Our commitment to keeping users safe#our-commitment-to-keeping-users-safe
EBT theft is on the rise. We've built powerful security features to help protect your benefits. Here's how Propel helps keep you safe.
Help keep your EBT card safe from theft with Propel
How does EBT theft happen?#how-does-ebt-theft-happen
EBT theft often happens in person. Scammers can hide “skimming” devices devices on checkout machines that steal your card number and PIN when you swipe. Then they make copies of your card to spend your benefits—often out of state or online.
Security features available through Propel#security-features-available-through-propel
Card locking#card-locking
Lock (freeze) your EBT card directly in the Propel app or through your state's EBT customer portal or app. When you need to buy something, just unlock it.
We recommend keeping your card locked when you're not using it. This ensures no one—including criminals who've skimmed your card information—can spend your benefits until you unlock it. Lock your card in the Propel app
Currently available in AK, AZ, CA, CO, DE, DC, FL, GA, GU (Guam), HI, ID, IL, KS, KY, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, VT, VI (Virgin Islands), VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Blocking out-of-state transactions#blocking-out-of-state-transactions
After a card has been skimmed, the funds are often spent out of state. You can turn on out-of-state transaction blocking directly in the Propel app (the same feature is available in many state EBT customer portals and apps). When enabled, this automatically prevents any transactions outside your home state.
We recommend keeping this setting on at all times, unless you're traveling or frequently cross state lines. Turn on out-of-state transaction blocking in the Propel app.
Currently available in AK, AZ, CA, CO, DE, DC, FL, GA, GU (Guam), HI, ID, IL, KS, KY, LA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, VT, VI (Virgin Islands), VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Blocking online transactions#blocking-online-transactions
In many states, you can also block all online transactions through the Propel app or your state's EBT customer portal or app. Sometimes, EBT theft happens through retailer websites. When this feature is on, your EBT card can't be used on any websites or apps. Turn on online transaction blocking in the Propel app.
Currently available in AK, AZ, CA, CO, DC, FL, GU (Guam), HI, ID, IL, KS, KY, ME, MI, MN, MO, NE, NV, NH, NM, NY, NC, ND, OR, RI, SD, TN, VT, VI (Virgin Islands), WA, WV, WI, WY
Suspicious transaction monitoring#suspicious-transaction-monitoring
Propel reviews your past EBT transactions for suspicious activity. If we find anything unusual, we'll send you an alert to confirm whether the transaction was yours. This feature is exclusive to the Propel app.
"[This feature] will stop me from having to check a million times a day because it will let me know when something suspicious is going on. It will make me feel more secure. Just one less thing for me to have to worry about."
Propel user, 5/15/2024
Currently available in AL, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, GU (Guam), IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, ME, MI, MS, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, PR (Puerto Rico), SC, TN, TX, UT, VA
Protecting sensitive information#protecting-sensitive-information
We're committed to protecting your sensitive information. We ask for as little login information as possible and don't store PINs, full EBT card numbers, or SSNs on our servers or in the app.
All data sent between the Propel app and your state EBT portal is encrypted end-to-end. We never sell user data—our business model is based on highly vetted retailer partnerships.
We're continuing to expand these features and explore new ways to protect you from EBT theft. If you have feature suggestions or feedback, get in touch with our team.
