Does Dollar Tree Accept EBT Cards, Food Stamps, or SNAP?

If you rely on food stamps or Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards to make ends meet, it must be difficult for you to determine the type of stores that accept food stamps as payment. A popular shopping destination for Americans is Dollar Tree stores. Although Dollar Tree has a significant presence in the southern and northeastern United States, it is spread throughout the country and offers a variety of products for SNAP recipients to choose from.

Many budget-conscious EBT recipients who prefer to shop at Dollar Tree due to the affordability and accessibility of needed groceries wonder “if Dollar Tree accepts EBT food stamps as payment.” The short answer to this question is Yes, Dollar Tree accepts EBT. This guide will provide an overview of Dollar Tree and other pertinent details you should know.

Key takeaways:
Dollar Tree accepts EBT cards for SNAP food and grocery purchases.
You can use EBT cash benefits for non-food items at Dollar Tree.
Confirm EBT acceptance before heading to your local store.
Dollar Tree offers a variety of affordable groceries for SNAP recipients.

What Is Dollar Tree?

Dollar Tree is a huge retail chain in the United States of America with annual revenues of more than $25 billion across 15,115 stores in 48 US states and Canada. This American chain of multi-price variety and discount stores is currently headquartered in Chesapeake VA.

Additionally, the company operates stores under the “Dollar Bills” name, including a chain of multi-price rice point varieties under the “Family Dollar” banner. They sell a variety of products such as food and snacks, beauty care products, health products, books, household items, and toys. Founded as recently as 1986, Dollar Tree is relatively young for any grocery store to be huge.

Customers not only find a variety of items here for only $1, but also various products at different prices to offer affordable products in a wide range in several different categories. Since Dollar Tree sells a variety of items, including food and groceries, you can make all your purchases with your EBT card from here. People who are on a fixed budget and rely on food stamps can manage their money efficiently and expand their SNAP benefits by shopping at Dollar Tree.

What is EBT?

EBT stands for Electronic Benefit Transfer. It is a system that allows state welfare departments to issue benefits using a magnetically encoded payment card, similar to a debit card. EBT is used in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Guam. The two main benefits provided through EBT are the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).

If you are eligible for SNAP, then you can check the best Restaurants That Accept EBT near you.

Does Dollar Tree Take EBT?

Yes, Dollar Tree accepts both types of benefits that come along with an Electronic Benefit Transfer Card: cash benefits and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program food benefits.

While SNAP benefits will allow you to purchase food and staples so you can use the funds on frozen, canned, and non-perishable foods at Dollar Tree stores, cash benefits, on the other hand, are associated with other federal assistance programs and state, for example. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families.

People can use cash benefits to purchase EBT-eligible items at Dollar Tree if they run out of regular SNAP food benefits. EBT recipients can use their cash benefits to purchase cleaning products, body shampoo, diapers, baby wipes, and many other items that are not eligible for SNAP food benefits.

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How To Use Your EBT Card Or Food Stamps At Dollar Tree?

The process of using EBT cards or food stamps at authorized Dollar Tree stores is simple and fairly straightforward. In the following section, we provide a step-by-step guide to help you pay for your SNAP-eligible items or groceries at Dollar Tree stores.

Find a participating Dollar Tree store

The first and most important step is to find a Dollar Tree store that accepts food stamps or EBT in your state. Fortunately, Dollar Tree has a presence throughout the United States of America, so it may not be difficult for you to locate a store near you. To learn more about participating grocery stores that accept food stamps, you can use the USDA SNAP Retailer Locator online.

Check EBT Acceptance Before Ordering

Before heading to a grocery store that accepts food stamps or EBT, you should confirm their SNAP EBT policies and make sure they accept them. You can directly approach the counter to place your order and purchase the eligible products discussed in the previous section of the article.

Swipe your EBT card

When it comes to paying for your order, simply swipe your EBT card while checking out at the checkout window and enter the four-digit secret PIN to complete the EBT transaction. Don’t forget to bring the receipt where you can know the remaining balance in your EBT account.

You can combine your discounts and savings with your EBT card, including manufacturer and store coupons and sales. It is important to note that while using your EBT card you are required to purchase eligible groceries for in-person transactions at any Dollar Tree store, so you cannot use food stamps to purchase at dollartree.com.

However, with your cash benefits, you can withdraw cash to purchase a Dollar Tree gift card in store and use the card to make an online purchase. If you do not have cash benefits, you will not be able to use SNAP benefits to purchase gift cards.

SNAP recipients also look for Does Whole Foods Take EBT

Benefits of Using Your EBT Card At Dollar Tree?

Dollar Tree is similar to any other grocery store that accepts EBT cards and makes it easier for low-income families and individuals who rely on food stamps or SNAP to purchase groceries without the need to travel long distances.

Dollar Tree stands out from other grocery stores because SNAP recipients can find a wide variety of goods and products here at competitive prices, which is not the case with other grocery chains or retailers.

With your EBT card, you can purchase items such as snacks, canned foods, beverages, store brand cereals, and many other items available at affordable prices. Budget-conscious SNAP recipients love shopping here because they find products at low prices.

They also accept coupons from customers to allow them to use their SNAP dollars for theirs.

With more than 4,000 stores located in 48 states and Canada, Dollar Tree is an excellent resource for poor U.S. households with a great selection of staples, refrigerated and frozen foods, something rare at Dollar stores in general.

They have a strong food and grocery section that can maximize your EBT benefits. They even accept online transactions through Instacart; However, not all stores can process EBT payments online, so you may need to use an alternative payment source.

Related Article: Does Costco Take EBT Card or Food Stamps

What You Can Purchase at Dollar Tree Through Your EBT Card?

The good news is that Dollar Tree sells a wide range of groceries that you can cover with your food stamps or EBT card. The general rule states that you should check the nutritional information on the back of the package before making a purchase.

You cannot purchase vitamins or supplements with your EBT cards, including food for your pet, kitchen utensils, household items, or anything that does not fall into the food category. Let’s take a look at the following items that are generally accepted at Dollar Tree with food stamp benefits.

• Bread and cereals: Includes all types of bread, crackers, cereals, pasta, oatmeal and rice.
• Meat, poultry and fish: includes all forms of meat, such as pork, beef, turkey, chicken, fish and lamb.
• Milk and dairy products: includes all types of milk, yogurt, cheese and butter.
• Fruits and Vegetables: EBT purchases of all types of fresh, canned or frozen fruits and vegetables are permitted.
• Plants, seeds, and seedlings: You can use your food stamp benefits to collect plants, seeds, or seedlings that can help you grow fruits, vegetables, or herbs at home.
• Baby formula: You can use SNAP benefits to purchase baby formula, including cereal, baby food, and juice to feed your baby.
• Live lobsters and shellfish: You can use your SNAP benefits to purchase live shellfish, such as lobsters, clams, and shrimp, including live fish taken from the water.
• Snacks: This includes bakery pastries, chips, cheese, crackers, and gift baskets containing eligible foods.
• Beverages: Although, you cannot purchase hot coffee, tea, or lettuce with your SNAP benefits card. You can purchase brewed tea and coffee yourself using SNAP Benefits, including cold beverages such as cold brews, fountain drinks, smoothies, and iced coffees intended for human consumption.
• Protein Powders, Shakes, and Bars: You can buy meal replacement shakes, protein powders, bars, or any other shakes that come with a Nutrition Facts label instead of a Supplemental Facts label.

Also Read: Does Sam’s Club Take EBT Cards

What You Can’t Buy at Dollar Tree Through Your EBT Card?

Dollar Tree stores offer a variety of products including regional, national and private brands including health and beauty, snacks, food, parties, housewares, seasonal decor, tableware, glassware, household cleaning supplies, gifts , toys, candy, packaging and gifts. bags, craft supplies, stationery, teaching materials, electronics, automotive, books, pet supplies.

They also sell frozen foods such as milk, pizza, eggs, ice cream, pre-made baked goods, and frozen dinners.

Below is the list of items that are generally not accepted for food stamps or EBT cards.

• Alcohol and tobacco products: This includes beer, wine, tobacco, cigarettes, spirits, low-alcohol beers labeled as liquor-filled chocolates, non-alcoholic wine, alcoholic wine, e-liquid for electronic cigarettes, etc. However, you can use the EBT Card to purchase wine vinegar, wine, and vanilla extract, as they can be used as cooking ingredients.
• Medications, Vitamins, and Supplements: Any item that includes the Supplement Facts label is a supplement and cannot be purchased with EBT or SNAP benefits. You cannot purchase vitamins, medications, or supplements with your EBT card.
• Hot food: This includes hot chocolate, chili stew, prepared meats, or any restaurant food.
• Live Animals: You cannot purchase live animals with your EBT card; however, there are exceptions, such as live shellfish, live fish removed from water, animals slaughtered before picking them up at the store, etc.
• Non-edible food items: This includes cleaning supplies, pet food, cosmetics, hygiene items, kitchen utensils, etc.

The following are the consequences you may face if you make an unapproved food purchase at any supermarket using your EBT card: a three-month ban for the first unapproved SNAP purchase, a one-year ban for the second unapproved SNAP purchase and a two-year suspension. one-year ban on third unapproved SNAP purchase.

If you are already eligible for SNAP then check Does Instacart Take EBT cards or Food stamps.

What Forms of Payment Does Dollar Tree Accept In-Store

Dollar Tree shoppers have different payment options they can use to complete the transaction. However, the payment method in store may be slightly different from the payment method when shopping online. It is important to know the difference to ensure your order is processed and payment is made.

Dollar Tree transaction in store

EBT cards, credit and debit cards, and food stamps are accepted as a payment method at Dollar Stores. You can also use checks to make payments, as all stores must process checks using electronic check acceptance.

If you have a Dollar Tree gift card you can also use it to complete your purchase. Stores are open in select locations. Therefore, shoppers are advised to visit the Dollar Stores Terms and Conditions page on their official website to learn about their in-store coupon acceptance policy.

Dollar Tree Online Transactions

Dollar Tree accepts online orders from its customers through its official website and accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, debit or credit cards. You can also use PayPal or PayPal credit; however, EBT cards are not accepted for online transactions at Dollar Tree.

Below is the list of payments that Dollar Tree does not accept:

• Purchase orders
• Coupons
• Google Wallet
• Apple Pay

Shopping Tips for EBT Users at Dollar Tree

To make the most of your Dollar Tree shopping experience using your EBT card, consider the following tips:

Plan Ahead: Create a shopping list of EBT-eligible items before you head to the store. This will help you stay focused and ensure that you only purchase items that may be covered by your benefits.

Look for deals and discounts: Dollar Tree often has promotional deals and discounts. Keep an eye out for these deals to maximize your savings.

Combine with other payment methods: For items that are not EBT eligible, you can use other forms of payment, such as cash, debit or credit cards. This allows you to purchase all the items you need in one trip.

Alternate Stores That Accept EBT For Online Grocery Delivery And Pickup

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program allows people to stretch their food budget each month, and if you go to the grocery store, you can use your SNAP benefits online for grocery delivery and pickup, giving you more convenience.

As you know, Dollar Tree does not accept EBT, SNAP cards, or food stamps as a payment method for online purchases. You can take a look at the following supermarket chains that accept cards for online grocery delivery and pickup.

Amazon

Amazon’s grocery delivery and pickup service known as Amazon Fresh, including Groceries on Amazon, now accepts SNAP EBT cards nationwide. In the grocery and gourmet foods section of Amazon.com, you can find many non-perishable foods and non-perishable pantry staples.

If you’re not an Amazon Prime member, you can get free shipping by purchasing eligible items worth $35 or more. Amazon Fresh, on the other hand, is available in some cities nationwide and offers perishable foods with service charges ranging from $6.95 to $9.95 on orders under $100.

Target

Like Amazon, Target accepts an online SNAP payment option to provide more convenience to its customers through its delivery service known as Shipt.

You must create an account at target.com to use your EBT card and then place an order. Same-day grocery delivery at target.com costs $9.9. Shipt members get free delivery on orders over $35.

Read More: Does Target Accept EBT

Walmart

You can use your EBT card online for grocery delivery and pickup in all 50 US states by creating an account at walmart.com. This retailer’s free curbside pickup service requires a minimum order of $35 and if your order falls below this amount, you will have to pay a small pickup fee.

Maybe grocery delivery rates may vary depending on whether you choose express delivery or regular delivery. You cannot pay Walmart pickup and delivery fees with your EBT card.

DoorDash

DoorDash is a popular delivery service that accepts SNAP payments online and has joined others like ALDI, Instacart, Amazon, and Walmart. You can use your EBT card online to pay for grocery delivery and pickup.

For that, you need to create a new DoorDash account, add your EBT details to the account, and shop on the DoorDash website or app. SNAP recipients can get two free months of DashPass with this retailer, which typically costs $9.99 each month to use the delivery service.

Instacart

Instacart is another popular online grocery delivery service alongside DoorDash that allows SNAP recipients to purchase groceries for delivery or pickup in all 50 US states.

SNAP recipients can also get discounts on Instacart+ membership. Instacart offers grocery delivery to the following SNAP retailers: ALDI, Price Rite, Stop & Shop, Price Chopper, Hannaford, Supermarket, and Market 32.

Some more retailers that accept EBT online include:

Albertsons
H-E-B
Hy-Vee
Kroger
Safeway
Stop & Shop
ShopRite

What Qualifies A Store To Accept Food Stamps or EBT Benefits?

To process EBT or food stamp benefits, each store, including Dollar Tree, must offer different types of products in four categories with a minimum of two categories of perishable products.

Stores that accept EBT, including Dollar General and Dollar Tree stores, accept EBT and offer the following items: dairy products, bread and cereals, fish, poultry, meat, and fruits and vegetables.

Stores must also ensure that half of their sales come from groceries and staples to process EBT payments and this does not include candy, soda, prepaid groceries, junk food or alcoholic beverages. Fortunately, Dollar Tree sells a wide variety of foods and groceries for households, which is why the USDA includes it on the list of EBT-friendly stores.

Conclusion

SNAP recipients would be pleased to know that Dollar Tree accepts food stamps or EBT cards as a payment method. However, you should be sure to purchase SNAP-eligible items at your nearby Dollar Tree store. EBT acceptance makes it beneficial for struggling people to purchase food and groceries at a local Dollar Tree store. You may be surprised to know that you can also earn cash back with your EBT card by shopping at Dollar Tree. Hopefully, this will make things easier for many low-income families who are struggling and allow them to get back on their feet.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Does Dollar Tree Accept EBT Cards