Food Stamps for Postage: USPS Accepts EBT

A reader sends in this photo of a US Postal Service automated kiosk displaying a message that the machine accepts EBT to purchase postage.

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The USPS considers EBT in the same category of payment as a debit card and states on their About page, “Most debit cards and Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards are accepted for all Postal Service products and services.” Thus, a customer not belonging to any bank could use EBT to purchase a money order to pay a bill or send money to another person — or even acquire a passport.

There is a reason why EBT funds are only colloquially referred to as “food stamps” as of late; the range of commodities they can be used to purchase has widely broadened over time. EBT has been used to buy cigarettes, gasoline, and even booze and strip club jaunts.