Enhanced Cybersecurity for SNAP Act of 2026

Key Points

• States must switch SNAP EBT cards from old magnetic stripe technology to modern chip-enabled cards that are resistant to cloning. States have two years after final regulations to start issuing chip cards, and within five years, all existing magnetic stripe cards must be replaced.
• The federal government will reimburse states for all reasonable costs of upgrading EBT cards to chip technology, including one-time vendor costs, annual chip card fees, and postage for mailing new cards.
• If a card is damaged, stolen, or frozen due to fraud, states must deliver a replacement within 3 business days. Replacement fees are banned for cards that malfunction, expire, are compromised by fraud from someone outside the household, or need to be swapped out for chip compliance.
• Retailers participating in SNAP must install chip-enabled payment terminals at every location within 180 days of the final regulations. A grant program will help small stores in areas with limited grocery access pay for upgraded equipment.
• States must offer mobile-friendly digital tools — including web portals, text message alerts, and mobile apps — so SNAP households can check balances, search 12 months of transaction history, and report fraud. Non-digital options like voice phone and non-phone interfaces must also be maintained for at least 10 years.
• New online transaction security measures will require protections against theft of benefits during online purchases, including preventing sensitive data from being stolen from online retailers. The Secretary must report to Congress every two years on the scope of online fraud.