Shopping at Five Below can be a total blast! They have tons of cool stuff, from candy to toys to room décor, all for, you guessed it, five dollars or less. But if you’re using assistance like EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer), you might be wondering if you can use it there. This essay will break down everything you need to know about paying at Five Below with EBT.
The Simple Answer: Does Five Below Take EBT?
Let’s get straight to the point: Unfortunately, Five Below does not accept EBT cards for purchases. That means you won’t be able to use your SNAP benefits to buy anything at their stores.
What EBT Covers at Other Stores
EBT cards are like debit cards specifically for government assistance programs, mainly the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). These programs help people with low incomes buy food. The money on the card comes from the government, and it can only be used for certain items. Typically, you can use your EBT card at grocery stores and supermarkets to purchase food items that are eligible. These include things like fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, and bread. Non-food items, such as paper products, cleaning supplies, and pet food, are usually not eligible.
Other stores that sell groceries, like some Walmarts or Targets, will usually accept EBT cards. These stores tend to sell SNAP-eligible food items that meet the requirements. However, not all items in these stores will be eligible for EBT purchase.
When you swipe your EBT card, the system automatically knows what’s eligible. The card reader will let you know if your card can be used for a purchase. The card will be declined if you try to buy items that are not approved.
This is important, so let’s recap. While Five Below doesn’t accept EBT, EBT cards work at grocery stores for approved food purchases.
Why Doesn’t Five Below Take EBT?
Five Below’s business model is different from grocery stores. They focus on selling a wide variety of fun and affordable non-food items. They are not set up to sell the types of items eligible for EBT purchases. These items are usually in the food category.
Another reason is the systems involved. Accepting EBT requires special point-of-sale (POS) systems that are linked to the government’s EBT network. These systems also must be able to separate EBT-eligible items from non-eligible ones at checkout. Five Below’s current infrastructure is not designed to support this complex process.
Five Below probably doesn’t want the extra rules that come with accepting EBT cards. Stores must keep track of all EBT purchases and follow government guidelines. They also need to get the necessary certifications.
In short, their stores are not equipped to sell SNAP-approved items, and handling EBT payments would require significant changes to their systems.
What Can You Buy at Five Below?
Five Below has a huge variety of things you can buy! It’s a great place to get things like toys, games, and arts and crafts supplies. They also sell room decorations, school supplies, and seasonal items like holiday decorations.
You can find all sorts of fun things at Five Below. The prices are all generally five dollars or less, so you can get a lot of cool stuff without spending a lot of money.
- Candy
- Books
- Phone accessories
- Sporting goods
It is important to note that although they sell some food items like candy and snacks, you won’t be able to buy them with your EBT card.
Other Payment Options at Five Below
Even though they don’t accept EBT, Five Below offers other ways to pay. They accept all major credit cards, debit cards, and cash. You can also use mobile payment options, such as Apple Pay and Google Pay, at many locations.
If you have a gift card, you can use it to pay for your items. If you have a coupon, make sure you check the rules to see if it can be used with other payment methods.
- Credit Cards: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover
- Debit Cards: Accepted everywhere
- Mobile Payments: Apple Pay and Google Pay
- Cash
These payment options make it convenient to shop at Five Below. Make sure to bring one of these forms of payment if you plan on purchasing any items.
Finding EBT-Eligible Items
If you have EBT, you need to know where you can spend it. Grocery stores and supermarkets are the best places to use your EBT card because they have many SNAP-approved items.
Look for stores that participate in the SNAP program. You’ll usually see a sign that says “EBT Accepted” or something similar at the entrance or checkout.
| Store Type | EBT Acceptance |
|---|---|
| Supermarkets | Generally Accepted |
| Convenience Stores | Sometimes Accepted |
| Farmers Markets | Often Accepted |
Consider using online services. Some grocery stores let you order online with EBT.
Tips for Shopping with EBT
Planning is key when shopping with EBT. Make a shopping list before you go to the store so you know exactly what you need. This can help you stay within your budget.
Check the prices of the items you want. Compare prices at different stores to find the best deals. Look for sales and discounts to save money.
Read the labels on the products to see if they are eligible for EBT. Focus on buying healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.
- Plan your meals.
- Compare prices.
- Check for sales and coupons.
- Focus on healthy options.
Finally, know your EBT balance. That way, you don’t get to the checkout and find out you don’t have enough money. You can usually check your balance online or by calling the number on the back of your card.
Alternatives to Consider
If you need assistance with groceries, but Five Below doesn’t work, consider other options. Food banks and pantries provide free food to those in need. You can find a local food bank by searching online.
Consider SNAP, which provides food assistance to eligible low-income people, including children, the elderly, and those with disabilities. You can also find information about local programs that help with food costs.
Other programs may be available, such as WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) for pregnant women, new mothers, and young children. These programs often have income requirements and provide certain types of food. Do your research to find other options.
- Food Banks
- Local food pantries
- SNAP benefits
These programs can provide help if you need assistance buying groceries.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Five Below is a fun place to shop for all sorts of cool things, you can’t use your EBT card there. If you’re looking to use your EBT benefits, you’ll need to shop at grocery stores or other locations that accept EBT. Remember to plan your shopping and consider other resources like food banks or SNAP if you need food assistance. Happy shopping!