Shopping at stores like Five Below can be a blast, with all the fun and affordable goodies they offer! But when it comes to paying, things can sometimes get a little confusing. A common question for many shoppers is, “Does Five Below take EBT?” EBT, or Electronic Benefit Transfer, is a type of payment card used for government assistance programs, like SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). Let’s dive in and get some clear answers about how you can pay for your Five Below finds.
The Straight Answer: Can You Use EBT at Five Below?
Let’s get right to it! **No, Five Below does not accept EBT cards.** This means you can’t use your EBT card to purchase items in their stores or online. They do not have the systems in place to process EBT transactions.
What Can You Buy with EBT (Generally)?
Since Five Below doesn’t take EBT, it’s helpful to know what kinds of things you *can* buy with an EBT card. Generally, EBT cards are designed to help families purchase food. This is why SNAP is sometimes referred to as “food stamps.”
Here’s a quick list of things you *can* typically buy with EBT:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Dairy products
- Breads and cereals
- Seeds and plants to grow food
These are the basics, and the rules can vary a bit depending on the state. For example, some states allow you to purchase hot prepared foods with EBT under certain circumstances. Be sure to check with your local government for the specific rules in your area.
It’s important to note that things like alcohol, tobacco, pet food, and non-food items like paper towels and diapers usually can’t be purchased with an EBT card.
Why Doesn’t Five Below Take EBT?
The reason Five Below doesn’t accept EBT cards boils down to their business model and the types of products they sell. Five Below focuses on selling a wide variety of non-essential, fun, and often trendy items, with most of their products priced at $5 or less. This isn’t necessarily aligned with the core purpose of EBT, which is to provide food assistance.
Another factor is the cost and complexity of setting up the payment systems to accept EBT. Retailers must apply to be an authorized SNAP retailer and meet certain requirements set by the government. This process can be time-consuming and involves specific equipment and procedures.
The types of products sold at Five Below are usually not considered to be staples. Many of the items sold would not be considered to be groceries.
Also, the types of customers that Five Below attracts may not be the typical EBT card users.
What Payment Methods Does Five Below Accept?
So, if you can’t use EBT, how *can* you pay at Five Below? The good news is they offer a variety of other payment options to make your shopping experience convenient! They try to make it easy to buy their products.
Here are the common payment methods accepted at Five Below:
- Cash: Still a classic!
- Credit Cards: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover are usually accepted.
- Debit Cards: Most debit cards are accepted, as long as they have a Visa or Mastercard logo.
- Gift Cards: Five Below gift cards are always a great option!
Always double-check the payment options available at the specific store location or on their website, as some policies might vary.
While they offer many payment options, it is important to remember that Five Below still does not accept EBT cards.
Finding Affordable Alternatives
Even though you can’t use EBT at Five Below, there are still ways to find affordable items. Many grocery stores, which do accept EBT, have a variety of low-cost non-food items that you may be able to purchase.
You could try these stores, which do accept EBT:
| Store | Products |
|---|---|
| Walmart | Groceries, household items, and some other goods. |
| Target | Groceries, household items, and some other goods. |
| ALDI | Groceries |
| Kroger | Groceries and some other goods. |
When creating a budget, keep an eye out for sales and clearance items to stretch your budget. Also, consider buying in bulk for items you use often, as this can sometimes be more cost-effective.
Be resourceful and don’t be afraid to explore different options!
Five Below can be a great place to shop, but it’s important to know how to pay for the things you want. While they don’t take EBT, they offer a few other payment methods. Hopefully, this information helps you plan your next shopping trip!