Transactions at Point of Sale (POS)
Customers who have EBT chip cards should always attempt a chip (insert or tap) transaction first. The transaction may need to be completed with a swipe of the magnetic stripe, but the first transaction attempt should always use the chip.
How to Process EBT Chip Card Transaction
- If the EBT cardholder has a chip-enabled EBT card, the cardholder should first attempt an insert or tap. Important: If your store doesn’t accept card insert/tap, customers should swipe their EBT cards as usual!
- If the first attempt at an insert/tap transaction fails, and the POS terminal instructs the customer to swipe the magnetic stripe instead, the cardholder should swipe the EBT card as instructed. This transaction should be successful.
- If the magnetic stripe attempt fails, follow the instructions on the POS terminal for the next attempt. You may be asked to retry the magnetic stripe OR insert/tap the card again. Instructions vary based on POS terminals. A successful transaction may require multiple attempts.
- If the transaction cannot be completed by magnetic stripe or insert/tap, use a key-entered (manual) transaction as the last option. It’s important that SNAP participants can complete a purchase using their SNAP balance.
What to Do If You Can’t Complete an EBT Chip Card Transaction
- Assure the customer that it’s not their fault; it’s a technology (point-of-sale) issue. Their chip card should work in other stores that are set up for insert/tap-enabled EBT cards.
- Inform store management of any insert/tap card transaction failures and any error messages on the POS terminals.
- Print a duplicate receipt, or write down transaction details such as date, time, transaction amount, and any error codes or messages.
- Contact your POS service provider to find out why insert/tap card transactions are failing. Provide specific examples, including the error message received and the time of the transaction attempt.
- If your POS provider is unaware of the changes required for EBT chip, refer them to the technical resources or contact EBTChip@nationalgrocers.org.