Does Target Take EBT?

Yes, Target accepts EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), formerly known as food stamps. 

Target 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.

Target is a nationwide retail store that sells a wide variety of products including groceries. Products may be purchased in-store or online. Please proceed to read the rest of this article to fully understand the details of shopping at Target with EBT.

What Can You Buy With EBT at Target?

The Target items that may be purchased with EBT include any grocery items such as dairy, produce, meat, cold deli items, frozen food, bakery items, snacks, food-producing seeds, and non-alcoholic beverages.

What Can You NOT Buy With EBT at Target?

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, Target items that may not be purchased with EBT include alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, home goods, vitamins supplements, pet supplies, apparel, toys, electronics, personal care items, and baby items. These items can be purchased with TANF funds, however.

How to Use an EBT Card at Target

1. Check Your Balance:  Before going to Target, 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.
2. 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.
3. Swipe your EBT card and enter your PIN. Alternatively, you may need to hand the card to the cashier.
4. Take your receipt. Your current EBT balance is on the receipt. 

What is the Target 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.”

According to the Target return policy, “most unopened items sold by Target in new condition and returned within 90 days will receive a refund or exchange.”

What Target Locations Accept EBT?

All Target locations accept EBT. You may find a Target location here. There are Target stores in all 50 states. 

EBT Card FAQ at Target