Does Costco Accept EBT? Complete Guide to Using SNAP Benefits

What You'll Find in This Article

• Quick Answer: Does Costco Accept EBT?
• Understanding EBT and SNAP Benefits
• How to Use EBT at Costco (Step-by-Step)
• What You Can and Cannot Buy with EBT at Costco
• EBT at Costco Food Courts and Gas Stations
• Costco vs. Other Warehouse Clubs for EBT Users
• Maximizing Your SNAP Benefits at Costco
• Additional Saving Options Beyond EBT
• FAQs About Using EBT at Costco
• Alternative Shopping Options (Like Bargain Boxed)

Quick Answer: Does Costco Accept EBT?

Yes, Costco does accept EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) cards for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) eligible items at all their warehouse locations in the United States. However, EBT cannot be used for Costco online purchases, and certain restrictions apply regarding what items you can buy. Keep reading for our complete guide on maximizing your SNAP benefits at Costco.

Understanding EBT and SNAP Benefits

EBT cards work like debit cards for SNAP benefits (formerly known as food stamps) provided by the federal government to help low-income households purchase food. SNAP benefits can only be used for qualifying food items intended for home preparation and consumption.

Before heading to Costco with your EBT card, it's important to understand:

• SNAP benefits only cover food items and seeds/plants that produce food
• Non-food items, alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, and prepared hot foods are typically not eligible
• Each state may have slightly different rules regarding eligible items
• Benefits are automatically loaded onto your EBT card each month

How to Use EBT at Costco (Step-by-Step)

Using your EBT card at Costco is straightforward once you know the process:

1. Shop for SNAP-eligible items - Fill your cart with qualifying food items (more on what's eligible below)
2. Separate eligible from non-eligible items - This makes checkout smoother
3. Inform the cashier - Let them know you'll be paying with EBT before they start scanning
4. Swipe your EBT card first - This will cover all eligible items
5. Pay for remaining items - Use another payment method for non-SNAP eligible purchases
6. Keep your receipt - Always check your remaining balance on the receipt

Remember that you'll need a Costco membership to shop there, even when using EBT. The annual membership fee cannot be paid with SNAP benefits.

What You Can and Cannot Buy with EBT at Costco

SNAP-Eligible Items at Costco

• Fruits and vegetables (fresh, frozen, canned)
• Meat, poultry, and fish
• Dairy products
• Breads and cereals
• Snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages
• Seeds and plants that produce food for the household
• Bulk foods and ingredients for home cooking
• Baby food and formula

Non-Eligible Items at Costco

• Alcohol and tobacco products
• Vitamins, medicines, and supplements
• Live animals (except shellfish and fish)
• Hot foods or foods meant to be eaten in-store
• Non-food items (paper products, cleaning supplies, etc.)
• Pet foods
• Cosmetics and hygiene products
• Electronics and household items

Costco's bulk sizing often makes it an excellent value for SNAP recipients looking to maximize their benefits through bulk purchasing.

EBT at Costco Food Courts and Gas Stations

Unfortunately, Costco food court items are considered prepared foods meant for immediate consumption, making them ineligible for EBT SNAP purchases. This includes their famous $1.50 hot dog and soda combo, pizza, and other prepared meals.

Similarly, Costco gas stations do not accept EBT cards for fuel purchases. SNAP benefits are strictly limited to food items for home consumption, not fuel or automotive products.

Costco vs. Other Warehouse Clubs for EBT Users

When comparing warehouse clubs that accept EBT:

• Costco: Accepts EBT in-store only, requires membership, offers high-quality store brands
• Sam's Club: Accepts EBT in-store, requires membership, slightly lower priced membership
• BJ's Wholesale: Accepts EBT in-store, requires membership, accepts manufacturer coupons

For maximum savings on bulk groceries without a membership requirement or EBT limitations, online options like Bargain Boxed offer exceptional value with no membership fees and deeply discounted prices on shelf-stable foods and household essentials.

Maximizing Your SNAP Benefits at Costco

To get the most value from your SNAP benefits at Costco:

1. Focus on bulk staples - Items like rice, beans, pasta, and frozen vegetables offer excellent value
2. Watch for Instant Savings - Costco's coupon books provide additional discounts on eligible items
3. Compare unit prices - Sometimes the larger size isn't always the better deal
4. Shop strategically - Plan meals around sale items to stretch your benefits
5. Consider shelf-stable items - Many of Costco's shelf-stable foods offer excellent value and last for extended periods when stored properly
6. Split bulk purchases - Share large purchases with another household to avoid waste

Remember that many shelf-stable items can be safely consumed well past their best-by dates when stored properly, helping you maximize your food budget even further.

Additional Saving Options Beyond EBT

While EBT helps with groceries, other programs can complement your Costco shopping:

• WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) - Provides supplemental foods for pregnant women, new mothers, and young children
• Executive Membership - The higher-tier Costco membership offers 2% cash back on purchases (though the fee isn't EBT eligible)
• Costco Citi Card - Offers cash back on purchases if you qualify
• Buying in season - Seasonal produce is generally cheaper and fresher
• Alternative shopping options - Online retailers like Bargain Boxed offer deeply discounted shelf-stable foods without membership fees

FAQs About Using EBT at Costco

Do I need a Costco membership to use EBT there? Yes, a valid Costco membership is required even when paying with EBT. The membership fee cannot be paid with SNAP benefits.

Can I use EBT for Costco online orders? No, Costco does not currently accept EBT payments for online orders or delivery.

What if I want to buy both eligible and non-eligible items? You'll need to pay for SNAP-eligible items with your EBT card and use an alternative payment method for non-eligible items.

Does Costco accept EBT Cash benefits? Some Costco locations accept EBT Cash (TANF) benefits, which can be used for a wider range of products. Check with your local warehouse for their specific policy.

Can I check my EBT balance at Costco? Your remaining balance will print on your receipt, or you can check online through your state's EBT portal or by calling the number on the back of your card.

Are Kirkland Signature products EBT eligible? Yes, as long as they're food items intended for home preparation and consumption, Kirkland Signature products are typically EBT eligible.

Alternative Shopping Options

While Costco provides great value for EBT users, it's worth exploring alternatives:

Bargain Boxed stands out as our top recommendation for budget-conscious shoppers looking for exceptional deals on shelf-stable foods and household essentials. Unlike Costco, Bargain Boxed requires no membership fees and offers significantly discounted products due to our unique business model.

Key advantages of Bargain Boxed include:

• No membership fees ever
• Deeply discounted prices on name brand products
• Convenient online shopping with delivery to your door
• Constantly rotating inventory of exceptional deals
• Perfect for stocking your pantry with shelf-stable essentials

While we don't currently accept EBT payments, our pricing is often so competitive that shoppers can significantly stretch their non-SNAP grocery budget by purchasing shelf-stable pantry essentials through us and using their EBT benefits elsewhere for fresh items.

For budget-conscious shoppers looking to maximize every dollar, combining EBT purchases at Costco for eligible items with supplemental shopping at Bargain Boxed for deeply discounted shelf-stable goods creates the optimal strategy for affordable, quality grocery shopping.

Remember to check your state's specific EBT regulations, as policies can vary slightly by location. With smart shopping strategies across multiple retailers, you can maximize both your SNAP benefits and your overall grocery budget.