USDA Proposes Upgrading SNAP EBT Payment Functionality
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On October 27, 2026, Payments Dive reported that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) proposed a rule that would require states to equip Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) EBT cards with chip and contactless payment functionality, while also requiring authorized retailers to accept both payment methods. If the proposal ultimately becomes a rule, states would have two years to achieve compliance. The USDA noted that the conversion would impose costs on state agencies and other parties involved in EBT systems. The public may submit comments by December 22; the development described in the report remains at the proposal stage.
AI-written from reports · updated 1 hour ago
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- Payments DiveUSDA proposes requiring states to equip SNAP EBT cards with chip and contactless payment capabilities
USDA proposes requiring states to equip SNAP EBT cards with chip and contactless payment capabilities, and requiring authorized merchants to accept both payment methods. If the proposal becomes a final rule, states will have two years to comply; USDA noted in the proposal that the transition would impose costs on state agencies and other parties involved in EBT systems. The public may submit comments by December 22.
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