Does Costco accept EBT Card? – In this article, we will show you how to use EBT Card at Costco to shop for eligible items and and for a smooth shopping experience.

If you have an EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) card and are wondering whether you can use it at Costco, you’re in the right place.

Shopping with an EBT card can be a convenient way to purchase food and other essentials, but you may have some questions about how the process works at Costco.

Here, we will walk you through everything you need to know about using your EBT card at Costco, including which items are eligible for purchase and how to get started.

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What is an EBT Card?

Before diving into how to use your EBT card at Costco, let’s quickly clarify what an EBT card is. EBT is a system that allows individuals to access government assistance programs like SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) or TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families). These benefits are loaded onto an EBT card, which functions much like a debit card, allowing recipients to purchase eligible items at participating stores, including groceries.

Can You Use EBT at Costco?

Yes, you can use your EBT card at Costco—but there are some important considerations to keep in mind. Costco allows EBT payments for eligible food items but not for everything in the store. Here’s a quick breakdown of what you need to know:

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Eligible Items for EBT Purchases at Costco

EBT cards are primarily intended for food purchases, so you can use your EBT card at Costco to buy most grocery items. However, there are some exceptions, so it’s important to understand what is covered under SNAP benefits. Eligible items include:

• Fruits and Vegetables: Fresh, frozen, and canned produce.

• Meats and Poultry: Fresh and frozen meat, poultry, and seafood.

• Dairy Products: Milk, cheese, yogurt, and butter.

• Canned Goods: Soups, beans, vegetables, and fruits in cans.

• Dry Goods: Rice, pasta, cereal, and bread.

• Snacks: Chips, cookies, crackers, and other packaged snack foods.

• Beverages: Juices, soda, and other non-alcoholic drinks.

Items That You Cannot Purchase With EBT at Costco

While EBT cards can be used for many grocery items, they do have limitations. Unfortunately, you cannot use your EBT card at Costco to buy:

• Alcohol: Any alcoholic beverages, including wine, beer, and spirits.

• Hot Foods: Hot prepared foods like pizza, sandwiches, or rotisserie chicken (unless you take the food home to be heated).

• Non-Food Items: Household goods, electronics, clothing, and items that are not considered food.

• Cosmetics and Toiletries: Beauty products, personal care items, and cleaning supplies.

See Also: 28 Things You Can Buy with OTC Card at Shoprite

How to Use EBT Card at Costco

Using your EBT card at Costco is straightforward, but there are a few steps you’ll need to follow. Here’s how to go about it:

Step 1: Ensure Your Costco Membership Is Active

Before you can use your EBT card at Costco, you need to have an active Costco membership. While the membership itself can’t be paid for using EBT, once you’re a member, you can use your EBT card for food purchases.

Step 2: Head to the Checkout

Once you’ve selected your groceries, head to the checkout line. Costco offers several options for paying, including using your EBT card. At the checkout, inform the cashier that you’d like to pay with your EBT card.

Step 3: Separate Your Eligible and Non-Eligible Items

It’s important to separate your eligible EBT items (groceries) from any non-eligible items (like electronics or alcohol) before checking out. This makes the process smoother, as you’ll be able to pay for the eligible items with your EBT card and any ineligible items with another payment method (such as a credit card or cash).

Step 4: Swipe Your EBT Card

When you reach the payment stage, swipe or insert your EBT card into the card reader. The system will deduct the total amount of eligible food items from your available balance.

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Step 5: Pay for Non-Eligible Items

After your EBT transaction is complete, you’ll be prompted to pay for any remaining items with a separate payment method, like a credit or debit card, check, or cash.

Can You Use EBT for Costco Online Orders?

Unfortunately, Costco.com does not accept EBT for online purchases at this time. You can only use your EBT card for in-store purchases at Costco. However, if you are unable to visit a Costco location in person, you might want to look into other grocery delivery services that accept EBT for online shopping.

Tips for Shopping at Costco with EBT

• Check Your EBT Balance: Always check your balance before shopping to ensure you have enough funds to cover your groceries.

• Make Sure You’re Purchasing Eligible Items: If you’re unsure whether an item is EBT-eligible, you can ask a Costco employee or check the guidelines for what is covered under SNAP benefits.

• Use Costco’s Price per Unit: Costco often sells items in bulk, so check the price per unit to make sure you’re getting the best deal for your EBT benefits.

See Also: 25 Things You Can Buy with OTC Card at Walgreens

Conclusion

Using your EBT card at Costco can be a great way to stretch your benefits while purchasing nutritious foods for your family. While you can buy most groceries, be mindful of the exclusions like alcohol and hot foods. With these simple steps, you’ll be able to shop confidently at Costco, knowing exactly how to use your EBT card to make your purchases.

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