Yes, Costco takes EBT cards at all of its warehouse locations in the United States. It’s important to note that you can only use your EBT card to purchase eligible food items at Costco. This includes most fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, bread, and cereal.
You cannot use your EBT card to purchase prepared foods, such as those sold in Costco’s food court, or non-food items, such as alcohol, tobacco, and cleaning supplies.
EBT, or Electronic Benefits Transfer, cards are used to distribute Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, formerly known as food stamps. SNAP is a federal program that provides food assistance to low-income individuals and families.
How to Use your EBT card at Costco
To use your EBT card at Costco, simply swipe it at the checkout counter like you would a debit card. You can also use your EBT card at Costco’s self-checkout kiosks.
Here is a detailed explanation of how to use your EBT card at Costco:
- Go to a Costco warehouse location.
- Gather the eligible food items that you want to purchase.
- Go to the checkout register or self-checkout kiosk.
- Swipe your EBT card and enter your PIN.
- The cashier or self-checkout kiosk will process your payment.
- You will receive a receipt for your purchase.
If you have any questions about using your EBT card at Costco, you can ask a cashier for assistance.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind when using your EBT card at Costco:
- You can only use your EBT card to purchase eligible food items.
- You cannot use your EBT card to purchase prepared foods, such as those sold in Costco’s food court, or non-food items, such as alcohol, tobacco, and cleaning supplies.
- You can use your EBT card at Costco’s self-checkout kiosks.
If you are buying any items that are not eligible for EBT, the cashier will split your transaction so that you can pay for those items with a different form of payment. It is important to note that you cannot use your EBT card to purchase groceries online at Costco.com. EBT cards are only accepted at Costco warehouse locations.
What Can I Buy With EBT at Costco
There are some restrictions on what you can buy with your EBT card at Costco. Here is a more detailed explanation of what you can and cannot buy with your EBT card at Costco:
Eligible food items:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Dairy products
- Breads and cereals
- Frozen and canned foods
- Snacks and beverages
Ineligible items:
- Prepared foods, such as those sold in the Costco food court
- Non-food items, such as alcohol, tobacco, and pet food
- Household items, such as paper products and cleaning supplies
- Gift cards
Things to keep in mind
- You can use your EBT card at any Costco warehouse in the United States. Costco accepts EBT cards in all of its 550+ warehouses in the United States.
- You may need to show your EBT card and photo ID at checkout. Costco may require you to show your EBT card and photo ID at checkout in order to verify your eligibility.
- Costco only accepts EBT cards in-store.
- You cannot use your EBT card to buy groceries online at Costco.com, Costco food court, or Costco gas station.
- Costco adheres to all state laws regarding what can be purchased with EBT cards.
- You can use your EBT card to pay for a Costco membership. If you do not have a Costco membership, you can use your EBT card to pay for one at the checkout counter.
- Costco offers a variety of discounts for EBT cardholders. For example, Costco offers a 10% discount on fresh produce for EBT cardholders. To find out about other discounts available to EBT cardholders, please visit the Costco website or ask a Costco employee.
- Your EBT card may have a daily spending limit. Some states have daily spending limits for EBT cards. To find out if your state has a spending limit, contact your state agency.
For a complete list of products that qualify for purchase with your EBT card, please contact your state agency.
Tips for Using EBT Card at Costco
Here are some tips for using your EBT card at Costco:
- Make a list before you go. This will help you stay on budget and avoid buying things that you don’t need.
- Compare prices. Costco prices are generally lower than other stores, but it’s always a good idea to compare prices before you buy.
- Buy in bulk. Costco is a great place to buy in bulk, especially if you have a large family. However, keep in mind that you may need to have a Costco membership to buy in bulk.
- Use your EBT card first. If you are buying any items that are not eligible for EBT, swipe your EBT card first. This will help you avoid overspending.
- Keep your receipt. This will help you track your spending and make sure that you are charged correctly.
Is it worth using your EBT card at Costco?
Costco can be a good place to use your EBT card if you buy in bulk and are willing to pay a membership fee. However, it is important to compare prices at Costco to other stores to see if you are really saving money.
You may also want to consider that Costco does not accept EBT cards for prepared foods or non-food items. If you need to buy these items, you will need to pay for them with a different form of payment.