Maryland Rolls Out Chip-Enabled EBT Cards to Fight Fraud

Electronic Benefit Transfer cards let recipients spend Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and other public benefits, but legacy magnetic stripes can be skimmed and cloned, exposing households to theft. The Maryland Department of Human Services is moving to Europay, Mastercard and Visa chip-and-tap technology to strengthen transaction security. Maryland has replaced $51.75 million in stolen benefits since March 2023, according to state data through July 17, 2026.

Governor Wes Moore announced the statewide rollout on July 17, with Maryland describing itself as the fourth U.S. state to successfully adopt the security standard. Cards are being mailed from July 13 through July 31, and existing balances will transfer automatically. A pilot in Baltimore City and Anne Arundel and Dorchester counties activated 1,049 cards and recorded a 92% transaction approval rate. All legacy magnetic-stripe EBT cards will be deactivated on Sept. 30.