Costco, known for its bulk products and members-only access, accepts Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards at all its U.S. warehouse locations. This allows Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants to buy eligible food items like meats, vegetables, fruits, and dairy. However, non-food items, hot foods, and food court items cannot be purchased with EBT.
By accepting EBT, Costco makes shopping more accessible to all members, regardless of their payment methods or socioeconomic status. Since state regulations and product restrictions may vary, EBT cardholders should check their local guidelines to ensure a smooth shopping experience and take full advantage of Costco’s savings.
Eligibility Requirements for EBT at Costco
In order to use EBT at Costco, individuals must adhere to specific membership and state participation requirements. These requirements ensure compliance with both Costco’s policies and state regulations regarding EBT transactions.
Membership Requirements
Costco requires all individuals wishing to shop in their warehouses to have an active Costco membership. EBT cardholders must have their own membership or accompany a member to make purchases. A workaround is to use a Costco Cash Card, which members can preload with an agreed-upon amount for the EBT cardholder to spend.
State Participation
All Costco warehouse locations accept EBT cards, but the use of these cards is governed by state laws, which determine what items are eligible for purchase. EBT cardholders should verify with their state agency for a comprehensive list of eligible products. Costco complies with these state-specific regulations to ensure a smooth transaction process for EBT users.
Accepted EBT Items at Costco
When shopping at Costco with an EBT card, members will find a variety of eligible food products. However, it’s crucial to discern which items can be purchased as not everything in the wholesale is EBT-eligible.
Eligible Food Products
Fruits and Vegetables:
- Fresh, canned, or frozen options
Meat, Poultry, and Fish:
- Includes beef, chicken, pork, and seafood
Dairy Products:
- Milk, cheese, yogurt, and other dairy items
Bread and Cereals:
- Whole and refined grain products
Snack Foods:
- Chips, crackers, and other snack items
Non-Alcoholic Beverages:
- Juices, soda, and bottled water
Seeds and Plants:
- Those that produce food for the household to eat
Non-Eligible Items
Alcohol and Tobacco:
- These items cannot be purchased with EBT
Vitamins and Supplements:
- Items with a Supplement Facts label are considered ineligible
Prepared Foods:
- Food that is hot at the point of sale or intended for immediate consumption
Non-Food Items:
- Cleaning supplies, pet food, health and beauty products, and household supplies
EBT Payment Process at Costco
Costco accepts EBT cards at their warehouse locations following state laws for eligible product purchases.
Point of Sale Procedure
When using an EBT card at Costco, members proceed to the checkout line as they would with any other payment method. At the register, the card is swiped, and the cardholder must enter their PIN. The receipt will clearly separate EBT-eligible items from non-eligible ones, and they’ll need to provide another form of payment for those non-eligible items.
Online Purchase Limitations
Costco does not accept EBT cards for online purchases. This means customers cannot use their EBT cards on Costco’s website to pay for their goods. They need to visit a physical warehouse to utilize their EBT benefits.