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Third Party Processor Participation

Third Party Processors (TPPs) and Independent Sales Organizations (ISOs) may participate in the California EBT Project by becoming certified to J.P. Morgan EFS’ transaction gateway.

All TPPs and ISOs must comply with the Quest® Operating Rules., including transaction processing standards, messaging, and signage.

Stores that want to accept EBT transactions for Food Stamp Program benefits must have a 7-digit FNS authorization number. This authorization number is a required part of the transaction. Food Stamp EBT transactions will not be approved without a valid FNS authorization number.

Cash EBT transactions are very similar to PIN-based debit transactions, with some differences described in the Quest® Operating Rules. Stores that only want to accept EBT transactions for cash benefits may participate without any prior authorization or approval from either the state or federal government. An authorization number is NOT required. There are no restrictions on the types of stores that may participate or products or services that may be purchased with cash EBT transactions. For example, shoe stores, clothing stores, beauty salons, check cashers, and many other types of non-food stores are currently accepting cash EBT transactions.