13 Jul EBT, SNAP, FNS, TANF?

WHY ARE THESE IMPORTANT TO A RETAILERS AND GROCERS AND HOW DO I GET SET UP TO ACCEPT THEM?

First Lets define the acronyms:

EBT  – Electron Benefits Transfer

SNAP – Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program

FNS – Food and Nutritional Services

TANF – Temporary Aid to Needy Families

In short; You are able to accept SNAP and TANF payments on the EBT network and this is all administered by FNS.

It is important for a merchant to be set up for EBT so they can take as many types of payment as possible.SNAP payments can be used for any food that is cold. This means produce, meat, chips, cereal, milk etc. You can not sell a hot sandwich or accept it in a restaurant.  Merchants that should utilize the program are convenience stores, produce stands, grocers, butchers, gas stations, and seafood markets.

So how do you get set up for EBT?

To get set up for EBT you will need an FNS number from the US department of Agriculture. Here at Mercantile Processing Inc we have the applications handy and can assist in completing it. Once it is submitted you will receive an approval and account number. You then provide us with the number and your terminal will be set up to accept the EBT cards. You EBT transactions will be lumped in with your credit card deposit and if you batch before 8PM EST you will receive them all by the next day.

The cost of running an EBT transaction with MPI is $0.10. We have standardized this to keep the costs low for you; our merchant.

 If you have any additional questions or would like to start accepting these payment give us a call at 877-508-2831 – we are happy to help!