Does WinCo Take EBT?

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

WinCo 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.

WinCo is a grocery store that sells groceries and personal care items. 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 WinCo with EBT.

What Can You Buy With EBT at WinCo?

The WinCo items that may be purchased with EBT include any grocery items such as produce, meat, deli items, and bakery items.

What Can You NOT Buy With EBT at WinCo?

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, WinCo items that may not be purchased with EBT include personal care items and over-the-counter medications. These items can be purchased with TANF funds, however.

How to Use an EBT Card at WinCo

1. Check Your Balance:  Before going to WinCo, 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 WinCo 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.”

“Our Quality Assurance Policy means that we offer full reimbursement or replacement for any items purchased that do not meet your expectation of quality. Any return that does not fall within this policy must be approved by store management. All returns should be handled at the customer service counter. Any return over $10 may require store management approval. Returns for product purchased at a different location may require management approval.”

What WinCo Locations Accept EBT?

The majority of WinCo locations accept EBT. “In some cases, new stores may take some time to get certified.approved by the state before being able to accept WIC. If you are visiting a recently-opened WinCo Foods store, please feel free to call Customer Service at your local store to confirm acceptance.” You may find a WinCo location here. There are WinCo stores in the following states:

• Arizona 
• California 
• Idaho 
• Montana 
• Nevada 
• Oklahoma 
• Oregon 
• Texas 
• Utah 
• Washington 

EBT Card FAQ at WinCo