You can withdraw cash from your EBT card only if you get the TANF benefit from the government. The SNAP benefit through an EBT card won’t let you withdraw cash; it is only to redeem foods. People mostly use their EBT cards to redeem them while purchasing at retail stores or other listed merchants. But the situation may arise when you need the cash in your hand to perform instant financial deals. Or sometimes you may need to pay the bills in a shop which doesn’t take the card directly. So, the need for cash is essential as always. 

Luckily, if you are living in Texas then you can easily withdraw cash from your EBT card like any other debit card. Besides, the process of withdrawing cash from an EBT card in Texas is similar to the process in other states. There are several options anywhere in Texas as you can withdraw EBT card cash from ATMs, banks, and retailers. Here is my effort to make it easy for you to withdraw cash from an EBT card in Texas.

Know About “What Is The Lone Star EBT Card In Texas”

With the Lone Star Card or EBT Card, you can access food benefits from SNAP and cash benefits from TANF. Using the Lone Star Card is similar to using any other debit card. If the item you’re buying is SNAP or TANF-approved, swipe your Lone Star Card through the machine and enter your PIN. 

A Lone Star Card transaction takes the amount out of your account. There is a FAQs section on the Lone Star card website, hhs.texas.gov/services/financial/lone-star-card/lone-star-faqs, which provides further details. Visit hhs.texas.gov/file/6872 for more information about the Lone Star Card. The Lone Star Card is one of the benefits you’ll get if you apply for TANF or SNAP benefits at your local Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) office. 

Way To Withdraw Cash From An EBT Card In Texas

When you withdraw cash from your EBT card, it’s pretty straightforward, but you might have trouble because not all ATMs accept EBT cards. Keeping in mind that you’re trying to save money, here’s a list of banks across the country with free ATM withdrawals:

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

It’s worth checking with your bank to see if they offer free ATM withdrawals since there are a lot of them. 

It’s okay if you don’t have an account with any of the above-mentioned banks; there’s still something you can do. There’s always the option of getting a teller withdrawal at the bank. As a result, the cashier will require your ID and EBT card. 

You can withdraw cash from your EBT card at an ATM in Texas by following these steps:

  • In order to use an EBT card at an ATM, you must first locate an ATM that accepts the card. Banks, credit unions, and grocery stores generally offer this service.
  • Insert your EBT card into the ATM and enter your PIN once you have located one that accepts EBT cards.
  • Then press “OK” or “ENTER” on the keypad.
  • During the withdrawal process, select “WITHDRAW CASH” and then select “CHECKING.” Some ATMs may use different terms in this regard.
  • In the withdrawal field, enter the amount of money you wish to withdraw in whole dollar amounts. The smallest currency is typically the tens and twenty’s.
  • There’s a screen on the ATM that tells you how much the fee is. Press “CONTINUE” if you want to accept. Press “CANCEL” if you don’t want to pay.
  • You’ll get a receipt and cash from the ATM. You won’t always see your balance on the receipt at ATMs.
  • Make sure you keep your receipt so you know how much you have left on your card.

There is no difference between using a debit or credit card, as you can see from the example above. It is only the fact that not all ATMs accept EBT cards that makes them different.

Please keep in mind that this only works if your card has TANF funds. ATM machines won’t let you withdraw cash if you only get SNAP benefits. In addition, if you qualify for both SNAP and TANF benefits, you can only withdraw cash from your TANF account.

Steps To Use Your EBT Card At A POS Machine In Texas

  • Step 1: If you are interested in withdrawing cash benefits from the store, you should ask the clerk if there is a fee involved.
  • Step 2: You can either swipe your card through a Point-of-Sale terminal or hand your EBT Card to the cash counter.
  • Step 3: On the keypad, enter your four-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN). As a result, the terminal will display **** instead of the numbers you entered.
  • Step 4: Then hit the “ENTER” button.
  • Step 5: Enter the amount you want as cash or ask the cash manager to enter it for you. 
  • Step 6: Upon receiving your request, the clerk enters the amount of cash benefits that you wish to withdraw. You can press “OK” or “YES” if the amount is correct.
  • Step 7: Print out the receipt. It shows:
    • Address and name of the store
    • Your cash withdrawal amount
    • The balance of your new cash account
  • Step 8: Make sure you keep your receipt so you know what you have as your current balance on your EBT card. 

Steps To Check The Balance Of Your Lone Star EBT Card

You need to keep track of your EBT cash benefits just like you keep track of an account at a bank. Several options are available to keep track of your credit. 

  • On your store receipt, you’ll see how much cash you have left. 
  • You can find out what your cash balance is by calling 1-888-328-2666. 
  • Also, you can check your balance and transaction history on the ebtEDGE Cardholder Portal or the ebtEDGE Mobile App from the Apple App or Google Play store. 
  • Get your cash balance at an ATM by inserting your Lone Star Card, entering your PIN, and checking your balance.

Don’t run out of money at the store when you need it. Keep track of your cash balance to avoid that. Tracking your cash balance is also helpful for planning for everything you need cash for in a month. 

Maintaining a cash balance is also an important part of ensuring that you receive the correct amount of cash benefits from participating programs. There is rarely a problem. Nevertheless, there is always a possibility that it may occur, so it is always a good idea to remain vigilant.

If you are interested in checking your various accounts for what you are eligible for and currently participating in, you can go to yourtexasbenefits.com. On this site, you can get info on SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program, and nursing home care.

Check out the Texas Benefits Portal to see your most recent card activity. The number to call is 1-800-777-7328 if you want to check your balance over the phone.

Find ATMs And POS Machines For Use Or Cash Your EBT Balance In Texas

There are ATMs and/or POS machines at:

  • Banks
  • Department stores
  • Grocery stores
  • Utility companies
  • Convenience stores
  • Gas stations

Check out this list of Texas banks that offer free ATM withdraw for Cash EBT card balance.

1. Alliance of Austin Credit Unions

Credit unions in the Austin area have joined forces to provide their members with a FREE ATM network. The ATM network is now available for free to all members of participating credit unions. Just use your city and ZIP code and locate the nearby ATM for free. 

2. 7-Eleven or Stripes ATM

You can use any participating 7-Eleven or Stripes ATM for free! Just visit “google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1rNfvLBE_g3zlJmuaC5MuoEueagCnFozl&ll=31.23648704970723%2C-100.0427945573587&z=7”

3. Allpoint ATM

Allpoint ATMs can be found virtually anywhere in the US. There are Allpoint ATMs in the most popular retail stores where you shop every day. Just use your address or ZIP code to locate the nearest surcharge-free ATM by visiting here allpointnetwork.com/locator.html.

Online Stores That Accept EBT Cards In Texas

Here are some grocery stores you can use your Texas EBT card at:

  • ALDI
  • Amazon
  • Brookshire’s Food and Pharmacy
  • FRESH by Brookshire’s
  • H-E-B
  • Joe V’s Smart Shop
  • Sam’s Club Scan and Go
  • Spring Market
  • Super 1 Foods
  • Walmart

If you have a Texas EBT card, you can get groceries delivered home with Amazon or Walmart using your card.

Fees With EBT Cards You Need To Know

Only low-income individuals are eligible to receive EBT cards. So, it’s common for people to know how much cash withdrawals cost. Depending on which benefits you use, your Texas EBT Card could charge you.

Transaction

You can make a transaction with your Texas EBT Card by:

  • Using an ATM to get cash
  • At a POS machine, you can get cash
  • Spending SNAP money on food
  • Buying anything with a cash benefit 
  • Keep your balance up to date

Surcharge

There may be a surcharge when you use an ATM to withdraw cash or check your EBT card balance in some stores and banks. Check the ATM screen for a warning about this fee before you use your card. If the ATM charges a fee, you do not have to use the machine. If you want to cancel the transaction, withdraw your money from a different ATM that doesn’t charge fees.

Transaction Fee

If you withdraw cash or check your EBT card balance at an ATM for the fourth time within a given month, you will be charged a transaction fee. At POS machines, there is no charge for this fee.

Is The Texas Lone Star Card EBT Center Open 24 Hours A Day?

Any time throughout the week and month, you will be able to contact EBT through your Lone Star card. You can access your account information at any time, even if there is no one available to answer your call. Whenever you need to access your benefits, you can do so 24 hours a day, seven days a week by logging into the system. Furthermore, everything is fast and efficient, so you don’t have to wait in line.

Texas also has 20,700 retail stores, as well as contact centers and benefits information online. As a result, you are able to check your benefits at any time and access them at any time. If you purchase something at a local retailer, you will receive a receipt that indicates the balance of your account at the time of purchase. Keeping track of food stamp benefits and EBT cash is the best way to keep informed. Daily transaction reports are available immediately. In some banks, updates take a while, or transactions get held up. As an alternative, you do not need to wait for a transaction to process or generate a balance when you utilize EBT cash or food stamp benefits.

Different Other Methods Of Getting Cash From Your EBT Card

The following options are available if you do not have access to an ATM but still need cash. Before withdraw cash from your EBT card in Texas, be sure to check the specific policies of your state. You can find them here:

  • Ask a teller : Generally, you can request a withdrawal from a teller at the bank. A teller will give you cash if you present your identification card and EBT card.
  • From the grocery store : Several grocery stores participate in the cash-back program. In the same way that an ATM withdrawal works, a cashback request also works similarly, though you’ll need to go to a customer service desk instead of an ATM. Be sure to call ahead to determine whether or not this service is available at the store before you visit.
  • Green Dot : If you have an EBT card, you can access cash through a service like Green Dot. In addition to their prepaid debit cards, Green Dot has an option just for people receiving government benefits. Green Dot allows users to load cash onto their cards at participating shops and withdraw it from ATMs across the globe. Green Dot cards are available in participating stores without requiring a credit check.
  • Through the app : Additionally, if you have an EBT card, you can withdraw cash with an app instead of an ATM if you have a smartphone. A program such as the Cash App enables users to link their EBT cards and then withdraw cash from participating retailers.

Is It Legal To Sell My Lone Star EBT Card For Cash?

In any form or manner, selling your food stamp benefits for cash is illegal. In rare cases, it occurs, giving the impression that it is acceptable. An individual who sells this benefit program for more than $100 in cash is considered a felony by the USDA.

Additionally, the fines for transferring benefits for cash to someone will be larger than the potential profit you could make. Selling your food stamp benefits for more money after you’ve used up your cash benefits is not a good idea. Ultimately, losing benefits doesn’t help anyone, particularly you. When your Lone Star Card provides cash benefits each month, this becomes even more beneficial. You may face the following punishment procedures: 

  • Asset seizure
  • All food stamp benefits will be withdrawn
  • There is the potential for a maximum 20-year prison term
  • Up to $250,000 in fines
  • Payments for restitution
  • Programs like SNAP and TANF are no longer available