Millions of people use their EBT cards to purchase food every day. In fact, the benefits of using an EBT card are many, including the ability to buy fresh produce, meat, and other groceries. One store that is commonly frequented by those with EBT cards is Costco wholesale warehouses. In this article, we will explore whether or not Costco accepts EBT as a form of payment.
What is an EBT Card and What Does it Do?
An EBT card is an Electronic Benefits Transfer card, similar to a debit or credit card. However, it does not contain any cash value like a traditional card. Instead, your EBT card works similarly to having your bank account attached to the card. You swipe this wherever you purchase food, and your money goes onto the card so you can buy groceries at approved stores.
One of the great things about using an EBT card for purchasing food is that many different grocery stores accept them as payment. This means you may be able to save big on everyday items such as milk or bread if you switch which marketplace accepts your SNAP (supplemental nutrition assistance program) benefits.
Thinking does Amazon take EBT? They absolutely do!
Do I Need a Bank Account To Use an EBT Card?
No. You do not need a bank account to use your EBT card. When you sign up for benefits, including food stamps, you will receive an EBT card that has your information on it and is attached to your account. That means whenever you go to the grocery store and swipe this card, the money from your SNAP benefits moves onto this card so you can purchase food.
If you do need a bank account by chance, you can use a non-Chexsystems bank near me to open an account.
How Does Costco Work?
The first thing you should know about shopping at Costco is that it’s not like most other big-box stores. If there are items on your list and a need for them, then walking into any Walmart will do just fine. If this isn’t an option (as with certain medications), keep reading!
Often people think the only difference between shopping here versus going somewhere else would be price. This is true to some degree. But, it’s also worth noting how different things get when we add in some extra steps before paying: needing proof of purchase card, membership ID, etc. For the most part, you need a membership, and you must show your card to enter the store.
If you can’t afford a Costco membership but have someone who would buy on your behalf, that could be a solution. Additionally, there are other options as well to shop at Costco without an ID:
- You can also shop at your local Costco warehouse without a membership ID by using Costco “Shop” cards which are essentially gift certificates with set values.
- You can also shop at Costco online without a membership ID; however, you will have to pay 5% more for your items.
Does Costco Take Food Stamps?
Costco does take food stamps in the form of EBT cards. While you may not be aware of this yourself, many customers have said that they use their EBT cards to purchase their groceries at Costco warehouses. There are two types of public assistance benefits to choose from when shopping: SNAP and TANF.
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program):
SNAP benefits are funded and paid by the federal government and can only be used to purchase food products. This program helps people who need assistance paying for their groceries. SNAP funds are loaded onto EBT cards which most grocery stores accept as food stamp benefits.
TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families):
Each state runs the TANF program in addition to the federal government. It can also be known as “cash aid” or “welfare.” TANF funds are also loaded onto EBT cards, just like SNAP benefits. Some TANF benefits will cover non-food items.
If the above options don’t help, there are also guaranteed loans for unemployed individuals.
Does Costco Accept EBT Cards and SNAP Benefits?
Costco is fantastic for buying food! All of their warehouse locations accept EBT cards, which means you can use your SNAP benefits to buy fresh produce, foods, meats, and other groceries. There may be some limited exceptions depending on what state you reside in, so be sure to contact your state agency for a complete list of qualified products. Being able to use your EBT card at Costco is a great way to save money on groceries.
How To Use Your EBT Card at Costco
Buying groceries with your EBT card at Costco can be a simple process. However, if you’re also buying non-food items (such as household essentials or diapers), then make sure to pay for all of the food items first before paying for any other purchases that may come up during checkout.
You want to be sure to use your EBT card for your SNAP-eligible groceries. Keep in mind that you can use your cash account for all non-eligible food stamps EBT purchases. However, if you ring everything up at once, you may end up covering the cost of your order from your cash account and not using your EBT food benefits if the payment method can’t be more than one source.
Don’t worry. You can pay for your purchases with your EBT card and avoid informing the cashier that you’re using it if your local Costco warehouse offers a self-checkout option.
How To Use Your EBT Card To Pay at Costco
- After your cashier has rung up your purchases, swipe or insert your card at the point-of-sale (POS), then enter your PIN.
- Designate which account (SNAP or Cash) to charge your purchase to.
- Follow the directions on the POS keypad.
- Confirm the charge.
- Provide photo ID upon request.
A lot of grocery stores accept food stamps, and Costco is one of those that do. This means you can use your EBT card to purchase food items and groceries at a discounted price. Costco adheres to following all state laws when it comes to using an EBT card at Costco. Contact your state agency for a complete list of qualified products, as listings will vary by location.
What Can I Buy at Costco With My EBT Card?
Costco warehouse stores accept EBT benefits. If you have an EBT card, you can use it to make food stamp purchases at Costco. The EBT card can be used at Sam’s Club stores as well. However, you cannot use SNAP benefits at general merchandise stores like Kmart or Target.
Eligible Food Items Accepted at Costco Warehouse Stores with EBT Benefits
- Fruits and vegetables
- Salad dressing
- Potato Chips
- Protein bars with nutrition labels
- Bakery Items
- Dairy products
- Bread
- Energy drinks with nutrition labels
- Seafood
- Canned Foods and Canned Fruits
- Juices
- Baby formula
- Cereal
- Coffee
- Frozen dinners
- Meats
- Poultry
What Can’t I Buy at Costco With My EBT Card?
There are some things at Costco stores that Costco members can’t use food stamps for are noted below.
Ineligible Food Items at Costco Warehouse Stores with EBT/SNAP Benefits
- Alcoholic beverages
- Gas
- Pet supplies
- Medications
- Pay bail
- Buy firearms or ammunition
- Plants
- Tobacco products
- Household products
- Hygiene products
- Vitamins and supplements
- Cosmetics
Other accepted payment methods to purchase these items are to use
- Costco department store credit card
- Costco shop cards
- Costco cash cards.
Additionally, you can use buy now pay later no credit check instant approval stores to get what you need now.
Does Costco Accept EBT Online?
Costco does not take EBT online for several reasons, the main one being the security of your EBT card number. Since it can be used as a regular debit card, they don’t want to risk it being compromised at any point. You can still purchase groceries and other items online, but you won’t be able to use an EBT card at Costco online. You’ll have to go to your local Costco to use your EBT benefits.
Can You Use EBT at Costco Gas Stations?
It is not possible to use your EBT card inside of a Costco gas station. Although you can purchase food with your EBT card, the rule applies that you cannot buy any kind of alcohol or tobacco products with your EBT card.
Does Costco Take WIC?
No, Costco does not take WIC vouchers. Costco is not approved by the WIC program. However, they will take the EBT/SNAP benefits that are offered by the government to low-income families. This program allows approved customers to use their EBT cards at Costco or Sam’s Club for their food stamp purchases.
Make sure to visit your local Costco store in person to check out their selection of goods and to purchase them with your EBT card.
Can I Use My EBT Card at Costco Food Court?
No, you can’t use your EBT card and the Costco food court. It’s because electronic benefits transfer (EBT) cards normally cannot be used for purchasing hot foods or restaurant-prepared items intended to be consumed immediately. That includes most food court items. Costco’s food court has prepared foods ready to eat. You will have to use cash, a debit card, or another form of payment if you want to purchase food at the Costco food court.
Does Costco Take EBT on Instacart?
You cannot use your EBT benefits on Instacart. While Costco accepts EBT cards, you cannot use them to purchase groceries online through Instacart and pay service delivery fees. You’ll need to use another payment method if you want to order groceries online.
Can I Use my EBT/SNAP Benefits For Costco Membership Fees?
No. You can’t use your EBT card to buy your Costco membership card. While you can use government assistance at Costco warehouse locations for bulk purchases, you can only use EBT/SNAP benefits for certain Costco purchases. You can use a Visa card or another form of payment if you need to pay for your membership costs. Check the Costco website for more information.
If you do need to make purchases for goods, consider online store credit cards with guaranteed approval as an option.
Tips To Maximize Your EBT Benefits at Costco
Here are some tips below for shopping at Costco with an EBT card.
1. Pick Your Items Carefully
When shopping with your EBT card, you need to ensure the items you select are eligible for purchase. Only choose items that can be purchased with an EBT card. This ensures you won’t have to pay out of pocket for anything. Use coupons or shop in bulk to get discounts on foods and other items.
2. Purchase Beverages and Vitamins Carefully
You need to carefully pick out all of your beverages when you shop with an EBT card. Only purchase items such as water, juices, and other drinks that are eligible for purchase with EBT benefits. You can’t buy any alcohol or tobacco items at Costco with an EBT card so keep your EBT card only for the food items.
3. Purchase Frozen and Prepared Items Carefully
You can purchase frozen foods or prepared items with an EBT card, but don’t do it unless it’s completely necessary. You need to ensure that the frozen and prepared items you select qualify for purchase with an EBT card. This ensures you won’t have to pay out of pocket for anything. If it’s a bad deal, the store may not accept your card, so purchase carefully.
4. Purchase In Bulk
The more items you purchase in bulk, the more you’ll save on each unit. Plus, sometimes you can get extra discounts or coupons for buying in bulk. Make sure to compare the cost per unit of items at Costco versus outside locations before purchasing them with your EBT card.
5. Use Coupons and Compare Prices
Coupons can be a way to save money on your grocery shopping at Costco. Bring coupons along with you or download them to your EBT card to use during checkout. You can also compare Costco and outside locations prices before buying the items with your EBT card.
6. Visit Your Local Costco Locations
Shopping in person is always better than online shopping. Visit your local Costco locations before selecting items to purchase with your EBT card. It’s always better to examine the products in person, touch them and select what you really want or need before purchasing them. Plus, you can speak with a representative at Costco if you have any questions. Here is a list of Costco locations statewide.
So, Are Food Stamps Accepted at Costco?
Costco does accept EBT at physical Costco locations. While there are some rules for EBT cardholders, generally, bulk groceries can be purchased at a Costco location with SNAP benefits. A Costco cashier may check your ID for verification. You cannot use your EBT for online purchases of online grocery orders.
Costco is a great option for buying groceries at affordable prices if you have the option to use your EBT card. Just don’t forget that you can only purchase groceries, not alcohol or tobacco products, with an EBT assistance card.
