# USDA Proposes Secure SNAP EBT Cards

USDA has proposed a rule requiring state SNAP agencies to issue EBT cards enabled for chip and near-field communication (NFC) transactions, and requiring retailers to accept those transactions. The proposal could drive work in card issuance, payment processing, point-of-sale upgrades, and customer support. USDA estimates $283 million in one-time costs across states, the federal government, households, and businesses during fiscal years 2028–2029, but has not specified how those costs would be allocated. The rule is still proposed; comments are due **December 22, 2026 (49 days from November 3)**.

- States and retailers could need to update card programs and payment systems if the proposal is finalized, creating potential demand for issuing, processing, POS, and support services.
- The estimated **$283 million** is a combined cost estimate, not a stated procurement budget; contractors should account for uncertainty about funding responsibility and state implementation capacity.
- Agencies, payment providers, card issuers, and retailers can use the comment period to assess technical and operational impacts and submit feedback before the December 22 deadline.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Information Technology
**Topics:** Digital Infrastructure, Regulatory Compliance
**Published:** November 02, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
- Food and Nutrition Service (FNS)

### Sources
- [
        USDA seeks to curb fraud through EBT card security requirements - Federal News Network](https://federalnewsnetwork.com/it-modernization/2026/11/usda-seeks-to-curb-fraud-through-ebt-card-security-requirements) - Federal News Network