EBT PROJECT
Right Column
Financial Institution Participation
54 of 58 California counties use the EBT system to deliver cash benefits. The only counties that do NOT issue cash benefits via EBT are Fresno, Mono, Placer, and Sierra. Cash benefits can be accessed for purchases or cash withdrawals.
California EBT uses the Quest® Operating Rules. Financial institutions can participate through an ATM gateway (such as STAR, VISA, Fiserv, eFunds, etc.) or a direct connection with J.P. Morgan EFS.
The BIN for the California EBT Project is 507719. The Primary Account Number (PAN) length is 16 digits.
EBT Cards can be accepted at ATMs much like any other foreign ATM card acquired by your ATMs. J.P. Morgan EFS pays the STAR on-premise interchange fee for each cash withdrawal transaction. J.P. Morgan EFS also pays standard interchange for denied transactions and balance inquiry transactions. ATM owners are permitted to charge surcharges on EBT transactions at ATMs; however, the State of California encourages financial institutions to consider waiving this fee for EBT cardholders as a service to low income members of the community.
For a list of cash access at ATMs and retailers click here
Benefits of EBT to Financial Institutions
- Ability to reach and establish brand loyalty with future customers that may
be seeking a banking relationship as they move off aid, or select direct deposit.
- Card usage will increase at ATMs and the back will receive a competitive
interchange fee for each cash withdrawal.
- Supporting the EBT program in underdeveloped urban communities will be positively
viewed under the Community Reinvestment Act services test. (Federal Register #54647, FFIEC Interagency
Q&A, October 21, 1996.)
Ms. Jolanta Anderson
J.P. Morgan EFS
2890 Gateway Oaks Drive
Sacramento, CA 95833
jolanta.x.anderson@jpmorgan.com