Shopping at 5 Below is super fun! They have tons of cool stuff, all for, well, $5 and under! You might be wondering if you can use your EBT card (that’s the card for food assistance) to pay for your purchases. Let’s dive in and find out exactly what you need to know about 5 Below and EBT. We’ll explore how and where you can use your benefits, and what you might want to be aware of.
The Simple Answer: Does 5 Below Accept EBT?
Unfortunately, no, 5 Below does not accept EBT cards. That means you can’t use your SNAP benefits (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) to buy things there.

Why Doesn’t 5 Below Accept EBT?
5 Below specializes in selling a variety of items, like toys, games, tech gadgets, and home goods. These items usually aren’t considered “eligible food items” by the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture), which runs the SNAP program.
The stores that *do* accept EBT are usually grocery stores or supermarkets because they mainly sell food. Since 5 Below’s focus is on non-food items, they haven’t set up the systems needed to process EBT payments. This is just due to the nature of what they sell, and has nothing to do with any policies against people using EBT.
Here’s a quick look at what types of stores usually accept EBT:
- Grocery Stores
- Supermarkets
- Convenience Stores (sometimes)
- Farmers’ Markets (in certain cases)
5 Below, with its focus on fun, affordable things, doesn’t fall into these categories.
What Can You Buy with EBT?
So, if 5 Below doesn’t take EBT, what *can* you buy with it? EBT cards are meant to help people afford groceries and other food items. Generally, you can use your EBT to purchase things like:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Dairy products
- Breads and cereals
- Other food items, like snacks and non-alcoholic beverages
EBT cards can’t be used to buy non-food items like household supplies, pet food, or alcohol. Even in stores that accept EBT, like a supermarket, you’ll have to separate your food purchases from your non-food purchases at the checkout.
This means that even if you’re shopping at a store that *does* accept EBT, you still can’t buy a lot of the items that 5 Below sells.
Finding Stores that DO Accept EBT
If you need to use your EBT card, you’ll want to find stores that are approved to accept it. Luckily, there are resources to help you! The USDA website provides a helpful list of stores that accept EBT. You can use a store locator tool online. Just search “EBT store locator” in your search engine and put in your zip code to find nearby options.
Local social service agencies can be another great resource. They often have information about stores that accept EBT in your area, as well as other helpful programs. These agencies are designed to assist with your needs if you need assistance.
Additionally, many grocery store websites and apps have a feature that indicates whether they accept EBT. This can save you a trip! Just be sure to double-check with the cashier at checkout, just in case.
Here’s a little table showing some examples of stores where you can likely use EBT:
Store | Likely EBT Acceptance? |
---|---|
Walmart | Yes |
Target | Yes, for food purchases |
Kroger | Yes |
Local Grocery Stores | Usually Yes |
Alternatives at 5 Below: Payment Options
Even though you can’t use EBT at 5 Below, don’t worry, you can still shop there if you have other ways to pay! 5 Below accepts a variety of payment methods, including cash, credit cards, and debit cards. You can pay with your debit card, and it’s just like using a credit card.
They also sometimes accept mobile payments like Apple Pay or Google Pay, so it’s always a good idea to check the specific store’s current policy at checkout. You may even be able to use a gift card if you have one.
It’s also a good idea to have an idea of your budget before heading into the store. Make sure that you are able to purchase what you want to, with whatever you have. This may prevent you from having to put the items back.
Just keep in mind that your EBT card won’t be a valid form of payment at the register.
Planning Your Shopping Trip to 5 Below
When you plan a trip to 5 Below, it’s good to know the payment options beforehand. Since EBT isn’t accepted, you will want to be sure that you have another method of payment available. It may also be helpful to create a shopping list.
If you are making a shopping trip to a store that does accept EBT, you could consider going there on the same trip. That way, you could use your EBT funds for your grocery shopping, and then use another method of payment at 5 Below for your other purchases.
By planning ahead and knowing what payment methods are accepted, you can make sure that you have a smooth and fun shopping experience! This should prevent any problems when it comes to purchasing your items.
Here are some tips for a successful 5 Below shopping trip:
- Make a list of what you want to buy.
- Bring cash or a credit/debit card.
- Check for any mobile payment options.
- Have fun!
Does 5 Below Accept EBT: The Takeaway
So, to sum it all up: You can’t use your EBT card at 5 Below. While this might be a bummer if you were hoping to use your SNAP benefits, there are still plenty of other ways to pay. Remember, you can use cash, debit/credit cards, and sometimes mobile payment options. Keep in mind what you can buy with your EBT card, and plan your shopping trips accordingly! Happy shopping!