with surcharge-free purchases.   

Use my card at the store for cashback

EBT cashback is only for eligible cardholders who enjoy TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) or SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) from the federal government. But the key eligibility to get cashback at stores is the cash assistance program. If you are eligible for this, then you can get cash back from our EBT card. In certain stores, you can get cashback. Cashback is not available in all the listed merchant stores. You should follow the store’s policy regarding the amount you are getting as cashback. 

To get the cash back at a local store, your EBT must have an active cash balance that you received from the state program. You will have to swipe your card and enter the PIN after confirming the purchase from a store. But make sure that the store accepts EBT cards and allows EBT cashback. It’s just like using a debit card while purchasing. 

Remember that there is a variation in cash back limits. First, it depends on the state you live in. Secondly, the grocery or departmental stores also have their own separate cash back limits, which typically range between $40 and $100.

Getting cashback is legal and easy. You can also use the cashback app, which works with several stores; you can even get a cashback facility for online purchases. Once you have earned cashback above your purchase, you can then cash out. 

How to find a free atm near me to withdraw money from my EBT card ?

Using an ATM is the most effective way to get cash from an EBT card. If you are still confused and looking for an ATM that won’t charge you a fee to withdraw from your EBT card, then find your nearest ATM location by using some of the methods below. Those are:

  • Search on Google : You can search on Google to find the closest ATM near you that accepts EBT. Though all ATMs do accept EBT, certain ATMs only accept EBT cards. To get a free ATM that doesn’t charge any fees, use Google. Google will show you the nearest ATM. 
  • Get research : There are plenty of banks that do not charge a fee for EBT transactions. For example, California has a list here : https://www.ebtproject.ca.gov/Library/Cash_Access.pdf. To get the nearest one, do more research based on your state. 
  • Contact a Branch : If you are confused about finding a fee-free ATM, you may contact any local branch. Any branch or state benefits agency can suggest a location near you. 
  • Ask your friend or family member: If you know people who use an EBT card and live in your state, then why not ask them to get a location. Any friend can help you find an ATM that is fee-free. 

ATMs with EBT Transaction Fees

There are certain ATMs that charge a fee for EBT transactions. Here are some ATMs that charge fees that you need to remember before withdrawing: 

  • TD Bank
  • PNC
  • Discover
  • BB&T
  • Fifth Third Bank
  • HSBC
  • M&T Bank
  • Sterling National Bank
  • Sun Trust
  • Valley National Bank
  • First National Bank
  • City National Bank
  • Citizens Bank
  • Ally 
  • Evertrust Bank 
  • Exchange Bank 
  • CTBC Bank 
  • Community West Bank
  • Citizens Business Bank 
  • Citibank 
  • Beneficial State Bank 
  • BBVA USA 
  • Bank of Hemet 
  • All US CU
  • First Capital Bank
  •  HSBC Bank
  • Suncrest Bank
  • Members 1st CU 
  • Summit State Bank 
  • United Business Bank 
  • Paradise Valley FC 
  • Premier Valley Bank 
  • Valley Strong Credit Union
  • Redwood Capital Bank 
  • Safe Credit Union 
  • Savings Bank of Mendocino 
  • West Bank 
  • Woori America Bank 
  • WestAmerica Bank
  • US Metro Bank 
  • Union Bank 
  • River City Bank 

Other benefits of my EBT card

An EBT card is kind of like a debit card that can load your monthly benefit amount. You may use this card to buy goods, and SNAP recipients can buy food and other products related to food, such as seeds or plants. Here are some benefits you can get through an EBT card:

  • SNAP Purchase : It is possible to purchase food items using your SNAP benefit. Though it allows buying allowable food items, you are not getting cash back from your SNAP account. Fortunately, SNAP benefit transactions are totally free. There is no time limitation while using your card for SNAP benefit transactions. 
  • Cash Purchase : You may purchase any item using your cash benefit where the EBT card is accepted. Certain types of products you are not allowed to purchase with your EBT card, such as liquor stores, wine stores, casinos, etc. 
  • Cash Withdrawals : Several stores allow you cash withdrawals without making any purchases, and some stores allow you to get cashback while purchasing items through EBT. Each store has its own policy regarding getting cash back or withdrawing cash. 

How to check my EBT card balance ?

You should check your EBT card balance before you go shopping. You may check your food stamp account at the food store. An ATM can be the right place to check your balance as well. Go to an ATM where an EBT card is accepted. While you will check your balance at an ATM, it will cost $0.25 each time. You may check your balance completely by calling customer service. Call 1-877-328-9677 or check online to know the balance.

How to report a problem with an ATM withdrawal ?

Bank ATMs are usually associated with banks. But if you experience a problem, for example, the money doesn’t come out of the machine, you need to contact the state benefits agency and see if they can investigate the issue. During the reporting process, be sure to provide the date, time, and amount of the withdrawal, as well as details about your problem.