EBT or Electronic Benefits Transfer technology is playing a vital role in making a healthier life more affordable and accessible for those in need while it also makes it simpler for merchants to sell goods in their communities. By dealing with the challenges that once encumbered adoption and use, EBT cards help improve benefit access for recipients, widening the number of participating retailers that accept EBT payments and allowing recipients to shop easily and conveniently.

A support for millions of low-income families, EBT cards enable families to access affordable, healthy, food from grocers, farmers’ markets, and local shops. And merchants that admit EBT cards get to play a comprehensive role in their communities and build their clientele. Several EBT programs work to alleviate the hardship several low-income families face. Key among them:

• SNAP or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program offers financial assistance for qualifying families and individuals that need healthy, affordable food. SNAP shares many of the same advantages and goals like WIC but is open to individuals and families with children over the age of five.

• WIC or Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children bridges the affordability gap for low-income families by providing financial help for specific food types and baby formula. During 2019 WIC assisted more than 6.4 million recipients, making it simpler for mothers and children to get the nutrient-rich foods they need.

• TANF or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program assisted more 2 million families across the country by offering state agencies with funding that helps families afford the staples of daily life. These can include not only food but also furniture, clothing, transportation, and medical supplies, among many other items.

Now, with the arrival of EBT technology, more stores can take part in these benefits programs, empowering recipients to shop where their dollar goes the farthest. Whether it’s fresh food or back-to-school shopping, EBT cards make it simpler for everyone involved in a purchase to get what they need quickly and professionally. Because they are PIN-based, EBT cards also enhance security for both cardholders and merchants. Encouraging broader acceptance of EBT payments can interpret into better options for consumers in addition to healthier communities in the long run.

Merchants can now accept EBT payments devoid of having to run a parallel system. Rather, they can integrate EBT support through their Method of Payment directly. EBT cards work similar as debit cards at the point of sale, where users swipe their card and enter their personalized PIN. Accepting EBT payments today enables retailers to entice a broader range of customers, boosting revenue while helping to reinforce the surrounding community.

AppStar Financial provides a range of transaction processing services, including credit, debit, EBT, checks and gift cards for small to medium-sized retail, home, and internet merchants.