Where to withdraw cash from EBT card in South Bay & how PIN works?
Hey everyone, I just got approved for CalFresh and received my EBT card last week. I need to take some cash out (not the food benefits part, but the cash assistance portion). Does anyone know good ATM locations in the South Bay Area where I can withdraw without fees? Also kind of embarrassed to ask, but is the PIN process the same as a regular debit card? Do I just insert the EBT card and use the same PIN they sent me for purchasing food? First time using this system and don't want to look clueless at the ATM. Thanks for any help!
16 comments
Join the conversation
Natasha Volkova
For your EBT Cash benefits (which is different from CalFresh food benefits), you can withdraw at most bank ATMs in the South Bay. Look for Bank of America, Chase, or Wells Fargo - they usually have multiple locations that accept EBT for cash withdrawals. Yes, you'll use the same PIN you use for food purchases. Just insert your card like a normal debit card and select "withdrawal from checking." You get 4 free ATM withdrawals per month, then there's a $0.80 fee after that. Also, many grocery stores like Safeway, Lucky, and Food Maxx offer cash back when you make a purchase with your EBT - that doesn't count against your 4 free ATM transactions.
0 coins
Oliver Zimmermann
•Thank you so much! That's exactly what I needed to know. I didn't realize I get 4 free withdrawals - that's good to know about the fees after that. There's a Bank of America right by my apartment so I'll try there first. And great tip about the cash back at grocery stores!
0 coins
Javier Torres
i always use the atm at the 7-11 on el camino real but they charge like $3 fee so maybe not the best choice lol. the pin is the same one you already have, super easy just like a normal card
0 coins
Emma Davis
•Don't use the 7-11 ATMs!!! They charge fees AND the transaction still counts toward your 4 free withdrawals from the county. Double whammy.
0 coins
CosmicCaptain
I've been on CalFresh for about 2 years now, and just want to clarify something important - CalFresh is ONLY food benefits. There is no cash to withdraw with CalFresh. If you have cash benefits on your EBT card, that's probably CalWORKs (welfare) or General Assistance, which is a different program that uses the same EBT card. Just want to make sure you understand which program you're on because they have different rules and reporting requirements!
0 coins
Oliver Zimmermann
•Oh! That explains my confusion. You're right - I have both CalFresh and CalWORKs. I just assumed it was all the same program since it's all on one card. I'll need to be more careful about keeping track of which is which. Thank you for that clarification.
0 coins
Malik Johnson
If you're having trouble connecting with someone at your county office to ask about EBT cash withdrawal locations or to resolve any issues with your card, I'd recommend trying Claimyr. It saved me hours of waiting when I had a similar question last month. They connect you directly to a live person at the county office, bypassing the hold times. Check them out at claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 that shows how it works. It's especially helpful when you need quick answers about benefit questions.
0 coins
Javier Torres
•is it free? seems weird to have to pay just to talk to someone at the welfare office thats already supposed to help us???
0 coins
Malik Johnson
•It's not free, but for me it was worth it because I needed to resolve an issue urgently. I spent 3 days trying to get through on my own. The regular county phone lines are completely overwhelmed. But you're right that we shouldn't have to pay extra just to access services we're entitled to.
0 coins
Isabella Ferreira
THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO MAKE IT HARD FOR US!!! They don't want you to access your benefits easily - that's why finding fee-free ATMs is so difficult. I've been on CalWORKs for 3 years and it's always something. They put your money on the card but then make it cost money to get YOUR OWN MONEY out! The big banks have free withdrawals but there's barely any in East San Jose where most people who need benefits actually live!!! The system is RIGGED against poor people!!!
0 coins
Ravi Sharma
•This is why I always just get cash back at grocery stores when buying food. No fees and I'm already there buying groceries with my CalFresh benefits anyway. I haven't used an ATM for my CalWORKs money in over a year.
0 coins
Ravi Sharma
While we're on the topic, does anyone know if the Chase ATM at Westgate Mall works for EBT cash withdrawal? I tried last week and the machine said transaction not available, but maybe I was doing something wrong? I ended up having to drive to the downtown branch which was super inconvenient.
0 coins
Natasha Volkova
•Not all Chase ATMs accept EBT for cash withdrawal - even though Chase is supposed to be part of the network. The ones inside actual Chase branches always work, but the standalone ones in malls or stores are hit or miss. If you're ever in doubt, you can use the EBT ATM locator on the California EBT website or the app to verify which ATMs are part of the network before making the trip.
0 coins
Emma Davis
When you're at the ATM just select checking account when it asks which account to withdraw from. Don't select savings or it'll give an error message. Made that mistake my first time lol
0 coins
CosmicCaptain
One important thing to remember - always check your balance before withdrawing! You can check your CalWORKs cash balance for free by calling the number on the back of your EBT card (1-877-328-9677) or using the BenefitsCal website/app. I learned this the hard way after getting hit with an insufficient funds fee once when I assumed money had been deposited but it was delayed.
0 coins
Oliver Zimmermann
•Good advice! I downloaded the app this morning and it's showing both my food and cash balances. So helpful to have that info before heading to the ATM.
0 coins