Yes, Costco accepts EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), formerly known as food stamps.
Costco appears on the SNAP Retail Locator, which finds locations near you that accept EBT. Locations can be found by city and state or zip code.
For those who qualify, TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) deposits funds onto the same EBT card as SNAP benefits, and TANF funds can be used like cash, to be spent on necessities such as food, rent, medical bills, transportation, or child care.
Costco is a worldwide wholesale store that sells a variety of items including groceries. Products may be purchased in-store or online. A membership is required to purchase in-store for most products, and the membership may not be paid for using EBT. A Costco app is also available. Please proceed to read the rest of this article to fully understand the details of shopping at Costco with EBT.
What Can You Buy With EBT at Costco?
The Costco items that may be purchased with EBT include grocery items such as dairy, meat, deli items, frozen food, bakery items, snacks, dry goods, canned goods, condiments, and non-alcoholic beverages.
What Can You NOT Buy With EBT at Costco?
According to this government website, products such as hot foods, alcohol, tobacco products, non-food items, vitamins, medicines, and supplements may not be purchased on EBT. For example, Costco items that may not be purchased with EBT include home goods, vitamins, supplements, pet supplies, personal care items, baby items, electronics, apparel, toys, jewelry, office supplies, prescription medicines, and auto items. These items can be purchased with TANF funds, however.
How to Use an EBT Card at Costco
- Check Your Balance: Before going to Costco, check your balance on your EBT account to make sure you know your spending limit. You can check your balance by calling the number on the back of your card and following the prompts on the call.
- Separate Items: In order to avoid charging items that are not eligible on your EBT card on accident, it’s best to separate EBT eligible items and regular items before checkout. It is a good idea to present the EBT eligible items to the cashier first and pay first using your EBT card. The cashier will then tell you your total for the non-EBT items, and you would pay for them another way. You may use cash or a debit card for non-EBT items. Aldi does not accept credit cards.
- Swipe your EBT card and enter your PIN. Alternatively, you may need to hand the card to the cashier.
- Take your receipt. Your current EBT balance is on the receipt.
What is the Costco Return Policy for Items Purchased With EBT?
According to this federal law, all SNAP recipients must be treated like any other customer. It says that “you may return or refund an item bought with a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, so long as store policy allows it.
All refunds for food items that you purchased with SNAP benefits go directly onto your EBT card. Cash refunds are not allowed for food items purchased with SNAP benefits under any circumstances.”
Costco return policy states that a membership can be canceled at any time for a refund of the fees. Costco products can be returned at any time, with some exceptions, with or without the receipt and original product packaging. The exceptions, such as electronics, diamonds, and auto items, do not include EBT-eligible items.
What Costco Locations Accept EBT?
All Costco locations accept EBT. You may find a Costco location here. There are Costco stores in 46 states:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- Wisconsin
EBT Card FAQ at Costco
Do Cashiers at Costco Know if I’m Using EBT?
Yes, you should tell the cashier that you are using EBT in case they would have to run an EBT card differently from a credit or debit card.
Can You Use EBT for Costco Delivery?
No. EBT is not accepted for Costco delivery purchases
Does Costco Accept EBT For Online Orders?
No. EBT is not accepted for Costco delivery purchases. These purchases must be paid another way.
Can You Use EBT for Costco Curbside Pickup?
No. EBT is not accepted for Costco delivery purchases.
Can you EBT at the Costco Food Court?
It has been reported that EBT may be used at Costco Food Court.