Does Costco Take EBT Cards?
Costco warehouses are a common destination for buying every household’s needs, but – Does Costco Take Ebt Cards? Well! Yes, Costco takes Ebt cards.
However, only the Costco warehouse locations accept Ebt cards. You can’t use a food stamp in gas locations and Costco online.
Costco also assures that the laws are strictly followed at their stores on what can be purchased with an EBT card.
EBT card isn’t a convenience but a need for individuals with limited income. As for Costco, it runs widely popular retail stores that have food, groceries, furniture, and even clothes!
EBT card works like a credit card. It allows low-income individuals to buy their necessities, such as food and groceries, while the bills are paid by SNAP benefits.
However, the stores have to be authorized. And, all Costco warehouses are authorized to accept EBT cards.
Does Costco Take EBT Cards Online?
Costco warehouses accept a variety of payment methods. Credit card, ATM card, Visa, MasterCard, EBT and more. However, Costco gas locations and online stores have limitations.
Costco online accepts – All types of Visa, MasterCard, ATM cards, Shop cards, and Costco Anywhere Visa cards. But as for food stamps, Costco does not take EBT cards online.
Costco.com doesn’t accept EBT cards but Costco warehouses do. They also have provided a list of what can be purchased with an EBT card.
Does Costco Take EBT Cards in California?
Food stamps are allowed to be used at Costco warehouse locations. So yes, you can use EBT cards as a payment method.
If you are worried about locations, Costco warehouses accept EBT cards in all states and also in California.
What type of product customers can buy through an EBT card – rules can vary in different states.
You can contact the local SNAP agency to find out the eligible product list you can buy with an EBT card.
How To Use EBT Cards At Costco?
The Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card is a financial support given by the SNAP food program to low-income or no-income US citizens.
Costco is the largest retail store in the USA and allows its customers to use EBT cards, also known as food stamps as a payment option in all their warehouse locations.
Check out – how to use EBT cards at Costco.
Step 1: Verify At Costco
You may need to verify yourself. Bring a Driver’s license or state ID along with your EBT card to verify your EBT buying process.
Step 2: Check EBT- Eligible Items
Ask the Costco counter staff if they accept EBT cards. (Most Costco warehouse locations accept EBT cards)
Not all Costco products are eligible for purchasing with EBT cards. You can only purchase the selected ones.
Contact your state agency for a food stamp-eligible product list. You can also search online for “USDA snap eligible products”
Note: Recheck your products before entering the cash counter. Separate products that are not eligible for buying with an EBT card.
You can pay for non-eligible products separately using other payment methods.
Step 3: Checkout
Swipe your EBT card at the cash counter.
Add your PIN.
Note: If your EBT card doesn’t have enough balance, you can pay the rest amount using another payment method.
What Can You Buy With An EBT Card At Costco?
SNAP has a specific list of food products you can buy with an EBT card. Such as you can’t buy any alcoholic drinks using an EBT card.
Usually, the necessary food items such as meat, dairy, bread, etc. are allowed to be bought.
EBT- Eligible Food Items
- Dairy products
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Vegetables and Fruits
- Bread
- Cereals
- Non-alcoholic drinks.
The eligibility of these food items can change in different states. You can contact your local state agency to know the eligible products.
Which Items Cannot Be Bought With An EBT Card At Costco?
Customers can get confused while making a purchase with an EBT card at Costco. The eligible food list is short and can vary in different states.
However, one thing you can remember is that the SNAP food program runs the EBT cards to help individuals who are struggling financially.
So, foods like meat, dairy products, bread, and vegetables are allowed to be bought to fill up the basic needs.
Here’s a general list of items which cannot be bought with an EBT card.
- Any type of non-food item
- Alcohol
- Tobacco
- Hot or instant-prepared food
- Pet Food
What Are The Restrictions of EBT Card At Costco?
Costco warehouse locations accept EBT cards but there are specific restrictions you should keep in mind while purchasing with an EBT card.
a) Can Only Buy Eligible Food Items
Costco warehouse locations strictly follow the rules of SNAP-approved eligible products. You cannot buy food that is not on the entitled food list. Such as non-food items, and alcoholic drinks.
b) The Eligibility of Food Items is Fixed According To State Law
The allowed food items can change in different states. As Costco follows the rules strictly, you can only buy staff that is available to buy according to your state law.
c) Only Available in Warehouse Locations
Costco only accepts food stamps in their warehouse locations. The gas station and online don’t offer EBT usage.
d) Prepared Foods in Costco Food Courts Can’t Be Purchased With An EBT Card
Any type of hot food that’s supposed to be eaten inside a Costco store cannot be purchased with an EBT card.
Can You Use California P EBT At Costco?
Pandemic EBT are also known as P-EBT. It was a federal food program during Covid-19.
P-EBT 4.0 cards were last issued in the fall of 2023. However, the cards will no longer be issued.
Individuals who still have benefits left in P-EBT cards (1.0, 2.0, 3.0, and 4.0) can still use them to buy food (Source – California Department of Social Service Website).
That means you can use P-EBT at Costco if you still have benefits left on your card.
How To Pay With EBT Cards on The Costco App?
Only the warehouse locations of Costco accept EBT cards.
EBT cards are not available in the Costco app. So you cannot pay with EBT cards on the Costco App.
Final Thoughts
Costco being the biggest retail store accepts EBT cards. However, remember only eligible food products are allowed to be bought with an EBT card.
And you may also find a few regulations on the process. Such as some Costco warehouse locations may ask you to verify yourself as an EBT card-eligible individual.
