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Financial Services

How to Get Your CASH Benefits at Low or NO Cost!

Save Money - Know the Facts!

By knowing the facts about your Golden State Advantage Card, or Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Card, you can get ALL of your cash benefits each month and pay NO surcharges or transaction fees!

Your cash EBT can be used to:

  • To make purchases
  • To make purchases and receive cash back
  • To make cash-only withdrawals
  • To purchase money orders

DON'T PAY EXTRA FEES, CHARGES, AND SURCHARGES. YOU CAN AVOID PAYING IF YOU KNOW HOW!

How to get your cash benefits:

  • At Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) displaying the QUEST ® logo found at banks, credit unions, malls, grocery stores, gas stations, and convenience stores.
  • At Point of Sale (POS) devices found at the checkout counter of participating stores.
  • Get cash back with purchase from some stores. If you only need a small amount of cash, you can get it at most supermarkets for free.

Fees, charges, and surcharges:

  • At ATMs
      • First four cash withdrawals in a month = FREE
      • After fourth withdrawal = 85¢ each
      • ATM owner can charge an additional "surcharge" ($1 - $2) per transaction
  • At POS devices
      • Some retailers may charge a "surcharge" for cash-only withdrawals. Ask the store clerk.
  • Balance inquiries
      • ATM balance inquiries 25¢ each
      • Telephone inquiries are FREE. Call the EBT Customer Help Line at 1-877-328-9677
  • If a store or ATM charges you a "surcharge" for using your EBT card, the fee must be posted.
  • A list of ATMs, retailers, and check cashing locations where you can get your cash benefits is available at DHA offices or ask your caseworker.
REMEMBER .
        • Learn which stores and ATMs do NOT charge a fee to give you cash.
        • Don't make small withdrawals at an ATM.
        • Get your cash at ATMs that are "surcharge" free (includes Washington Mutual and Citibank).
        • To avoid transaction fees, don't go to an ATM more than four (4) times a month.
        • Save your ATM and POS receipts to keep track of your balances and how many cash withdrawals you have made in a month.
Sign Up for Direct Deposit to Your Bank Account

You can have your cash benefits deposited directly into your own bank account instead of through EBT. Ask your DHA caseworker to sign you up for Direct Deposit!