If you use your Alabama SNAP EBT card to buy groceries online, there’s an important change coming that can cause a surprise “declined” message at checkout.

• Beginning Thursday, January 22, 2026, Alabama will automatically set Alabama-issued EBT cards to block online transactions as well as out-of-state transactions by default. 

  • In other words: online EBT purchases start in “OFF” mode unless you change the setting.

• The good news: you can flip it back on in a minute using the official ConnectEBT tools (app, website, or phone).

Forage can’t change the setting for you but we can help you avoid the headache and get back to online shopping smoothly.

The 30‑second fix: “Unlock My Card” before you shop online

To allow online purchases, you’ll want your card set to “Unlock My Card” as this removes the online block so you can check out normally.

If you’re reading this before January 22

Do this now so you’re ready:

1. Download the ConnectEBT app or create your login on the ConnectEBT website

2. Save the customer service number in your phone - 1-800-997-8888.

   Then, on/after Jan 22, you can unlock in seconds right before shopping.

Option 1 (easiest): Unlock online purchases in the ConnectEBT mobile app

1. Download the ConnectEBT Mobile App

2. Log in using your User ID and Password

   • Don’t have an account yet? Tap Create User Account and follow the steps

3. On the home screen, tap Lock/Unlock Card

4. Select Unlock My Card and tap OK to confirm

Option 2: Unlock online purchases on the ConnectEBT website

1. Go to ConnectEBT and log in with your User ID and Password

   • No account yet? Click Register Now

2. On the home screen, click the Card tab

3. From the Card menu, choose Lock/Unlock Card

4. Select Unlock My Card

5. Choose auto re-lock if you want, then click Submit

Option 3: Unlock by phone (no app needed)

Call the Alabama EBT Customer Service line and use the automated prompts to unlock your card.

1. Dial 1‑800‑997‑8888 and press 1 (activate card / balance / info, and then follow the prompts for language, and any security questions.  

2. When prompted, press 2 for the Card Services menu

3. Press 7 to unlock and follow prompts until the unlock request is confirmed.

If your online checkout is still declining

Try this quick checklist:

• Step 1: Confirm your card is set to Unlock My Card (in the app/website)

• Step 2: Try checkout again

• Step 3: If it still fails, call 1‑800‑997‑8888 and unlock by phone

• Step 4: If your order is scheduled for pickup/delivery later, keep your card unlocked until it’s completed (or extend the auto re-lock window)

A quick safety reminder (because scammers love a confused moment)

• Forage, your retailer, and the state will never ask for your PIN by text.

• Only use the official ConnectEBT app/website or the official customer service number to manage your card settings.

• If you think your card info has been stolen, lock it and contact customer service right away.