What You Need to Know About the New Chip-Enabled EBT Cards

States across the country are upgrading SNAP EBT cards to include microchips. California was the first state to issue these new cards in 2025, and states like Alabama and New Jersey have followed.

Here is what you need to know about how these new cards work, how to activate yours, and how they protect your benefits.

What is a chip-enabled EBT card?

A chip-enabled EBT card works just like a standard EBT card, but it includes an embedded security chip—similar to the chip found on most debit or credit cards.

• Enhanced Security: Standard EBT cards use only a magnetic stripe, which makes them vulnerable to card "skimmers" (devices thieves secretly install on card readers to steal your information). The security chip makes it significantly harder for thieves to copy your card details.

• Tap-to-Pay Support: In some states, these new cards also support contactless tap-to-pay, allowing you to pay by simply tapping your card against a checkout terminal.

• Automatic Transfer: All of your active SNAP benefits will transfer to your new card automatically—you will not lose any funds.

Which states have chip-enabled EBT cards?

States issuing chip cards (as of July 2026):

• Alabama
• California
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• New Jersey
• Oklahoma

States preparing to issue chip cards:

• Arkansas
• New York
• Oregon
• Virginia

How to activate your new chip EBT card

⚠️ Important: Your old EBT card will automatically stop working after a certain number of days once your new card is generated. Activate your new card as soon as it arrives in the mail so you do not experience any gaps in accessing your benefits.

What should you do when you receive a new card?

1. Keep your address updated: Make sure your local SNAP office has your current mailing address so your card arrives safely.
2. Read the included mailer: Follow the instructions provided inside the envelope.
3. Activate right away: Complete the activation process through your state's approved method.
4. Choose a strong PIN: Keep your PIN private, and avoid using easy-to-guess numbers (like your birth year or 1234).
5. Destroy your old card: Safely cut up and throw away your old EBT card once your new chip card is active.

Will the new card work at every store?

Yes. Your chip card will work anywhere EBT is accepted. If a store hasn't updated its checkout machines to accept chips or tap-to-pay yet, you can still swipe the magnetic stripe on the back of your card to complete your purchase.

Tips to keep your EBT benefits safe

• Lock your card: If your state offers a card-locking feature through its official portal or app (such as Propel), keep your card locked whenever you aren't actively shopping.
• Change your PIN regularly: Updating your PIN every month right before your benefits drop adds another layer of defense against fraud.
• Report issues immediately: If you suspect unauthorized transactions, contact your state's EBT customer service number right away.