SNAP Benefit Claimants Advocate for Enhanced Card Security Amid Rising Fraud Concerns
Americans relying on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are advocating for improved security measures on their benefit cards. A recent survey by Propel, a company focused on technology for safety net programs, revealed that 53% of SNAP recipients prefer chip-enabled cards, up from 34% the previous year. Additionally, 60% of respondents expressed a desire for automatic fraud monitoring on their cards. The survey, conducted in February 2026, included 8,164 EBT cardholders. Currently, many SNAP cards use older magnetic-stripe technology, which is more susceptible to fraud. In response, the proposed Enhanced Cybersecurity for SNAP Act aims to mandate chip-enabled cards to prevent unauthorized transactions. Some states, like California, have already begun implementing these changes, resulting in a significant reduction in reported thefts. Despite these efforts, fraud remains a significant issue, with an estimated $600 million in SNAP benefits stolen in 2025.