Bank of America and JP Morgan Chase will provide free ATM access
to low-income families receiving benefits via their electronic
benefits transfer (EBT) cards, joining several smaller banks and
credit unions that already provide ATM access without surcharges.
This announcement comes after years of work by a coalition of
California advocates and social services providers including
counties and in partnership with the California Department of
Social Services (CDSS).
Fidelity Information Services, the new vendor contracted by CDSS
to administer the EBT program, had agreed to secure free access
to two major ATM networks. The California Reinvestment Coalition
studies show California EBT card users pay more than $20 million
a year on fees to access ATMs.
CSAC partnered on this effort with the County Welfare Directors
Association and is pleased with this announcement that will
support California families who rely on these benefits.
