SNAP Retailer Information

This page provides information for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)-authorized retailers and for businesses interested in becoming SNAP-authorized retailers that accept SNAP Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards. Topics include the authorization process, equipment guidance, customer dispute resolution and the upcoming transition to EBT chip cards.(EBT) cards. 

How to Become an Authorized Retailer

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service authorizes retailers to accept EBT. To become an authorized retailer, visit their SNAP Retailer Service Center site for further information.

Retailers with existing debit or credit equipment must contact their Third Party Processor (TPP) to alert them of the store's intention to begin processing EBT transactions.

Authorized EBT retailers need to display either the Quest logo or a picture of the Virginia EBT card.

Questions About Equipment

Retailers who already have debit or credit card equipment should contact their TPP to let them know the store intends to begin processing EBT transactions. If you received equipment designed solely for EBT transactions and have questions about how to use it, call the retailer help desk at 1-866-281-2448.

Settling Disputes with Cardholders

When a dispute occurs, cardholders should first speak with the store's manager or assistant manager to try to resolve the issue. If the matter cannot be resolved at the store level, the cardholder should then call the toll-free customer service help desk at 1-866-281-2448 to file a claim. Claims typically take about 10 business days to process.

SNAP EBT Chip Card Modernization Initiative

As Virginia prepares to disseminate SNAP EBT chip cards, retailers will need to update their point-of-sale (POS) devices to ensure new chip-enabled cards can be read and customers can use their benefits at their store(s). Retailers that do not complete the required updates may experience disruptions in their ability to accept SNAP EBT cards.

Retailers or retailer associations may direct questions about this SNAP EBT Chip Card Modernization Initiative to VDSS at chipcard@dss.virginia.gov. Please add this email address to your email "white list" to prevent important updates or correspondence from being marked as junk or spam.