To make benefits more secure and easier to access, Maryland has transitioned to a new Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card vendor, Fidelity Information Services (FIS).
This summer, we will be sending you a new, more secure EBT card. These cards use Europay, Mastercard, Visa (EMV) chip and tap technology, just like other credit or debit cards that you may have. These new cards will make it harder for thieves to take your information and will help keep your benefits safe — so you can keep using them.
While we make improvements, some changes are necessary to how your existing EBT card works.
Important Updates:
Beginning in July, Maryland will begin mailing new EBT cards to our cardholders. When you receive your new card this summer, follow the instructions in the envelope to activate it.
A new EMV card will be mailed to you later this summer. Please make sure we have your most recent address by updating it! You can do this online through benefits.maryland.gov, visiting your local Department of Social Services, or calling 1-800-332-6347 for assistance.
Beware of scams: Do not share your card information or PIN with anyone. State staff will never call or text you to ask for your EBT card number or PIN. The official state EBT website will never ask for your card number or PIN on its first page. Watch out for fake websites that look like the official EBT site. If you get suspicious calls, texts, or links asking for your EBT details, do not reply or enter any personal information.
New Features & Frequently Asked Questions
Your SNAP and cash benefits are sent to you on Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards. Fidelity Information Services (FIS) is MD DHS’s partner that helps manage your benefits and EBT cards.
ebtEDGE is the new online portal that Maryland EBT cardholders will use to manage their benefits. This is where you can view your account balance, see when your next deposit will come in, and use features like freeze and unfreeze. You will need to register for a new account on the ebtEdge Cardholder Portal or by downloading the ebtEdge app. iOS / Android.. If you’re having trouble, start with these step-by-step instructions.
The correct app to download is called ebtEDGE and has an egg icon. Please do not download the “ebtEDGE NEW!” app.
Starting on May 18, 2026, a new option from FIS allows cardholders to protect your EBT benefits if your card is lost, stolen, or damaged. This is called the “Freeze Card feature.” On Connect EBT, this was called locking and unlocking.
The “Freeze Card feature” lets you stop your card from being used for any purchases. You can access this feature on the ebtEDGE portal online or on the Mobile App. When your card is “frozen” it cannot be used for any purchases until you “unfreeze” the card. This means any transactions at a point-of-sale device, online purchases, and/or ATM withdrawals will not work.
You can freeze and unfreeze your card through the ebtEDGE Mobile App or through the Cardholder Portal. You can also call EBT Vendor Services at 1-800-997-2222 to freeze and unfreeze over the phone.
Contact EBT Vendor Services at 1-800-997-2222.
We are planning to mail new chip/tap cards to cardholders in July. Please check this website for updates.
No. When you get your benefits will stay the same. This change only affects the security and technology behind the card, not the amount or when you get your benefits.
We will send instructions with the new card so you can activate it. Once you have activated your new card, make sure you destroy your old one. You can do this by cutting through the magstripe on the back of the card.
Once we have mailed you your new card, your old card will stop working in about 30 days. Please make sure you activate it as soon as you get it!
