How to Check California EBT Card Balance Online, Phone Number and Login – People who are living in California and fulfill the food stamps requirements they can apply for California food stamps application. When they are approved for the California food stamps then they will receive an EBT card that they can use to purchase eligible food items with it. However, with the EBT card they will receive many California EBT discounts with the eligible items and much more.
However, many people are worried about how to check California EBT card balance, so that they can use the card accordingly. But it is too easy to check EBT card balance. To know about it, you can read the article continuously. Along with this, you can get some additional info like stores that accept EBT cards, EBT card discounts and more. So, read continuously and get all the info.
Highlights of this Post
How to check California EBT card balance?
An EBT cardholder can check their card’s balance with three different ways, these are given below:
Option1- Locate your last purchase receipt
The best and easy way to check EBT card balance using the last purchase receipt or ATM receipt. It is because the balance of your EBT card is given at the bottom of the receipt. For this, you have to save all your receipts after purchase.
Option2- Check your Golden State Advantage Card Balance Via Phone
You can check your Golden State Advantage Card’s balance via phone by making a call to the California EBT Card Customer Service Number that is 877-328-9677. A representative will help 24*7 for your queries. For EBT card balance, you have to provide them with some info like your EBT card number, 4-digit PIN, and Social Security Number.
Option3- Check your California EBT Card balance online
One can check California EBT card balance online as well. You can visit the California EBT Cardholder website, and login there by using your username and password. If you are a first time user then you must have to create your California EBT Cardholder online account.
All such are the ways to check California EBT card balance. You can use any of them that is easy for you.
California EBT card surcharge-free ATMs
If you are a California EBT cardholder and received cash assistance then you can use your benefits at ATMs in California. You can check your transactions and EBT card balance at eligible ATMs in California. However, some ATMs have surcharge fees for using EBT cards on them. You can look for the list of the eligible ATMs locations in California that do not charge fees.
List of Stores that take EBT online for delivery
In California. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) launched the Online Purchasing Pilot Program. This program allows select grocery stores that accept EBT cards online. There are 29 online grocery stores that accept EBT card online purchasing and offer delivery or pick-up services as well.
The list of online grocery stores that accept EBT card for online delivery or pick-up services at stores are here:
- Cardenas Markets
- Albertsons
- ExtraMile by Jacksons
- ALDI
- Food 4 Less
- Amazon
- Co-opportunity Market
- Brothers Marketplace
- Safeway
- Sprouts Farmers Market
- FoodMaxx
- Mar Val Foods
- Gong’s IGA Market
- Raley’s
- Superior Grocers
- Jacksons Food Stores
- Pavilions
- Stater Bros.
- Vons
- Super King Market
- Jimbo’s Naturally
- Rancho San Miguel Markets
- Lucky Supermarkets
- Whole Foods
- The Market by Superior
- Sam’s Club and Go
- Walmart
- Save Mart Supermarkets
- Target
All these are online grocery stores, where you can use your EBT card online to order groceries and get delivery at your doorstep or pick-up your order from the store. If you are a first time user of an EBT card online then you can look for how to shop with EBT card online.
Where can’t I use my California EBT card?
As EBT card is used to provide better food and other things at reduced prices to eligible people, there are some places also where you cannot use your EBT card, these are:
- Poker rooms
- Nightclubs/Saloons/Taverns
- Gun/Ammo stores
- Casinos
- Racetracks
- Smoke & Cannabis Shops
- Bingo Halls
- Card rooms
- Psychic Readers
- Tattoo & Piercing Shops
- Adult Entertainment Businesses
- Spa/Massage Salons
- Cruise Ships
All such are the places where you cannot use your California EBT card.
How do I buy food items with my EBT card?
Here are the steps given to purchase eligible food-items with the EBT card:
1 Step- Swipe your card at the store’s payment machine.
2 Step- Select EBT card from the card options.
3 Step- Now enter your 4-digit PIN.
4 Step- On the final stage, complete the transaction and take your receipt, so that you will check the balance of your EBT card balance.
By following such steps you can easily use your EBT card to purchase food or other eligible items.
California EBT discounts and savings
If you are a resident of California, and an EBT cardholder who is receiving food stamps benefits then you should know how you can get more benefits of your EBT card. Yes, it is because with the EBT card you cannot only have food benefits, but you will get many discounts and benefits with your EBT card on eligible non-food things. Because there are various exclusive discounts and freebies available for California EBT cardholders.
One can qualify for 50% discount on Amazon Prime Membership, free or discounted home and cell phone service, internet or Wi-Fi connections, free entry to museums, zoos, and other places and lots of more savings and discounts. To know more, you can check for how to save with your California EBT card.
California EBT Frequently Asked Questions
Here are various questions and answers given that are asked by California EBT cardholders or who apply for California EBT cards.
How much will I get on my EBT card each month?
How much benefits you can get on your EBT card every month, it is decided on your income and the size of your family. If you want to get the highest amount of benefits every month then for finding out that, you will have to use the Maximum Monthly SNAP Amount Chart.
I have seen people purchase non-food items with an EBT card. I thought SNAP was only for food.
Yes, you can get SNAP benefits only for getting food. Though, some people have an EBT card that is used by them for getting their TANF (cash assistance) benefits. For purchase Food and non-food items, you can use TANF benefits. If you want to get information about the eligibility of TANF then you can contact your local government benefits assistance office.
Can I have someone else help me shop using my EBT account?
About setting up an Authorized Representative (AR) you can ask your local California Food Stamps caseworker. The AR should have an independent card with his or her own account number and PIN. Additionally, which card is used at any time that is tracked by the EBT system. The AR will have access to the whole benefit of your account.
If I don’t use all of the benefits I received in this month, will these benefits still be available to me next month?
Yes, if you don’t use all of the benefits that are issued in the month then they will stay in your EBT account. you can use these benefits in the next month.
Can I use my California EBT card in other counties and other states?
Your California EBT card will work at that store or ATM that accepts EBT Cards in the United States, along with this, it will be accepted in Guam, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Moreover, if you use your EBT card outside of the state of your residence then there are no rules against using it. Though, you will have to report about your address,if you change, in your county public assistance office.
What items am I allowed to purchase with my EBT card?
For getting information about those items that you are eligible to purchase with EBT food benefits, you can click here. You can purchase anything with the help of cash currency because your cash purchase will be legally purchased with currency (cash).
How do I report a store or person that I think is misusing food or cash benefits (committing fraud)?
When anyone misuses benefits on purpose then it will be a federal crime. When benefits are misused by you then your advantages will be taken away to you. If you have to report about any store or person that is misusing food or cash benefits then you can click here.
Are there any fees for using my California EBT card?
If you use your California EBT Card for purchase of food then you won’t have to pay any charges. Though, when you will use it for getting money from cash machines (ATM) then the surcharges (if any) will be charged from your account by the Bank.
Can I go to a bank teller and withdraw money from my EBT account?
No, you can not withdraw money from your EBT account through a bank teller. You can only withdraw money from an ATM or by a cashback/cash-only withdrawal at a cooperating store. Moreover, bank tellers don’t have any information or access about EBT accounts.
What do I do if I suspect someone has stolen benefits from my EBT card account?
In that case, you have to call the California EBT card customer service number at 877-328-9677. You can get a replacement of the mail within 3-5 business days, if you report for stolen, damaged, or lost EBT card.
Summary for California EBT card account
Now, you can see that one can check California EBT card balance via online, phone, and by last purchase receipt. However, one can get lots of discounts and benefits of the EBT card as well. Not only this, but one can use their EBT online for purchasing groceries and other eligible items from the eligible online grocery stores that accept EBT cards in California. But one has to always make sure that they never use the California EBT card to purchase non-eligible items with it, because it is a crime and for this they have to go to jail as well.
