Getting your EBT card declined at the register can be stressful, frustrating, and sometimes even embarrassing—but it doesn’t always mean something is seriously wrong. If this has happened to you recently, take a deep breath. You’re not alone, and there are a few common reasons why your card might not be working—and several ways to fix it.
You Might Be Trying to Buy Something That Isn’t Allowed
SNAP benefits are meant to help you buy food that you prepare and eat at home. They can’t be used for non-food items like cleaning supplies, pet food, or vitamins. They also can’t cover hot meals from the deli unless there’s an emergency declaration in place.
If you’re checking out with a mixed order that includes both eligible and ineligible items, the register usually splits it up automatically. But if everything in your cart is non-eligible, the transaction might be denied completely. Many people get tripped up by this, especially if they don’t realize something simple like pet food isn’t allowed.
You May Not Have Enough Funds in Your Account
Low balances can trigger a decline at the register. Most EBT systems are designed to use up whatever funds are available and prompt you for another form of payment, but sometimes the card gets declined outright—especially if the balance is zero.
This might happen if your benefits were stolen. EBT theft is becoming more common, especially through skimming scams where thieves steal your card number and PIN and drain your account as soon as your benefits hit. If this might have happened to you, check your balance right away using your state’s EBT website, mobile app, or the number on the back of your card. If your balance is lower than expected, report it to your SNAP office as soon as possible. Some states may be able to restore stolen funds, but it’s time-sensitive.
To protect your benefits, change your PIN often and never share it with anyone—not cashiers, not government workers, and definitely not people who text or call asking for it.
System Outages and Card Issues Are More Common Than You’d Think
Sometimes, your card gets declined for reasons that have nothing to do with you. It might be the store’s system, or the entire EBT processing network might be down for maintenance. These outages aren’t always announced in advance, so people often don’t realize what’s happening until they’re standing at the register.
If your card isn’t working at multiple stores in the same day, and you’re sure there’s a balance, check with your state’s SNAP agency or local news sources for possible outage announcements.
It’s also possible your physical card is damaged. Cards that are bent, scratched, or exposed to magnets may not swipe correctly. If that’s happening, call your state’s EBT office to request a replacement card.
Your PIN Might Be the Problem
If you enter the wrong PIN too many times, your card can get temporarily locked. This is a security measure to help prevent fraud. Fortunately, it’s an easy fix—just call the number on the back of your card or use your state’s EBT portal to reset it.
Make sure you never write your PIN on your card or share it with anyone. All scammers need to steal your benefits is the card number and PIN, so it’s worth being extra cautious.
Fraud Protection May Be Locking You Out
States are cracking down on suspicious activity in EBT accounts. If the system sees multiple purchases in different states or large out-of-state transactions in a short timeframe, it may freeze your card automatically.
You might also accidentally lock your card using your state’s mobile app, especially if you share it with others in your household. If your card has been frozen, contact your local SNAP office for help unlocking it.
What To Do If Your Card Is Declined
If you’re at the checkout and your EBT card is declined, ask the cashier to try again. Sometimes it’s just a technical glitch. You can also try paying with another method or splitting the payment if you have both eligible and non-eligible items.
The first thing you should do is check your balance. If the issue keeps happening, call the number on the back of your card for help. Keep your card safe, avoid bending or damaging it, and request a new one if needed.
For more helpful information about your benefits and how to make the most of them, check out our SNAP guide.
Relief Recap
Having your EBT card declined doesn’t automatically mean something’s wrong with your account. It could be something as simple as trying to buy a restricted item, needing a PIN reset, or experiencing a system outage. Still, it’s important to act quickly—especially if you suspect theft or fraud.
Always check your balance, protect your card and PIN, and stay in touch with your local SNAP office if issues come up. Knowing the most common causes can help you feel more confident and prepared the next time you shop.