If you’re looking for a place to snag some cool stuff without breaking the bank, 5 Below is a popular choice! They’ve got everything from snacks and toys to room decor and gadgets, all for $5 or less. But if you’re using SNAP benefits (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), you might be wondering if you can use your EBT card there. Let’s dive in and find out!
Can You Use EBT at 5 Below? The Short Answer
So, the big question: Does 5 Below accept EBT? Unfortunately, no, 5 Below does not currently accept EBT cards as a form of payment. This means you can’t use your SNAP benefits to purchase items in their stores. This is because of the types of items they sell, and their status with the USDA.
What 5 Below Sells
5 Below is known for its wide variety of products, and figuring out if it is possible to use EBT depends on if the products are eligible. Let’s take a closer look at some common items you can find at 5 Below.
They carry things like toys, games, and craft supplies, which are generally not eligible for EBT. Many of their products fall under the categories of fun and entertainment, rather than essential food items. They do offer some snacks and drinks, but it is limited, and a larger portion of their inventory does not qualify.
Here’s a glimpse of what you might find in a 5 Below store:
- Toys and Games: Board games, action figures, and plushies.
- Room Decor: Posters, lights, and decorative items.
- Tech Accessories: Phone cases, headphones, and chargers.
- Snacks and Drinks: Candy, chips, and beverages.
The core of their business is to provide affordable non-essential products.
SNAP Eligibility: What Can You Buy?
The Basics of SNAP
SNAP is designed to help low-income individuals and families purchase food. It’s important to know what you can and cannot buy with your EBT card. Generally, SNAP benefits can be used to purchase “eligible food items.” This includes things like fruits, vegetables, meats, poultry, fish, dairy products, and bread. Prepared foods, alcohol, and non-food items are typically not covered.
SNAP rules and regulations are determined by the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture). The USDA has specific guidelines about which types of stores are allowed to accept SNAP. This is based on what percentage of the store’s sales come from eligible food items. To participate in SNAP, a store must meet certain requirements regarding the types of food they sell.
Here’s a breakdown of what you can generally purchase with SNAP:
- Fruits and Vegetables
- Meats, Poultry, and Fish
- Dairy Products
- Breads and Cereals
However, other things such as alcohol, tobacco products, and pet food are all not covered.
Why 5 Below Might Not Accept EBT
Store Policies and Regulations
The main reason 5 Below doesn’t accept EBT cards is due to its store’s primary focus. Since 5 Below carries a wide variety of products, the vast majority of which are not SNAP-eligible, they may not meet the requirements set by the USDA to become an authorized EBT retailer. Becoming an authorized retailer has specific requirements.
To accept EBT, a store usually needs to sell a significant amount of SNAP-eligible food items. This can involve meeting certain revenue thresholds from eligible food sales. It’s often more cost-effective for stores to focus on products outside the SNAP guidelines.
The store would need to get set up with the state’s SNAP program, which includes:
- Applying for authorization
- Meeting inventory requirements for eligible food
- Having proper POS (point-of-sale) systems that can process EBT cards.
These requirements are usually not met by 5 Below, since they aren’t primarily a grocery store.
Alternatives for Using SNAP Benefits
Where to Shop
If you’re a SNAP recipient looking to purchase food, there are plenty of places that do accept EBT. Your local grocery stores and supermarkets are the most common places to use your benefits. These stores carry a wide variety of SNAP-eligible food items, making it easy to purchase what you need.
Farmers’ markets are also a great option! Many farmers’ markets are authorized to accept EBT cards. Check with the individual market to see if they participate, and ask about available programs.
Here’s a small table of stores that typically accept EBT:
| Store Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Supermarkets | Kroger, Safeway, Walmart |
| Farmers’ Markets | Varies by location |
| Convenience Stores | Some locations, check local stores. |
There are also online retailers such as Amazon and Walmart that accept EBT.
Future Possibilities
Could 5 Below Change?
It’s tough to say what the future holds. As the retail landscape changes, stores sometimes adjust their policies. While it’s not common, retailers do modify their payment options, including if they accept EBT.
For 5 Below to start accepting EBT, they’d need to make some significant changes to the types of products they offer and go through a USDA authorization process. They’d also need to update their point-of-sale systems to be able to process EBT cards. Adding these types of products, such as fresh produce, would require significant changes.
However, given 5 Below’s current business model, it’s unlikely to happen any time soon. You should continue to assume that 5 Below does not accept EBT.
Staying Informed
Checking for Updates
The best way to know for sure is to stay informed. Store policies can change, and it’s always a good idea to double-check if you’re unsure. You can often find this information on the company’s website or by contacting their customer service. You can usually find this information on a store’s website, often in the FAQ or payment information sections.
Keep an eye out for news updates or announcements from 5 Below, especially around payment options. Social media is another great way to find the information.
Here’s how to stay updated:
- Check the 5 Below website.
- Follow 5 Below on social media (Facebook, Instagram, etc.).
- Ask a store employee.
If they start accepting EBT, you’ll probably hear about it there.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while 5 Below is a fun and affordable place to shop, it does not currently accept EBT. If you’re using SNAP benefits, you’ll need to shop at stores that are authorized to accept EBT cards. Always remember to check the store’s payment policies before you shop, especially if you rely on SNAP benefits.