New Alabama EBT Cards Now Have Chips

Well, just about everything these days has a chip, so why not EBT cards?

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The new EBT cards in Alabama are beginning to arrive in mailboxes across the state.

According to WSFA-TV, the Alabama Department of Human Resources says the new chipped cards will arrive in the coming days.

These new cards are being introduced following a testing program launched in December 2025 across countries worldwide.

If you are receiving a new card, you will need to activate it as soon as you receive it.

Cards must be activated within 180 days of receipt.

The new cards use technology to automatically block out-of-state and online purchases.

However, you can use them out of state and online, but you must unlock the card through a DHR website or app.

Of course, when your card is not in use, it is a good idea to lock it.

Nearly all cards used for purchases come with a feature that locks the card when it's not in use.

This has proven to significantly reduce fraud.