Shopping at Five Below can be super fun! They have tons of cool stuff for, well, five dollars and below. But when you’re budgeting, especially if you’re using benefits, you might be wondering, “Does Five Below accept EBT?” Let’s break down the answer and talk about what that means for your shopping trips.
The Simple Answer: EBT at Five Below
So, the big question: Unfortunately, Five Below does not currently accept EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) cards as a form of payment. This means you can’t use your SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits to purchase items at their stores.
What Can You Buy with EBT?
EBT cards are designed to help people buy food. The types of food that you can purchase with EBT benefits are defined by the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture). Generally, you can buy any food item that is:
- Unprocessed (like fresh fruits and vegetables).
- Processed (like canned goods and frozen meals, so long as the primary purpose of the item is for human consumption).
- Non-alcoholic beverages.
It’s important to note that EBT benefits can only be used to buy specific food items. They can’t be used to buy non-food items or other things sold at stores. EBT is a program designed to provide nutritional support. While you can’t use EBT at Five Below, you might find yourself considering which types of stores are most likely to accept your benefits.
Where Can You Use EBT?
So, if you can’t use your EBT card at Five Below, where *can* you use it? EBT is typically accepted at grocery stores, supermarkets, and some farmers’ markets. These places are specifically set up to sell food items covered by SNAP guidelines.
Many big grocery chains accept EBT. Here are some examples:
- Walmart
- Kroger
- Target
- Safeway
- Albertsons
Besides these places, many smaller, local stores and even some online grocery delivery services accept EBT too. Always check with the store to confirm.
Why Doesn’t Five Below Accept EBT?
Five Below’s business model is all about selling a variety of low-cost items, not just food. EBT is intended for food purchases, so the types of products sold at Five Below simply don’t fall under the program’s guidelines.
Five Below also likely has a different focus on its operational structure. It is possible that the investment required to implement EBT payment processing is not as attractive as other potential uses of money. They also are not in the business of food, so it would be unlikely they would have the necessary tools and information for consumers.
In addition, the regulations surrounding EBT use can be complex. These regulations include:
- Keeping certain records.
- Having the right payment processing equipment.
- Following USDA rules.
These regulations are not always compatible with the business model of Five Below.
Alternative Payment Options at Five Below
Even though you can’t use EBT at Five Below, you still have plenty of payment options. They accept:
- Cash
- Credit Cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express)
- Debit Cards
- Gift Cards
This allows for flexibility when purchasing items. If you are someone who has EBT, this can be helpful if you are shopping with someone who doesn’t have EBT. You can ask them to pay, so long as you are purchasing the items yourself.
Finding Affordable Fun Elsewhere
Even if you can’t shop at Five Below with your EBT card, there are still ways to find fun things within your budget. Look for local sales, thrift stores, or online marketplaces where you can find deals. You can also check if your local community center has free activities or events. Another tip is to shop when big sales happen.
Many stores have sales during holidays or at the end of the season. Another option is to check out discount stores like Dollar General or Dollar Tree. There may be items you can use for recreation and fun. Finally, ask people you know! You’d be surprised what you can find if you ask around.
You might be able to find some cool items for a good price.
Planning Your Shopping Trips
Knowing that Five Below doesn’t accept EBT helps you plan your shopping trips. If you’re using EBT, you’ll want to focus on buying groceries at stores that do accept it. If you have extra money in your budget, you can then go to Five Below to find fun items.
Think about creating a shopping list before you go.
| Store | Payment Type | Items |
|---|---|---|
| Grocery Store | EBT, Cash, Card | Food |
| Five Below | Cash, Card | Non-food items |
When planning, you should also consider transportation costs. Sometimes, the bus or train can cost less than gas if the store is far away. Try to save money where you can!
Conclusion
So, while you can’t use EBT at Five Below, you have other payment options. Plus, there are many other places where you can use your EBT card for groceries and food. Planning ahead and knowing your options will help you make the most of your shopping trips. Happy shopping!