Financial Institutions (Banks and other ATM Owners)

All California counties use the EBT system to deliver cash aid benefits to eligible EBT cardholders.

California EBT operates in compliance with the Quest® Operating Rules. Financial institutions can participate through an ATM gateway (STAR, VISA, Fiserv, etc.) or through a direct connection with Fidelity Information Services, LLC (FIS).

The issuer identification number (IIN) for California EBT is 507719. The Primary Account Number (PAN) length is 16 digits.

EBT cards can be accepted at participating ATMs. FIS pays the STAR on-premise interchange fee for each cash withdrawal transaction. FIS also pays standard interchange for denied transactions and balance inquiry transactions. ATM owners are permitted to charge surcharges on EBT transactions at their ATMs; however, the State of California encourages the waiving of surcharges for EBT cardholders as a service to low income members of the community.
There are certain types of stores that are restricted from processing EBT cash transactions. The following business types cannot participate in the processing of EBT cash transactions in California: adult entertainment locations, gambling locations, spa/massage parlors, cannabis retailers, smoke shops, tattoo/piercing establishments, bail bond merchants, and cruise ships. If you have any questions, please call the Retailer Helpline at (866) 328-4212.

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 public assistance, or select direct deposit.
• Card usage will increase at ATMs and the bank 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.)