CalFresh EBT card cash withdrawals - which banks don't charge fees?

You can withdraw cash for free from any Bank of America ATM if you have CalFresh with cash benefits. They have a contract with the state to provide fee-free service for EBT cards. If you were charged $3, there's definitely something wrong - maybe you used a different type of card or it was a non-B of A ATM? I've been using my EBT at BofA for years without any fees.

BoA is supposed 2 be free but some of the ATMs in stores r actually owned by other companies even if they say BoA on them!!! its super confusing. I only use the ones INSIDE the actual bank building now cause i got charged twice before figuring this out. so annoying right?

Here's the correct information about EBT cash withdrawals in California: 1. Bank of America ATMs: Free for EBT cash withdrawals (must be actual BofA ATMs, not just ones with their logo) 2. CalFresh/EBT partnered retailers: Many grocery stores allow cash back with purchase with no fee 3. Chase and Wells Fargo: Some branches have agreements but policies vary by location The best option is using the BenefitsCal.com website or EBT app to find surcharge-free ATMs near you. They have a specific ATM locator feature that shows which ones won't charge fees for EBT cards. Another tip: if you have CalWORKs with your CalFresh, you can get 4 free ATM withdrawals per month at any ATM (even non-partner ones), but after that, fees will apply.

when i was on calfresh last year i just used the walmart atm. no fees there and u can shop right after lol

The EBT system is DELIBERATELY CONFUSING to discourage people from accessing their full benefits! I've been fighting with this system for years. Even the "free" ATMs sometimes have hidden fees that don't show up until later. And good luck getting anyone at the county to help - they'll transfer you around for HOURS. If you go to a physical Bank of America branch during business hours, they legally CANNOT charge you for accessing your EBT cash benefits. That's the ONLY guaranteed way to avoid fees. Don't trust ATMs, even the ones supposedly in the network.

Has anyone tried calling the EBT customer service to get those fees refunded? I had this happen once where I got charged at what was supposed to be a free ATM and when I called they actually gave me the money back after I explained what happened. The number is on the back of your card.

theres a free app called CalEBT that shows all the places u can use ur card without fees!! its from the official ebt people. i use it all the time

Just to add some clarification on EBT cash withdrawals since there's some confusion in this thread: 1. CalFresh-only recipients don't have cash withdrawal capabilities - this is only for people who also receive CalWORKs or other cash benefits 2. The Bank of America contract guarantees fee-free withdrawals at their ATMs, but you must verify it's an actual BofA ATM, not a third-party one with their branding 3. Your first four withdrawals each month are free at ANY ATM (even non-partner ones), but you will still be subject to the ATM owner's surcharge 4. For the most accurate ATM locator, download the official ConnectEBT mobile app from the app store, not the website versions which can be outdated Hope this helps clear things up!

wait u can get CASH from calfresh?? i thought it was just for food???

Just wanted to share another option that's worked well for me - many credit unions in California participate in the CO-OP Network which allows free EBT withdrawals. If you have a local credit union near you, it's worth calling to ask if they're part of this network. I've found credit union ATMs to be more reliable about not having hidden fees compared to some of the third-party ATMs at convenience stores. Also, some pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens allow cash back with EBT purchases without fees, which can be super convenient if you need to pick up other items anyway.

Another tip that's helped me save money - if you're near a Costco, their ATMs don't charge fees for EBT cash withdrawals and you don't need a membership to use the ATM (it's usually located outside the main entrance). Also, many smaller grocery stores like Food 4 Less and WinCo allow cash back with EBT purchases up to $50 or $100 with no fees. Sometimes this is more convenient than finding a specific ATM, especially if you're already grocery shopping. Just make sure to ask the cashier first since policies can vary by location.

Another resource that might help - many counties have benefits counselors who can walk you through all the fee-free options in your specific area. In Riverside County, you can call 211 and ask to be connected with CalFresh support services. They often know about local partnerships that aren't well publicized. I learned about several fee-free ATM locations near me this way that weren't showing up in the official app. Also, if you're comfortable with it, some community centers and libraries have staff who are really knowledgeable about navigating these systems and can help you map out the most convenient no-fee locations based on your regular routes around town.

I'm new to the CalFresh program and this thread has been incredibly eye-opening! I had no idea there were so many fee-free options available. I've been avoiding using my cash benefits because I was worried about getting hit with fees every time. Reading through everyone's experiences and tips has given me the confidence to actually access my benefits without fear. The information about the official ConnectEBT app, the 211 helpline, and all the different ATM and cash-back options is exactly what I needed. It's really encouraging to see a community where people genuinely help each other navigate these systems. Thank you all for sharing your knowledge - it's going to make a huge difference for newcomers like me!

One more tip that's saved me money - if you have a smartphone, you can also use the ebtEDGE mobile app to check your balance before going to withdraw cash. This helps you avoid unnecessary trips and fees if your cash balance is lower than you thought. The app also shows your transaction history, so you can track if any unexpected fees were charged and dispute them if needed. I've found it's much more reliable than trying to check your balance at an ATM, especially those third-party ones that might charge just for a balance inquiry. Plus, knowing your exact balance helps you plan your withdrawals better to stay within that 4-free-withdrawals-per-month limit that was mentioned earlier.

Just wanted to add that some Dollar General stores also allow cash back with EBT purchases without fees, which has been super helpful for me since they're everywhere and often have longer hours than banks. I've also discovered that many tribal casinos in California have fee-free ATMs for EBT cards - I know it sounds random, but if you're near one, it's worth checking out. The key thing I've learned is to always ask "Is this fee-free for EBT?" before inserting your card anywhere, even if you think it should be free. Staff are usually honest about it, and it's saved me from several surprise charges. This thread is amazing - I wish I had found information like this when I first started navigating the system!

This thread is incredibly helpful! I just started receiving CalFresh benefits and had no idea about all these fee-free options. I've been avoiding accessing my cash benefits because I was scared of getting hit with random fees everywhere. The information about the ConnectEBT app, calling 211 for local resources, and getting cash back at grocery stores is exactly what I needed. It's frustrating that this information isn't provided upfront when you first get your EBT card - I had to learn about ATM fees the hard way too. Thank you everyone for sharing your experiences and tips. This community support makes navigating these programs so much less overwhelming for newcomers like me!