Does Sam’s Club Take EBT? Curious if Sam’s Club accepts eBT? Fortunately, Sam’s Club accepts EBT to purchase eligible groceries at their club. At Sam’s Club, Snap is the most used and accepted EBT card. Sam’s Club accepts all major credit cards drawn from US-based accounts, excluding territories and/or municipalities.
Sam’s Club is known for saving shoppers a lot of money. Due to its affordable price, it is a very attractive option for EBT users, even if they have to pay $45 for an annual membership to gain access. But the question arises: Does Sam’s Club accept EBT as a form of payment?
I set out to answer this question and many other related questions that will make using your EBT card a breeze.
Does Sam’s Club Accept EBT?
Does Sam’s Club Take EBT?
Yes.
You can use EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) at ALL Sam’s Clubs in the United States. Yes, both Costco and Sam’s Club accept EBT cards for certain purchases. However, EBT cards cannot be used to pay membership fees at any of the stores.
It is also important to note that EBT cards can only be used to purchase food intended for home consumption, such as groceries and some types of prepared foods. Non-food items, such as electronics or clothing, cannot be purchased with EBT cards.
As of 2023, Sam’s Club “currently accepts SNAP, also called EBT cards, at all club locations.”
However, this members-only retailer does not accept EBT payments for purchases made online. This includes curbside pickup, in-store pickup, and home delivery orders.
Shoppers must be Sam’s Club members to use EBT at Sam’s Club. For more information, you can read more about Sam’s Club’s EBT policy here.
Sam’s Club has announced that SNAP EBT cards are now accepted as a payment method for digital purchases. The members-only retail warehouse club says this will make it the first major retailer to support EBT payment for SNAP purchases within its stores through its Scan & Go service, PYMNTS.com reports.
Can You Use EBT On Sam’s Club Scan And Go?
Sam’s Club recently made headlines by making EBT an accepted form of payment through its Scan & Go app. This makes Sam’s Club the first major retailer to enable EBT payments through a mobile app self-pay service.
Please note that the Scan & Go app is relatively new and Sam’s Club recently made it EBT-compatible. So, as of June 2022, only select Sam’s Club locations accept EBT payments through the Scan & Go app.
Related Post: Does Instacart Take EBT In 2023?
Sam’s Club Accepts SNAP Purchases for Scan & Go
Sam’s Club has announced that customers will now be able to use federal supplemental nutritional benefits to pay for their purchases digitally and skip lines at the checkout.
It will make Sam’s Club the first major retailer to support digital electronic benefit transfer (EBT) payment for SNAP transactions within its stores through its Scan & Go service.
However, they also accept other payment methods such as PLCC, debit cards, Discover, Visa or Master cards and gift cards. Sam’s club only accepts EBT when you make a purchase within their club by visiting their location.
Additionally, you must be a Sam’s Club member to enjoy EBT benefits. You can use EBT at all Sam’s Club locations by choosing the Scan & Go option. However, they do not accept EBT payments when you order online from their website.
How To Use An EBT Card At Sam’s Club?
There are two ways to use an EBT card for purchases at Sam’s Club.
First, EBT cards can be used for any purchase made with a checkpoint employee or at a self-check station. To use an EBT card for these purchases, simply scan your card the same way you would a credit or debit card. When prompted, enter the PIN number associated with your card.
If you do not have sufficient funds in your SNAP account or if the order total exceeds the amount you have, the transaction will be declined.
When your order total exceeds the amount you have in your account but you still want to use the rest of your SNAP benefits as partial payment for your grocery order, you will need to tell the cashier exactly how much is on your card.
Your EBT food benefit balance is available by calling the number on the back of your EBT card or by checking the bottom of any receipt for a purchase made with your EBT card.
EBT cards can also be used for purchases made in-store using the Sam’s Club Scan & Go app. These are the instructions provided by Sam’s Club for adding your EBT card to your Scan & Go app account.
Sam’s Club also put together this handy how-to video for shoppers interested in adding an EBT card to their Scan & Go account. Please note that because Sam’s Club recently began accepting EBT through its Scan & Go app, currently only participating Sam’s Club locations are equipped to accept EBT San & Go payments.
EBT cards cannot be used for purchases made through the Sam’s Club website, including in-store and curbside pickup orders. Simply put, EBT cards can be used for any purchase (on qualifying items) made in person at a Sam’s Club store.
Does Sam’s Club Take EBT Online?
Yes, Sam’s Club announced its Scan & Go service in 2017 in some stores and filed a patent for the technology in 2019. Customers can skip the checkout line by using the retailer’s mobile phone app to scan items while they shop, pay from their phone and show your digital receipt when you leave.
To make sure the EBT SNAP experience is “simple, accessible and seamless,” Sam’s Club worked with the internal payment service team and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service. The retailer says the Scan & Go app EBT SNAP project is now fully certified.
Walmart was previously among the first retailers to begin accepting EBT SNAP payments for online grocery orders through a pilot program with the USDA. Sam’s Club has reportedly been inspired by this.
What Items Can You Buy With EBT Cards At Sam’s Club?
It is important to remember that EBT cards can be used to transfer different types of benefits to recipients, with food stamps being just one of those types of benefits. So, in theory, you could use your EBT card to make a wide range of purchases at Sam’s Club if you’ve been approved for cash assistance.
However, most people who have EBT cards have only been approved for food assistance.
Here we’ll go over the types of items you can buy with EBT food assistance (SNAP benefits), as well as some examples of items that don’t qualify.
Some examples of items you can purchase at Sam’s Club with your EBT food benefits card include:
- fresh products
- canned foods
- Packaged foods such as cereals, pasta, crackers, etc.
- Bulk foods
- Milk and dairy products
- Eggs, meats and seafood.
- Any edible food that is not considered hot prepared food.
Other Stores That Accept EBT Cards
Grocery stores are not required to accept EBT cards. Therefore, it is not always easy to know where you can use them.
Here is a list of common grocery retailers and wholesalers that also accept SNAP payments:
- costco
- Aim
- winco
- Walmart (in store and online)
- Safeway (in store and delivery)
- Kroger (includes Fred Meyer and QFC)
SNAP benefits can also be used through Instacart to place online orders through a wide variety of retailers that may or may not independently accept EBT.
Residents of Alaska, Louisiana, and Montana are currently not eligible to use EBT benefits through Instacart starting June 2022.
What is an EBT card?
An Electronic Benefit Transfer card is a card that the government uses to deliver benefits to eligible recipients. The card works like a regular debit card and you can use it to purchase items.
When you use your EBT card at a store, your SNAP EBT account is debited to reimburse the store for the food you purchased. EBT has been the only method of issuing SNAP benefits since 2004. EBT is used in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Guam.
Not all stores accept EBT cards, and even those that do, you can only purchase specific items.
What is the difference between SNAP, EBT and food stamps? SNAP stands for “Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program” and is essentially food stamps for “techies.”
So instead of receiving paper food stamps, you’ll get your benefits on a plastic card, similar to a debit card, called an EBT card. Your EBT (or SNAP) card is used like a debit card at Sam’s Club.
How To Get EBT Cards
Although it is a federal program of the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture), SNAP benefits are distributed by state agencies.
To apply for an EBT card, you will need to contact your state’s social services office.
For example, in Washington state, food stamps can be accessed through the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). In California, applicants will need to go through the CalFresh program operated by the California Department of Social Services.
Can I Use My EBT Card at Self-Checkout?
Yes. Your EBT card is an allowed payment method when you use self-checkout at Sam’s and is a great way to pay if you’re embarrassed to use EBT.
You can even make a split payment if you don’t have enough money on your EBT card. Once you swipe your card, it will tell you how much money is on your card. Then you simply swipe your card again and enter your PIN.
The amount will be deducted from your EBT card and you can then use a credit card to pay the remaining balance. Please note that you must use a credit card to pay the balance as the self-checkout machine does NOT accept cash, not even SNAP cash.
Does Sam’s Club accept WIC?
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides supplemental foods, nutrition education, and services to low-income pregnant, lactating, and postpartum women, and infants and children up to five years old who are considered at nutritional risk. Unfortunately, Sam’s Club is not an authorized WIC retailer. Therefore, you do not receive WIC benefits.
Can I use EBT at Sam’s Club “curbside pickup”?
No. Curbside pickup orders at Sam’s are not eligible for EBT as a payment method…YET. The same goes for Sam’s same-day delivery service. The reason it doesn’t work is because curbside pickup orders use SamsClub.com and the website doesn’t accept EBT yet. Hopefully this will change soon as many shoppers have complained about this to Sam’s Club management.
Does Sam’s Club Instacart accept EBT?
Yes. Although Sam’s Club does not accept EBT payments for online orders, Instacart is a valid alternative solution. You also don’t need a membership to shop at Sam’s Club if you use Instacart, as Instacart acts as a middleman and gives you access to some of the membership benefits.
Read More: Restrurents That Accept EBT Near You
Is the return policy different for EBT purchases at Sam’s Club?
No. EBT purchases can be refunded like other purchases. However, it will be refunded to your EBT card, meaning you will not receive a cash refund for a purchase made with an EBT card. Receiving cash in exchange for EBT benefits is illegal and considered a form of fraud.
Can an EBT card be used for grocery delivery?
Yes. If you use a grocery delivery service like Instacart, you can use your EBT card to pay for a grocery delivery order. However, Sam’s Club does not accept EBT payments for grocery delivery orders placed directly through its website.
Can my family members use my EBT card?
Yes. But… the only way family members can use your EBT card at Sam’s (or anywhere else) is if you list them when you fill out the benefits application form. This includes your spouse, parents and children. It won’t work if you include your girlfriend or boyfriend, you must be married.
Does Sam’s also accept WIC?
No. WIC, which stands for “Women, Infants, and Children,” is a supplemental federal program that offers nutrition education and healthy eating. Unfortunately, Sam’s Club is not an authorized WIC retailer and therefore they do not accept it in their store. But not all hope is lost as most grocery stores DO accept WIC. Notably, this includes national retailers like Safeway, Target, and Walmart.
Ask the Reader: Do you regularly use your EBT card at Sam’s Club? Is it an easy process? Let me know if this article is missing information and I’ll be sure to add it.
Alternative Stores That Accept EBT Card
Here are some others stores that accept EBT cards or food stamps:
Instacart
Instracart accept EBT cards, and EBT cards are currently accepted for online grocery delivery and pickup orders in select states through Instacart. Customers with EBT cards can add their card information to their Instacart account and purchase eligible items. During checkout, they can select the option to pay with EBT and enter their PIN. However, availability may vary by location, so it’s best to check with Instacart for the latest information.
Costco
Costco accepts EBT cards for eligible grocery purchases at its warehouses. Customers can shop in-store and pay for eligible items using their EBT card at checkout. However, EBT cards cannot be used for online purchases at Costco.com.
Whole Foods
Whole Foods accepts EBT cards for eligible grocery purchases at its brick-and-mortar stores. Customers can purchase qualifying items and pay with their EBT card at the register. However, EBT cards cannot be used for online orders through the Whole Foods website or app.
Target
Target accepts EBT cards for eligible grocery purchases at its stores nationwide. Customers can shop in-store and pay with their EBT card at checkout for qualifying items. However, EBT cards cannot be used for online orders through Target.com.
Trader Joe’s
Trader Joe’s does not currently accept EBT cards for purchases in its stores. Payments must be made using other forms of payment, such as cash, debit or credit cards. However, policies may vary by location, so it’s a good idea to check with your local Trader Joe’s centers. Some locations of Trader Joes accept EBT, find them.
Conclusion
Shopping at Sam’s Club with your EBT card has never been easier! With the new added benefit of being able to use SNAP through the Sam’s Club Scan & Go app, you’ll be able to shop at Sam’s Club with ease using your EBT card. Plus, if you use Instacart, you won’t even have to pay for a Sam’s Club membership or leave the comfort of your home to shop.
I hope this post answered your question about whether or not Sam’s Club accepts EBT. Sure, you can’t use EBT to pay for online purchases or purchases through Instacart, but you can still head to your local Sam’s Club store and purchase items using your SNAP benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I shop with a friend who is a member and use my benefits?
No. In order to use your EBT card (or SNAP benefits) at Sam’s Club, you must pay the $45 annual membership fee.
Can I use my EBT card on Sam’s website?
No. Unfortunately, you cannot shop on the Sam’s website and use your EBT card, you will have to go to an actual store to do so.
Can you use EBT at Sam’s Club Scan and Go?
You cannot use your EBT card with Sam’s Club Scan and Go. EBT payments are not currently supported with the Scan and Go feature.
Can you use EBT at Sam’s Club food court?
Most SNAP recipients cannot purchase items at the food court. This is because food court items, such as hot prepared foods, are not eligible for SNAP. Sam’s Club Food Court sells items such as ready-to-eat pizza, pretzels and hot dogs, and other hot and prepared foods, which are not considered eligible for SNAP benefits.
Can I use EBT at Instacart Sam’s Club?
No, you cannot use your EBT payments for any online purchases, including those made through Instacart and other apps like Instacart. But, if you want to shop for groceries through Instacart, you have a few options.