Shopping at Five Below is super fun – they have a ton of cool stuff for like, five dollars or less! But what if you’re using EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer)? EBT is like a debit card for people who get help with food and other stuff. So, the big question is: Does Five Below accept EBT? Let’s dive in and find out.
The Straight Answer: Does Five Below Take EBT?
No, Five Below does not accept EBT cards. That’s the simple truth. While Five Below sells a bunch of cool items, they’re not set up to process EBT payments. This means you can’t use your EBT card to buy anything in their stores.
What Can You Buy with EBT Anyway?
So, if you can’t use your EBT card at Five Below, what can you actually buy with it? EBT cards are mainly for purchasing food. They work a bit differently depending on your state, but they typically cover groceries.
Here’s a list of things you can typically buy:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Dairy products
- Breads and cereals
- Other food items
Keep in mind that there are some exceptions. For example, you can’t usually buy alcohol, tobacco products, or pet food with EBT. Also, some states may have different rules.
Here’s an example of things that are not able to be purchased with EBT:
- Alcohol
- Cigarettes
- Vitamins
- Paper products
Why Doesn’t Five Below Take EBT?
You might be wondering why Five Below doesn’t take EBT. The main reason is that the majority of their items aren’t considered “eligible food items” by the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture), the agency that runs the SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) program. SNAP is the program that provides EBT benefits.
Think about what Five Below sells: toys, school supplies, clothes, and things for your room. Those things aren’t usually food items, and therefore don’t qualify for EBT purchases. The store would need to go through a bunch of extra steps to accept EBT.
The company may also decide the costs of accepting EBT don’t make sense for their business model. This involves extra fees and equipment.
Here’s a quick look at some of the expenses:
| Expense | Description |
|---|---|
| Processing fees | Every time an EBT card is used, the store is charged a fee. |
| Special equipment | They need a card reader that processes EBT payments. |
| Training | Employees need to learn how to handle EBT transactions. |
Where Can You Use Your EBT Card?
So, if you can’t use your EBT card at Five Below, where *can* you use it? The good news is, there are tons of places that accept EBT! Grocery stores are the most common, of course. Think about places like Kroger, Walmart, and Target (for groceries).
Besides grocery stores, EBT is often accepted at farmers markets and some convenience stores. You might also be able to use it at certain restaurants if they participate in the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP).
Each place has its own rules. Here are some common places that accept EBT:
- Grocery Stores
- Convenience Stores
- Farmers Markets
- Restaurants
Check the signs on the window of the place before you start shopping. They are usually labeled with “EBT accepted here”.
Tips for Shopping with EBT
If you’re shopping with EBT, here are some tips to make it easier. First, plan your shopping trip ahead of time! Make a list of what you need, and stick to it. This can help you avoid buying things you don’t really need.
Also, be aware of your EBT balance. You can usually check your balance online or by calling a phone number on the back of your EBT card. Know how much money you have available before you start shopping!
Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you’re not sure whether an item is eligible for EBT, ask a store employee.
- Make a List.
- Track your spending.
- Ask for help.
These steps can ensure you stay within your budget.
Alternatives for Five Below Fun
So, you can’t use your EBT card at Five Below, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some fun stuff! If you have some extra money from other sources, you can still shop there. Another option is to save up some cash to buy things at Five Below. Also, consider asking a family member or friend if they’d be willing to help you shop for things at Five Below!
Think about what you need, and buy those items first. Then see if you have enough money for the fun items. You can always find other shops in the mall to get items you need. Perhaps, you can order items online! If you go to Five Below, you can enjoy:
- Buying items with friends
- Window shopping
- Looking for presents for others
You can still have fun, even if you don’t end up buying anything.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, Five Below doesn’t accept EBT because their items don’t typically qualify for food assistance programs. While you can’t use your EBT card there, there are plenty of other places where you *can* use it to buy groceries and other food-related items. Just remember to plan your shopping trip and know your EBT balance. And hey, even without EBT, you can still enjoy the fun of browsing at Five Below and maybe save up some cash for a special treat!