Title

Electronic Benefit Transfer for Retailers, Farmers Markets and Direct Marketing Farmers

Intro

Retailers, farmers markets and direct marketing farmers may apply to accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Electronic Benefit Transfer (SNAP-EBT) at their store or market locations by following the steps described on this page. There is no cost to apply to accept SNAP-EBT at your store or market locations. 

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Start accepting SNAP-EBT payments in 5 steps

This application is for retail food stores, farmers' markets and direct marketing farmers that would like to accept SNAP-EBT. Retail food stores, farmers markets and direct marketing farmers that wants to accept SNAP-EBT on their website or mobile app must be approved by Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) to accept SNAP, then they can apply to accept SNAP-EBT on their website or mobile APP. For more information about the online purchasing requirements visit Retailer Requirements to Provide Online Purchasing to SNAP Households | Food and Nutrition Service (usda.gov) and SEMTAC - National Grocers Association.

Need to order a machine that accepts EBT payments? See step 5 below. 

Step 1. Get a USDA account

Before you start your application:

Step 2. Complete the SNAP retailer application

Tip: After starting this application, you have 30 days to complete and submit it. If your application is not submitted within 30 days, it will be deleted. Before starting this application, make sure that you have name(s), home address(es), and Social Security Number(s) for each store owner, and sales data for the store.

Step 3. Submit supporting documentation

Your application is not complete until you submit the required supporting documents. Instructions for submitting your documentation are provided at the end of the application.

Step 4. Check application status

After you submit your supporting documents to FNS, you can check the status of your application in real time.

FNS will process your application and contact you if they need any further information. If you have additional questions, please call the SNAP Retailer Service Center at 1-877-823-4369.

Step 5. Order an EBT card reading machine

After successful authorization, you will be issued a SNAP Permit, which includes the store name, store location, your name and the names of any additional owners, and the FNS Number. Use the FNS Number on this permit when ordering your equipment and when your POS device is programmed. If you already have equipment, talk to your current processor about programming it to accept SNAP-EBT and to get cost information.

A partial list of available vendors for SNAP-EBT equipment and services can be found here.

Please note: You are not required to select from one of the companies on the list; you should review the cost of leasing or purchasing equipment and services and make the best choice for your business. Farmer’s Markets are able to get no-cost wireless equipment. Retail food stores can get no-cost equipment that accepts SNAP-EBT only (no debit, credit, etc).

Minnesota offers free wireless point of sale (POS) equipment for FNS approved Farmers Markets and Direct Marketing Farmers in Minnesota. The equipment processes EBT benefits only and must be within range of an AT&T cell tower.

To request equipment email the following information to FarmersMarket.Equipment.DHS@state.mn.us:

  • Market/Farm Name
  • Address
  • Email
  • Phone
  • FNS #
  • Contact Name (this must be the person approved with FNS)

Equipment must be requested by the person approved by FNS to accept SNAP benefits.