If you’re on a budget and looking for cool stuff, Five Below is a great store to check out. It’s got everything from candy and toys to phone accessories and room decor, and, as the name suggests, everything is $5 or less! But if you’re using EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) benefits, you might be wondering: Does Five Below accept EBT? Let’s dive in and find out.
The Simple Answer
So, does Five Below take EBT? Unfortunately, no, Five Below does not accept EBT cards. Five Below is a discount retailer that sells a wide variety of items, but the products they sell are not typically classified as “eligible food items” under the SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) guidelines. This means they’re unable to process EBT cards as payment.
Why Doesn’t Five Below Take EBT?
Five Below’s business model focuses on selling general merchandise, including things like party supplies, electronics, and fun gadgets. Because of this, many of the products they sell are considered non-food items. Think about it: the EBT program is designed to help people buy food. Because of this, it is not usually possible to use your EBT benefits to purchase non-food items.
Another factor is the technical requirements. Accepting EBT payments requires special equipment and agreements with state and federal agencies that administer the SNAP program. It’s a complex process, and not all retailers choose to go through it, especially if a significant portion of their sales aren’t from SNAP-eligible items.
Consider the types of products found at Five Below. Here are some common examples:
- Phone cases and accessories
- Makeup and beauty products
- Toys and games
- Home decor items
The majority of these products don’t fall under the category of food. That’s the primary reason for this policy at Five Below.
It’s important to remember that the rules for what you can buy with EBT vary by state. However, the core idea is that EBT is for groceries and other essential food items. Things like snacks and beverages that are sold at Five Below are very rarely the focus of the EBT program, as compared to stores like grocery stores. This is another reason they don’t take EBT.
What Can You Buy With EBT?
You can use your EBT card to buy a wide variety of food items. This includes things like fruits, vegetables, meats, poultry, fish, dairy products, and grains. Basically, the things you’d find in the grocery store. The government wants to make sure you have a way to feed yourself and your family, so they make sure it’s easy to buy these things.
Here’s a short list of eligible items:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Dairy products
- Breads and cereals
- Seeds and plants to grow food
You can use the funds to make sure you can feed yourself, as well as your family.
However, there are restrictions. You can’t use EBT to buy things like alcohol, tobacco, or hot prepared foods from restaurants. Also, items like vitamins and supplements are generally not covered. The basic idea is that the EBT program focuses on providing access to food for healthy eating.
The rules can seem complicated. If you’re ever unsure, it’s always best to check with the store before you shop. They’ll be able to tell you what items are eligible. When in doubt, you could also ask a friend or family member to help you out if you can.
Where Can You Use EBT?
EBT cards can be used at most grocery stores, supermarkets, and farmers’ markets. Any store that is authorized to participate in the SNAP program must accept EBT cards. You can also use them at some convenience stores and online retailers. It really is getting to be more popular now.
When shopping, look for the signs that say “EBT Accepted” or “SNAP Accepted.” These signs indicate that the store participates in the program. This is great for a lot of people.
You can even find farmers’ markets that accept EBT! This is an excellent way to get fresh, local produce. Many farmers’ markets are very helpful and are open to educating you.
Here’s a quick table showing where EBT is typically accepted:
| Store Type | EBT Acceptance? |
|---|---|
| Grocery Stores | Yes |
| Supermarkets | Yes |
| Convenience Stores | Sometimes |
| Farmers’ Markets | Often |
The acceptance depends on the retailer, but the general rule is that grocery stores and markets accept them.
Alternatives to Consider
If you need to use EBT, but want to shop for non-food items, there are a few things you can do. One option is to shop at stores that do accept EBT for the food you need and then use other funds for non-food purchases. This is often the most practical and easy solution. This is a common option.
Another option is to check the store’s policy on gift cards. You might be able to buy a gift card at a grocery store or other place that takes EBT and then use the gift card to buy what you want at Five Below. It depends on the store policies, though. You’d want to see what the rules are.
You can also consider saving up your cash or using a debit card if you want to shop for fun things at a place like Five Below. You can’t use your EBT card there, so you’ll want to be able to pay somehow.
One more point: If you’re buying something for someone, and you’re using your EBT card for the food, you might have to make some adjustments. But that’s okay! There are plenty of alternatives that can work well.
Planning Your Shopping Trip
Before you go shopping, it’s always a good idea to make a list and set a budget. This will help you stay organized and avoid overspending. This is a great way to be prepared and avoid any surprises. It’s very helpful.
When using EBT, prioritize your food needs first. Figure out what groceries you absolutely need to buy. Once you’ve taken care of your essentials, you can think about other things you might want. Be sure to consider your overall financial situation.
Also, keep track of your EBT balance so you know how much money you have available. This will help you avoid any issues at checkout. There are several ways to check your balance, either online or at your local stores. This is very important.
Planning is a good habit for anyone, not just those using EBT. Knowing how much you have to spend and what you need to buy can make your shopping trips much easier and less stressful. Here’s a quick look at some things to consider:
- Make a list of food items
- Check your EBT balance
- Prioritize essential purchases
- Set a spending limit for non-food items
You can find plenty of advice online to make the process much easier.
Other Ways to Save Money
Even if you can’t use EBT at Five Below, there are still ways to save money while shopping. One way is to look for sales and clearance items. Stores often have markdowns on certain products, especially towards the end of a season or holiday. Look for these deals!
Another tip is to compare prices between different stores. Just because something is $5 or less doesn’t mean it’s the best deal. It could be cheaper somewhere else. The best way to do this is to go to each store, look at the prices, and make sure you are getting a good deal.
You could also use coupons. Even though Five Below doesn’t have coupons like a grocery store, you might find a deal online. Also, sometimes you can look on your phone for deals. There are lots of apps and websites dedicated to helping shoppers save money, so use them!
Here are some helpful saving tips:
- Look for sales and clearance items
- Compare prices at different stores
- Use online apps or websites
- Consider buying items in bulk (if they’re non-perishable and you have space)
There are many simple ways to save money!
Conclusion
In short, although Five Below doesn’t accept EBT, there are plenty of other stores that do, and other ways to manage your budget. Remember to plan your shopping trips, compare prices, and prioritize your needs. By being a savvy shopper, you can still find great deals and enjoy the fun things in life, even while sticking to a budget. Even though you can’t use EBT at Five Below, with a little planning and creativity, you can still shop there by using your own cash, or by saving up for a gift card. Happy shopping!