Skip to main content

SNAP Retailer Reminder - Do Not Extend Credit to SNAP Customers

Resource type
Technical Assistance
Training and Outreach
Print Materials
Resource Materials
PDF Icon Print version (227.47 KB)
PDF Icon Arabic (245.55 KB)
PDF Icon Español (262.46 KB)
PDF Icon Haitian Creole (243.41 KB)
PDF Icon Simplified Chinese (296.70 KB)
PDF Icon Traditional Chinese (281.60 KB)

Important Reminder

What is a credit account?

  • If you allow customers to buy food and drinks but pay with SNAP benefits later (e.g. weekly or
    monthly), you are extending credit (keeping a credit account). This is not allowed.
  • In general, customers that pay with SNAP benefits must pay at the time they receive their food.
  • You may not write down your customer’s EBT card number or hold or keep the EBT card on a
    customer’s behalf.
screenshot of a video clip that says to never accept snap benefits as payments on credit accounts

What happens if I allow credit accounts to be paid with SNAP benefits?

  • Your store may be disqualified from SNAP and fined.
  • When you violate SNAP rules your store may also be disqualified from WIC.

Train Your Employees

  • As a store owner, you are responsible for violations of SNAP rules, including those committed by your employees.
  • It is your responsibility to ensure that the training materials are reviewed by your store employees whether paid or unpaid, new, full-time, or part-time.
  • You can use these training materials to learn about SNAP rules.

You can prevent violations with a store compliance policy and training program.

View training information and important reminders on the SNAP Retailer Training page.

If you have questions, please contact FNS SNAP at RPMDHQ-Web@fns.usda.gov.

SNAP logo - Putting Healthy Food within Reach

SNAP Retailer Notice - 03/25/2024

Page updated: November 21, 2024