Current Status
All 50 states and Washington, DC have online purchasing capabilities with work continuing to extend support to other interested territories. Check the FNA Online Purchasing Pilot webpage for the current participating states and retailers.
If you need additional assistance with the SNAP online application process, reach out to SEMTAC for guidance. (SEMTAC is the SNAP EBT Modernization Technical Assistance Center)
Retailer Criteria for SNAP Online Purchasing
Eligibility
- Retailer must be eligible to accept SNAP.
- Additional FNA authorization is needed for SNAP online participation.
- Retailers new to SNAP should first apply and complete the authorization process for SNAP retailer authorization before returning here to begin the SNAP online purchasing process.
- Retailers must have an existing online eCommerce presence.
Platform Requirements
Retailers’ online sales platform (website/mobile app/etc.) must be capable of being updated to meet the requirements to operate online purchasing, including but not limited to functionality for:
- Securely integrating online PIN-entry through Third-Party Processor’s (TPP) Application Programming Interface (API). Currently, the only approved TPPs for SNAP online are Fiserv, WorldPay, and Forage. We are willing to work with any TPP an applicant chooses to partner with, assuming they meet the technical requirements for securely processing EBT payments online.
- Handling errors with appropriate messaging; processing SNAP and EBT refunds; variable and estimated item pricing, and more.
- Having only one SNAP/EBT card provisioned to a customer account.
- Ensuring only eligible foods can be purchased with SNAP benefits.
- Allowing split tender transactions for the payment of non-SNAP eligible items and fees.
- Allowing SNAP customers to choose the amount of SNAP benefits that they will use for each purchase.
- Mitigating fraudulent online EBT balance inquires via one of the following options:
- Removal of EBT Balance Inquiry from eCommerce site.
- No guest checkout and limits to balance inquiries and EBT card changes, or similar velocity controls proven to be effective upon consultation with FNA. This includes all of the following:
- Removal of “guest checkout” from retailer site.
- Limit the number of times an account holder can change their EBT card to a minimal number within a specified time period.
- Limit use of balance inquiry feature to two times per customer session.
- Following all technical requirements outlined in Sections 2.4 and 2.5 of the Online Purchasing Pilot Request for Volunteers (RFV) as well as all additional criteria through the entirety of the document.
Application Process
Refer to the SNAP Online Purchasing Process for an overview.
Retailers interested in SNAP online participation must submit an email to SNAPOnline@usda.gov expressing their interest in participating in SNAP online. Interested retailers must provide their SNAP authorized brick-and-mortar FNA number in their interest email OR specify if they are intending to apply as an online only retailer.
Please note: Retailers interested in SNAP online only participation must submit a letter of intent (LOI) to SNAPOnline@usda.gov. More detailed information and requirements, as well as a fillable template for the LOI, can be found at SEMTAC.
After receiving the interest email, we will issue an internet retailer application package to the retailer for completion. All brick-and-mortar locations under the ownership umbrella of the applying store will be subject to a SNAP regulatory requirement known as reauthorization. The SNAP online application cannot be processed until reauthorization is complete for all brick-and-mortar locations requesting to participate in SNAP online.
Please note: The required documents that make up the application package, the certification and signature statement, retailer authorization spreadsheet, and retailer waiver can be downloaded on this page. You may complete and submit these forms as part of your initial LOI e-mail to save time.
Retailers must update their websites to meet SNAP online purchasing requirements outlined in the SNAP online retailer RFV. If you plan to use a third-party to design and implement your eCommerce solution, there is a list of eCommerce providers that have met our standards for SNAP online and can be contracted as a partner to handle your online storefront. We do not endorse nor recommend any eCommerce provider over another.
Please note: If a retailer chooses to use an eCommerce platform that is not listed, a business requirements document will be required. For more information regarding the expectations of this document and to receive support on its creation, please visit SEMTAC.
- Successful completion of end-to-end testing with FNA in the online production environment is necessary before launching SNAP online purchasing to the public. This includes working with FNA and the appropriate state agency to obtain EBT test cards. We will provide details during the testing phase.