Whether you’re new to EBT or a long-time Costco member, you’re probably wondering if Costco will accept your EBT card. Also, does EBT at Costco work the same as at the supermarket?
I’ll break down all your questions and also talk about EBT product exclusions at Costco so you can shop smart and have no surprises when you hit the checkout aisle.
Costco’s low prices, free samples, and affordable food court are just a few of the reasons the chain has attracted millions of fans around the world. If you receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, you’ll be pleased to know that you can spend them at Costco stores. Here’s how it works and why it might not be cost-effective for all families.
But as tempting as Costco’s food and grocery items are, not everything is at stake when you pay with government benefits. Here’s what you need to know before you head to Costco to use your food stamps.
Does Costco Take EBT?
Yes
All their stores accept EBT cards. Costco follows all state laws regarding what can be purchased with EBT cards. For a complete list of products that qualify for purchase with the EBT card, contact your state agency.
You’ll find the complete state-by-state list of SNAP agency contact numbers here. You can also find more information about SNAP programs here.
Are food stamps accepted in Costco Warehouses?
Costco is known for selling at lower prices compared to other retail stores. This strategy explains why it is one of the most successful wholesale clubs in the United States.
If you’re new to Costco stores and have never shopped there before, you might be thinking, “Does Costco accept EBT?”
With Costco’s valuable deals, it makes sense that you’d want to shop there with your EBT card.
In this post, I’ll share everything you need to know about Costco, EBT, and SNAP benefits.
Related Post: Does Instacart Take EBT?
How To Use EBT at Costco
SNAP benefits are loaded onto an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, which can then be used like a debit card at many stores, including Costco. However, your EBT card will only work at Costco warehouses. You cannot spend your SNAP benefits online at Costco.com or in the Costco food court or gas stations.
Using an EBT card at Costco is simple. It’s like using a regular debit or credit card. To give you an overview, here is the step by step guide.
- Present your EBT card to the cashier.
- The cashier will enter the amount of your purchase.
- The cashier will ask you to enter your PIN.
- Once you have entered your PIN, the cashier will process your purchase and you will receive a receipt.
- That’s all. Remember to keep your receipt to verify that all charges are correct.
Costco will also provide you with the receipt for your account balance. This way you can ensure that all your payments are up to date and correct.
Does Costco accept EBT at all of their locations?
Costco accepts EBT at all of its warehouses. However, Costco follows all state laws when it comes to what you can purchase with your EBT card.
Are food stamps, SNAP and EBT accepted at Costco?
Food stamps are now accepted at an increasing number of supermarkets, pharmacies and other places. However, some retailers will only accept electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards that distribute federal food assistance. These cards are commonly called “Snap” or “Strips” to distinguish them from cash.
The types of places where you can use your EBT card include stores that sell food or agricultural products, such as supermarkets, pharmacies, convenience stores, and gas stations. Grocery stores often have separate entrances for SNAP users. Pharmacies may also have a separate entrance for SNAP users.
Related Post: Does Sam’s Club Take EBT?
What can you buy at Costco with food stamps?
Although Costco accepts EBT cards, the U.S. Department of Agriculture limits what can be purchased with food stamps. Items eligible to purchase at Costco with your EBT card include the following:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meats, poultry and fish
- Dairy products
- Bread and cereals
- Snacks and non-alcoholic drinks.
- Seeds and plants that produce food.
What You Can’t Buy at Costco with food stamps?
Items that are not eligible to purchase with food stamps at Costco are:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tobacco
- Hot foods that are ready to eat.
- Non-food items, such as pet food, cleaning supplies, paper products, and other household items.
- Vitamins and medications.
- Foods to be eaten in the store.
- Live animals (except shellfish, fish removed from water, and animals slaughtered before pick-up at the store)
Can I use EBT food stamps at Costco?
You can use your EBT card at Costco, but remember that you cannot buy prepared food. You must also be a Costco member to shop there as well.
Can I use my EBT benefits online at Costco.com?
No. Unfortunately, EBT cards are NOT an accepted payment method on the Costco website. The USDA currently has a pilot program for online EBT purchases, and only a limited number of retailers participate in this program.
However, Costco.com is not currently part of this program. So while you can use your EBT card at Costco warehouses, you can’t use the card for online purchases at Costco.com.
Do I have to be a Costco member to use my EBT card?
Yes, but here’s a smart solution.
If you have a friend who is a Costco member, ask them to buy you a Costco Cash Card for an agreed upon amount and then pay them back.
An easy way to pay them is by withdrawing cash from your EBT card’s “Cash Account” at any ATM.
Can you use your EBT card at the Costco food court?
Although Costco accepts EBT cards for purchases in its warehouses, this does not include purchases made in its food courts.
This is because the USDA SNAP guidelines do not allow the use of EBT benefits for prepared foods or foods that will be consumed in the store.
Can I shop with a member, but use my EBT card?
Yes. You can definitely shop with a family member or friend, use their Costco card to check in, but pay with your EBT card.
The cashier will scan your Costco membership card, then you simply pay with your EBT card, grab your receipt, and walk out the door.
Costco does NOT ask cashiers to match the membership name to the name of the card being used to pay.
Can you use your EBT card at Costco business center locations?
Your EBT card can be used at Costco Business Center locations as long as your purchases meet USDA guidelines. However, you cannot use your benefits card to pay for purchases at Costco Business Center online.
Although some restaurants accept EBT cards. You can use your EBT card to pay the bills of restaurants. Find restaurants that accept EBT near you.
How to Save More Money Using Your EBT Card at Costco
Whether you’re purchasing with or without an EBT card, you’ll still be eligible for the same savings opportunities. Here are some tips to maximize your savings when shopping at Costco.
- Shop with a list: To avoid impulse purchases, always shop with a list. This not only helps you stick to your budget but also ensures that you don’t forget any essential items.
- Get creative with bulk purchases: Costco is known for selling items in bulk. This can lead to significant cost savings over time, especially for non-perishable items and those that can be frozen for later use.
- Shop seasonal deals: Keep an eye out for seasonal deals at Costco. It often offers discounted prices on various items throughout the year.
- Consider Costco’s Kirkland Signature brand: Kirkland Signature is Costco’s store brand and these products are typically cheaper than their name-brand counterparts, but are typically of equal quality.
Why does Costco accept EBT cards?
Costco accepts EBT cards as part of its commitment to making its products accessible to all customers. Helps low-income households access the same quality products others can buy.
EBT cardholders can purchase food and other eligible products, such as paper goods and cleaning supplies, without paying full price.
As an added benefit, EBT cardholders can take advantage of the same discounted prices that all other customers enjoy.
It’s a great way for Costco to show its commitment to helping those in need while providing quality products and services to all customers.
Should you use your SNAP benefits at Costco?
The most important consideration when it comes to spending your SNAP benefits at Costco is the $60 annual membership fee. If you’re considering paying that fee, you’ll need to save at least $5 a month for your membership to pay for itself, so think about how much you’d save.
You might even consider paying $120 a year for the executive membership so you can earn 2% back on your purchases. Please note that the maximum monthly SNAP benefit for a family of four is $939. A family would need to spend $500 a month at Costco (more than half of those benefits) to cover the $120 executive membership fee.
Any additional savings would be a plus. Still, $120 is a lot to pay in a lump sum and $500 is a lot to spend at a store each month. In addition to this, many families do not receive maximum SNAP benefits and there are restrictions on how long you can receive benefits.
Important Factors To Consider When Using EBT at Costco
- Emergency benefits won’t last forever
If you live in a state that still pays emergency SNAP allocations, that extra money won’t last forever. States can only pay additional food benefits for the duration of the national health emergency. At the moment the government has not said that it will extend the emergency, but it has not said that it will end it either. - Costco is not always the lowest cost option
Costco may be a great value, but it’s not always the best price. You may be able to get better deals at low-cost grocery stores that don’t charge a membership fee. Plus, if your state runs a food dollar doubling program, you could get two-for-one on all your fruit and vegetable spending at participating stores and farmers markets. - Wholesale purchases are not for everyone
Buying in bulk can be a great way to save money, especially if you buy non-perishable products that will last. Still, it won’t suit every home. For example, some families may not be able to afford six pounds of ground beef at a time, even if it is cheaper overall.
What Is an EBT Card?
Electronic Benefits Transfer, also known as EBT, is a card you get when you apply for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
The government launched this program to help provide nutritious food to low-income families in the country. It is an improved version of food stamps.
This program has been helpful for families who need additional support. Once you’re enrolled, you’ll receive money monthly on your EBT card, which you can use to buy food at most grocery stores.
However, not all stores accept EBT. State laws also determine what you can and cannot buy with your EBT card.
Who Are Eligible for EBT Cards?
To be eligible, a family must meet certain income and work requirements. Households must have an annual income below a certain limit, which is determined by the USDA and based on family size.
You must have a low qualifying income or be considered in a difficult financial situation.
Additionally, you must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident of the U.S. and must live in the state where you are applying for benefits.
Stores that accept EBT cards only
There are some stores that only ACCEPT EBT cards. These stores will not accept cash or other forms of payment other than SNAP benefits.
Costco, Sam’s Club, and Wal-Mart are examples of stores that accept EBT cards, but do not allow non-EBT card users to purchase items with cash. You can also use your EBT card to purchase gas at self-serve pumps at Costco and Whole Foods Market locations.
Does Costco Take EBT for Delivery
Costco does not accept EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) for online purchases or delivery orders. While Costco offers a wide range of products for online ordering and delivery through its website, the option to pay with EBT cards is not currently available.
Conclusion
Using an EBT card at Costco warehouses is a great way to buy healthy groceries and other essentials at lower prices.
Just remember which items are eligible to purchase with your EBT card, so you don’t waste time shopping.
If you want to learn more about using your EBT card for online purchases, check out my guide to using your EBT card on Amazon.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it worth joining Costco in terms of savings?
Depends. A Costco membership currently costs $60 and if you know the best items to buy, in terms of savings, the membership is worth it. But if you arrive at Costco without a plan, it’s very easy to overspend.
Is Costco a WIC approved retailer?
It depends. With a little research, it seems to depend on your specific city and state if Costco is a WIC approved retailer. I found a great resource HERE that allows you to do a city search so you can see all the WIC approved stores in your area.
Can I use EBT funds at the food court?
No. As mentioned above, the Costco food court primarily serves hot food and that is a no-no when using your EBT card.
Can I buy gas at Costco with my EBT card?
No. But you can make an ATM withdrawal with your EBT card and withdraw cash from your “Cash Account” and use it to buy gas at Costco. Make sure you understand the cash withdrawal limits on your EBT account before doing this, as it may not be worth saving.
Can I use my EBT card at Costco self-checkout?
Yes. Basically, your EBT card works like any credit or debit card, so you can definitely use it in the Costco self-checkout aisle.
Is the return policy different for EBT purchases?
No. There is the same great Costco return policy on all EBT purchases. This policy even extends to food and grocery items. So if you’re not completely satisfied with an item, you can return it to Costco at ANY time for a full refund or exchange.
Can I use the Business Center with my EBT card?
Yes. As long as you purchase EBT-eligible items at Costco Business Center, you’re set. EBT-eligible items sold by the Business Center include snacks, non-alcoholic beverages, and meats.
Can I use my EBT card for Costco grocery delivery?
No. Costco recently introduced their new grocery delivery service, but because you must use the Costco website to place your order, you CANNOT use your EBT card to place your grocery delivery order.
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