Our commitment to privacy and security

How does Propel protect user data?

When you first connect your EBT account in our app, we only ask for the information required to connect to your state’s EBT portal. This information lets us read your EBT balance and past transactions, so we can display that data in an easy-to-read format in the app. We can’t move or spend any of your EBT benefits.

We ask for (and store) as little of your information as possible, and we do not store PINs, full EBT card numbers, or SSNs on our servers or in the app. We're careful about the data we collect and never sell it. For internal use, like improving the app, we ensure the data is anonymous so it can’t be traced back to you.

Your information is also protected by strong security measures. All data sent between our app and your state’s EBT portal is encrypted, which means the information is turned into a code that no one else can read. Our encryption technology also makes sure that your data has not been tampered with before it reaches Propel.

My benefits were stolen. Is that because I use Propel?

No. The Propel app never saves the information needed to make a purchase, so theft is not possible through the app. Protecting Propel users from theft is a top priority. Our company is built on earning and keeping the trust of people who use our app, and we take every measure possible to keep your data safe.

In the app, you cannot spend or move your benefits, or view or change your PIN. This is because we do not store that information, and do not have access to it, meaning we can’t spend or move your benefits either.

How does EBT theft happen?

EBT theft happens most often when criminals use “card skimming” devices. EBT cards use a magnetic stripe to make purchases and withdrawals. When criminals install a card skimmer on a checkout machine, the device reads the stripe and steals the information needed to make a duplicate card. This crime can happen anywhere you swipe your EBT card, like ATMs or grocery stores.

Scammers also send text messages claiming your EBT card has been locked or that you’ve won a prize. These text messages, called “phishing attempts,” ask you to call or text a phone number to fix the problem or claim the prize. These texts are scams. Don’t respond if you get one.

Why do so many people who have benefits stolen find out through Propel?

Because Propel is the first place millions of EBT cardholders go to check their balances, it’s also the first place they notice unusually low balances or unauthorized purchases. Hackers cannot get the information needed to steal benefits from an EBT card through Propel.

“Just recently someone was able to use almost all of my food stamps off of my EBT card while my card was in my possession and how I found out was by regularly checking my EBT balance and transaction info through the Propel app.” - Kathryn, California

Protecting you from EBT theft

The Propel app offers several anti-theft security features to help you keep your EBT benefits safe.

Blocking out-of-state transactions

EBT theft often happens through unauthorized out-of-state transactions. After skimming someone's EBT card at a local store, the funds are often spent out-of-state.

Propel users can turn on out-of-state transaction blocking, which automatically prevents any transactions from taking place outside of that user’s home state. We recommend that our users keep this setting turned on at all times unless they have plans to travel out of state or frequently cross state lines.

Currently available in AK, AZ, CA, CO, DC, FL, GU, HI, ID, IL, KS, KY, MI, MN, MO, NC, ND, NE, NH, NM, NV, NY, OR, RI, SD, VI, VT, WA, WI, WV, and WY.

Suspicious transaction monitoring

We’ve introduced a better way to detect suspicious activity. Propel reviews past EBT transactions for any suspicious activity. If we find anything unusual, we send users an alert to confirm whether the transaction came from them, or if it needs attention.

"[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, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, GU, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, ME, MI, MS, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, PR, SC, TN, TX, UT, and VA. This feature is exclusive to the Propel app.

Card locking (California only)

All Propel app users in California can lock (freeze) their card in the app, and easily unlock, whenever they need to buy something.

We recommend that users always keep their card locked when not in use. This helps ensure that no one (including a criminal who skimmed EBT card information) can spend a user's benefits until it is unlocked.

If you already have the Propel app and live in CA, open this link on mobile to go directly to EBT card settings and lock your card.

We’re continuing to expand these features, and exploring new opportunities to protect our users from EBT theft. If you have feature suggestions or feedback, get in touch with our team. We’d love to hear how else we can make the app a safer, more secure experience.

Learn more about protecting yourself from EBT theft. Check out our state guides for more information about how to get your stolen benefits replaced.

Propel is not a government agency. If you have specific questions about your SNAP case, contact your state or county human services agency.