How to Use Your Summer EBT Card and Where to Spend It

Your Summer EBT card works like a regular food benefits card at most grocery stores and farmers markets

Summer EBT (also called SUN Bucks in some states) loads money onto a card that looks and works like a debit card. You swipe it at checkout just like you would a regular payment card. The money is already there — you do not need to do anything to "activate" it or take extra steps at the register. Cashiers see it as a food benefits transaction, the same as they would any other SNAP purchase.

The card arrives in the mail before summer begins, usually in May or early June depending on your state. It comes with a PIN number printed separately. Write down that PIN and keep it somewhere safe, because you will need it to use the card at some stores or to check your balance at an ATM.

You can use the money at any store that takes SNAP benefits — that includes most supermarkets, many convenience stores, farmers markets that accept EBT, and some online retailers. You cannot use it for hot food, alcohol, vitamins, or non-food items like soap or paper towels. The rules are the same as regular SNAP.

Key Takeaways

• Your Summer EBT card arrives by mail with a separate PIN; you swipe it at checkout like a debit card with no extra steps needed.
• The money loads automatically — you do not need to do anything to make it work or transfer funds to the card.
• You can spend it anywhere that takes SNAP, including most grocery stores, some convenience stores, farmers markets, and certain online retailers.
• The money is only for food — not hot prepared meals, alcohol, vitamins, or household items.
• If your card does not arrive or stops working, contact your state's SNAP office or the number on the back of your card.

Where you can and cannot use the card

Summer EBT works at any store with an EBT reader — look for the SNAP logo at the entrance or ask a cashier. Most supermarkets accept it. Many smaller grocery stores, ethnic markets, and independent grocers do too. Some convenience stores and gas stations with food sections take EBT, though not all do. The easiest way to check is to ask before you shop or look for the SNAP acceptance sign.

Farmers markets in your area may accept EBT if they have set up the equipment to do so. Some markets have a booth where you can convert your EBT balance to tokens or vouchers to spend at individual vendor stalls. Call ahead or check your state's farmers market directory to find which ones near you accept it.

A growing number of online grocery retailers accept SNAP, including some versions of Amazon Fresh, Walmart, and regional chains. You will need to enter your card information during checkout, just as you would with a regular debit card. Not every retailer or every delivery service in your area will take it, so check before you order.

You cannot use Summer EBT for hot or prepared food — that means no deli chicken, rotisserie items, or food from a hot case. You also cannot buy alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, medicine, pet food, soap, paper products, or anything that is not food meant to be eaten at home. If you are unsure whether an item is allowed, ask the cashier before checkout.

Checking your balance and keeping track of spending

You can check how much money is left on your card in several ways. The easiest is to call the customer service number on the back of your card — it is free and available 24 hours a day. You will need your PIN. You can also check your balance at any ATM that displays the EBT logo, though you cannot withdraw cash from a Summer EBT card (unlike regular SNAP in some states).

Many states have a website or mobile app where you can log in and see your balance and transaction history. Check your state's SNAP or benefits office website to see if yours offers this. Some cards also send text message alerts when the balance gets low, though you usually have to sign up for that.

Keep your receipts for a few weeks so you know how much you have spent. The balance on your card is the only official record, but receipts help you track spending at home and catch any mistakes. If a transaction does not show up or looks wrong, call the number on the back of your card to report it.

What to do if your card does not arrive or stops working

Summer EBT cards are mailed to the address on file with your state's SNAP office. If you moved recently or your address changed, the card may go to your old address. Check with neighbors or the person living there now. If you cannot find it after a week, contact your state's SNAP office — they can reissue a card or tell you where yours was sent.

If your card arrives but does not work at checkout, the first step is to call the number on the back. The card might be locked for security reasons, or there might be a temporary system issue. Customer service can usually unlock it or issue a replacement on the spot. Keep the phone number handy before you shop.

If you lose your card or it gets damaged, call the customer service number immediately. They can freeze the card so no one else can use it and send you a replacement. There is usually no charge for a replacement card, and it arrives within a week or two.

Using your card at farmers markets and community programs

Some farmers markets have set up special EBT programs where you can use your Summer EBT card directly at the market entrance or at a central booth. The staff will swipe your card and give you tokens or vouchers equal to your purchase amount, which you then use to buy from individual farmers and vendors. This is a good way to get fresh produce and support local growers.

Not every farmers market has this system yet. Before you go, call the market or check their website to see if they accept EBT. If they do, ask whether you need to bring anything special or whether there are any limits on what you can buy. Some markets also run matching programs where your EBT dollar is matched with an extra dollar to spend, though these vary by location.

Some community programs, food pantries, and nonprofits also partner with Summer EBT to offer special shopping events or discounts. Check with your local food bank or community center to see if any programs in your area are running. These are usually free and open to anyone with a Summer EBT card.

Protecting your card and PIN

Treat your Summer EBT card like you would a debit card or credit card. Keep it in a safe place and do not share your PIN with anyone — not even family members or store staff. If someone asks for your PIN at checkout, that is a sign something is wrong. Legitimate stores never ask for your PIN; you enter it yourself at the machine.

If you think someone has used your card without permission, call the customer service number on the back right away. They can freeze the card and investigate unauthorized transactions. You are usually protected against fraud, but reporting it quickly is important.

Do not write your PIN on the card or on paper you carry with it. If you forget your PIN, call customer service and they can reset it or send you a new one by mail.

Understanding what happens to unused money

Summer EBT money is only available during the summer months — the exact dates vary by state, but it is typically from June through August or September. Any money left on your card at the end of the benefit period is gone. It does not roll over to the next month or next year, and you cannot transfer it to a regular SNAP account.

This means it is worth spending the full amount before the deadline. If you are not sure when your benefits end, check the paperwork that came with your card or call customer service. Plan your shopping so you use as much as possible before that date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Summer EBT card to buy groceries online?

Some online grocery retailers accept SNAP, including certain versions of Amazon Fresh, Walmart, and regional chains. Not all online stores or delivery services take it, so you will need to check before you order. Enter your card information at checkout the same way you would a regular debit card.

What if I have money left on my card when summer ends?

The money does not carry over. Any balance remaining at the end of the benefit period is lost. It is worth planning your shopping to use the full amount before the deadline. Check your card paperwork or call customer service to confirm the exact end date for your state.

Can I withdraw cash from my Summer EBT card?

No. Summer EBT cards are for food purchases only. You cannot withdraw cash at an ATM or get cash back at the register. The money can only be used to buy food at stores and farmers markets that accept SNAP.

Do I need to do anything special to use my card at a farmers market?

It depends on the market. Some have EBT readers at the entrance or a central booth where staff swipe your card and give you tokens to spend. Others may not accept EBT at all. Call the market ahead of time to ask whether they take it and how the process works.

What should I do if my card is lost or stolen?

Call the number on the back of your card immediately to report it. Customer service will freeze the card so no one else can use it and send you a replacement. There is usually no charge for a replacement, and it arrives within one to two weeks.