Mobile Payment Pilot

The Agricultural Act of 2018 (PL 115–334) authorizes the use of mobile technologies for the purpose of accessing SNAP benefits for payment at the point-of-sale. This will allow SNAP participants to input their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card into a mobile device and make SNAP purchases at the point-of-sale without the presence of the EBT card. The Act requires that FNS approve not more than five projects to pilot the use of this technology and then determine if mobile technology should be authorized nationwide. The Mobile Payment Pilot Request for Volunteers (RFV) was released on July 12, 2022.

FNS has selected to partner with five states to test mobile payment technology in SNAP. In the next few years, SNAP participants in Illinois, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Missouri, and Oklahoma will have the option to use mobile payment methods - like tapping or scanning their personal mobile device - as an alternative to their physical SNAP card. More information can be found in the press release issued on March 8, 2023. If you have any questions, please email the SNAP Mobile Payment Pilot mailbox: sm.fn.snapmobile@usda.gov.