When you need cash from your EBT benefits, trying to find a free EBT ATM near you can be frustrating, especially when you’re worried about wasting your cash benefits on hidden fees.
Figuring out which ATMs are actually free shouldn’t be a secret.
Thankfully, there are several ATMs including those operated by well-known banks like Bank of America and Wells Fargo.
In this guide, I’m going to show you three simple ways to use your phone to find the exact location of a surcharge-free EBT ATM near you.
I’ll also cover the major banks that don’t charge fees and tell you which ones to avoid.
Table of Contents
Surcharge-Free EBT Withdrawals: The Quick List
While you should always double-check the ATM itself for a fee notice, these major banks, stores, and networks are generally your safest bet for free EBT cash withdrawals.
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Type of Location | Generally Surcharge-Free? | Examples |
|---|---|---|
Major National Banks | Yes | Bank of America, Chase, Citibank, Wells Fargo, Capital One, Bank of the West, Flagstar Bank, U.S. Bank |
Major Retail Stores | Yes (cash back at checkout) | Walmart, Target, Safeway, Kroger, most large grocery stores |
Surcharge-Free ATM Networks | Yes | Allpoint, MoneyPass, PULSE, TransFund (look for logos) |
It’s not just the big national banks, either. Many smaller, regional banks and local credit unions also offer surcharge-free EBT transactions.
The best way to find these is to use one of the online ATM locators mentioned in the next section.
How to Find a Free EBT ATM Near You (3 Easy Ways)
The fastest way to find a fee-free ATM is to use a tool that’s already in your pocket. Here are the three best methods.
1. Use an Online ATM Network Locator
Most EBT cards have a logo on the back for a major ATM network.
There are many companies that operate nationwide surcharge-free ATM networks.
These can be found at:
- Some banks
- Some credit unions
- Retail stores
- Grocery stores
- Convenience stores
These networks partner with financial institutions to offer these ATM services. Now, it’s important to note that while the network itself doesn’t charge fees, its partner institutions might charge fees at some locations.
Don’t worry, if there are any fees charged, a message should appear on-screen that will ask you to accept these fees before you complete your transaction.
These networks have free online maps and apps to find their ATMs, which are often located inside stores like CVS, Walgreens, and Target.
- Allpoint Network: Use the Allpoint ATM Locator here.
- MoneyPass Network: Use the MoneyPass ATM Locator here.
- PULSE Network: Use the PULSE ATM Locator here.
- TransFund Network: Use the TransFund ATM Locator here.
2. Get Cash Back at a Grocery Store
This is often the easiest and 100% free option.
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If you have EBT Cash Benefits (like TANF), you can get cash back when you make a small purchase at most major grocery stores and retailers like Walmart and Target.
Just choose “debit” at the keypad, enter your PIN, and select the cash back amount.
By the way, there are also a few grocery stores that accept EBT online, so if you do your grocery shopping online, you can use your EBT to pay.
3. Check Your State’s EBT App or Website
Many states now have official apps for managing your EBT card. These apps almost always have a built-in map that shows you nearby grocery stores that accept SNAP and ATMs that provide free cash withdrawals.
Check your phone’s app store for your state’s official EBT app, as it’s the most reliable source.
ATMs That Usually Charge EBT Fees
It’s also helpful to know which banks usually do charge a fee for EBT withdrawals. It’s always good to double-check the ATM screen for any fee notices before you complete your transaction.
These banks often charge fees:
- Ally
- BB&T
- Citizens Bank
- City National Bank
- Discover
- Fifth Third Bank
- First National Bank
- HSBC
- M&T Bank
- PNC
- Sterling National Bank
- SunTrust
- TD Bank
- Valley National Bank
What Are EBT Cash Benefits, Anyway?
You might see different terms used, so let’s quickly break it down.
Your EBT card can hold two types of benefits:
- SNAP Benefits: This is what most people think of. It’s for buying eligible food and drink items.
- Cash Benefits: This comes from programs like TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families). This money is more flexible and is what you can withdraw from an ATM as cash.
The Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card has been the sole way that governments have issued benefits including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program benefits since June, 2004.
EBT is used in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Guam.
TANF is the main program that provides EBT cash benefits. And, if you qualify for TANF, you will receive automatic deposits to your EBT card, which can be withdrawn from ATMs for cash.
And it’s not just for big grocery stores. Depending on your state and benefits, you might be surprised by some of the other places that will take your card.
We have guides that show you which gas stations accept EBT for eligible purchases, where to find seafood places that take EBT, and even a list of fast food restaurants that accept EBT.
And while most people know they can use their card at major grocery stores, many still have specific questions about online shopping or how it works at the biggest retailers.
We have guides that show you how to use your EBT card at Walmart and the rules for using EBT on Amazon to buy groceries online.
So, Where Can I Withdraw My EBT Cash?
As a general rule, you can get cash from ATMs that show the Quest® logo. However, there are rules about where you can use your card.
In most states, you can not use your EBT card for cash withdrawals at ATMs inside places like:
- Liquor stores
- Casinos or other gambling establishments
- Race tracks
- Adult entertainment establishments
- Medical marijuana dispensaries
- Tattoo or body piercing facilities
- Facilities providing psychic services
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use my EBT card at any ATM?
Yes, you can use it at almost any ATM that displays the Quest® logo. However, only certain banks and networks will offer surcharge-free withdrawals. Others may charge a fee, which must be disclosed to you before you complete the transaction.
What’s the difference between EBT SNAP and EBT Cash Benefits?
It’s pretty simple. SNAP benefits can only be used to buy eligible food items. EBT Cash Benefits, often from programs like TANF, are loaded onto the same card but can be used to withdraw cash from an ATM or get cash back from a store.
Is there a limit to how much cash I can withdraw?
Yes, there are typically daily withdrawal limits set by your state agency. The ATM itself may also have its own limit on how much cash it can dispense in a single transaction (for example, $200 at a time).
Directory of Official TANF and Cash Assistance Programs
You can try the ATM locations I mentioned above.
But I have another tip for you.
I would recommend checking out official websites of your state’s TANF and Cash Assistance programs. There, you can find specific information about using your benefits locally.
For example, Arizona has an app that you can use to find nearby ATMs that accept EBT cards.
Find your state below to see the official programs that manage benefits in your area. These sites will have the most detailed information on eligibility and how to apply.
Alabama
Alaska
- Alaska Temporary Assistance Program
- Association of Village Council Presidents
- Bristol Bay Native Association
- Cook Inlet Tribal Council, Inc.
- Kodiak Area Native Association
- Maniilaq Association
- Tanana Chiefs Conference
- Central Council Tlingit Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska (CCTHITA) TANF
Arizona
Arkansas
California
- California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs)
- Consolidated Tribal TANF Program (CTTP)/Robinson Rancheria
- Graton Rancheria
- Hoopa Valley Tribe
- Karuk Tribe
- Morongo Band of Mission Indians
- North Fork Rancheria
- Owens Valley Career Development Center
- Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians
- Round Valley Indian Tribes
- Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians
- Shingle Springs Tribal TANF
- Soboba TANF
- Southern California Tribal Chairmen’s Association
- Tolowa Dee Ni’ Nation
- Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians
- Tuolumne Me-Wuk Tribal TANF
- Yurok Tribe
- Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
District Of Columbia
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
- Montana Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
- Blackfeet Tribe Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
- Oklahoma Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
- Cherokee Nation
- Muscogee Creek Nation
- Osage Nation
Oregon
- Oregon Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
- Confederated Tribes of the Siletz Reservation
- Klamath Tribes
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
- Washington TANF and WorkFirst Program
- Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation
- Lower Elwha Tribe
- Lummi Nation
- Nooksack Indian Tribe
- Port Gamble S’Klallam
- Quileute Indian Tribe (TANF)
- Quinault Indian Tribe
- Spokane Tribal TANF
- Tulalip Tribes
- Upper Skagit Indian Tribe
- South Puget Inter-Tribal Planning Agency
West Virginia
Wisconsin
- Wisconsin Works (W-2) Program
- Bad River Band of Lake Superior Tribe of Chippewa
- Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians
- Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians
- Stockbridge Munsee Community Band of Mohican Indians
Wyoming
While TANF is a federal program, it is usually managed at the state, tribal, or regional level. That’s why there are a few programs for some state’s.
Closing Thoughts
Hopefully, this guide makes it much easier to get your cash without wasting any of it on pointless ATM fees.
The most important thing to remember is that you have options. While knowing the list of big banks is a good start, the easiest methods are usually getting cash back when you buy groceries or using one of those online ATM locators on your phone.
By using these tools, you’ll always have a reliable way to find a free EBT ATM near you.
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