Does Costco Take EBT? Your Guide to Using SNAP Benefits

Does Costco take EBT? Yes, the simple answer is that all Costco warehouse locations across the United States accept Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards for qualifying purchases. This means individuals and families receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, often referred to as food stamps, can use these funds to buy eligible food items at Costco's physical stores. However, using EBT at Costco involves specific conditions and limitations that shoppers need to understand.  

Most importantly, access to Costco warehouses requires an active membership, and this membership must be obtained even when planning to pay with an EBT card. The annual membership fee cannot be paid using SNAP benefits. Furthermore, while EBT is accepted for eligible groceries inside the warehouse, it cannot be used for online purchases via Costco.com, at the popular Costco food court, or for gasoline purchases. This article provides detailed information on navigating these rules, identifying eligible products, and understanding the checkout process when using EBT at Costco.

Using Your EBT Card at Costco Warehouses

Costco Wholesale is an authorized SNAP retailer, meaning its U.S. warehouse locations are equipped and permitted to accept EBT payments for eligible food items. The company adheres to both federal SNAP regulations and any specific state guidelines regarding EBT transactions. Shoppers can confirm if a specific Costco warehouse is an authorized SNAP retailer by using the official USDA SNAP Retailer Locator tool, although participation is generally nationwide. This tool helps locate various SNAP-approved stores, including large chains like Costco.

Mandatory Costco Membership

A critical factor for anyone considering using EBT at Costco is the mandatory membership requirement. Entry into the warehouse and the ability to make purchases, regardless of payment method, necessitates a valid Costco membership card. The primary membership options include the Gold Star membership, currently costing $65 per year, and the Executive membership at $130 per year.  

It's important to note that Costco does not typically offer discounted memberships specifically for EBT cardholders. Since SNAP funds are designated for food purchases, the membership fee represents an out-of-pocket expense that must be paid using other means. This upfront cost is a significant consideration, as it may offset some of the potential savings from buying in bulk, particularly for households on tight budgets. Unlike retailers such as Walmart or Aldi which also accept EBT but have no entry fee, the Costco membership presents an initial financial hurdle.

Using Costco Shop Cards (Gift Cards)

While some discussions mention using a Costco Shop Card (a gift card purchased by a member) for non-member entry , relying on this method solely to use EBT might be inconsistent with store policies, which generally tie EBT use to membership. Adhering to the official membership requirement ensures a smooth shopping experience.

Considerations for Bulk Buying

Another practical aspect of shopping at Costco with EBT relates to the nature of warehouse shopping: bulk quantities. While buying in bulk can lead to lower per-unit costs, it also requires careful planning and budgeting. SNAP benefits are typically distributed monthly , and purchasing large quantities of items at once can consume a significant portion of these funds early in the month.  

Shoppers must also consider if they have adequate storage space, especially for perishable goods bought in bulk, and whether their household can consume the products before they spoil, to avoid food waste. This model may be more advantageous for larger families or those adept at managing and storing bulk provisions compared to the smaller, more frequent shopping trips possible at traditional grocery stores.

What Can You Buy with EBT at Costco? (SNAP-Eligible Items)

The types of products that can be purchased using an EBT card at Costco are determined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) SNAP guidelines, not by Costco itself. These federal rules apply nationwide to all authorized SNAP retailers. Generally, SNAP benefits are intended for food items that are prepared and consumed at home.  

Here are the main categories of SNAP-eligible food items available at Costco:

• Fruits and Vegetables: This includes fresh, frozen, and canned varieties.  
• Meat, Poultry, and Fish: Various cuts and preparations fall under this category.  
• Dairy Products: Items like milk, cheese, yogurt, and eggs are eligible.  
• Breads and Cereals: A wide range of bread, cereal, pasta, rice, and flour products qualify.  
• Other Staple Foods: This covers many basic pantry items.  
• Snack Foods and Non-alcoholic Beverages: Items such as chips, cookies, soda, juice, and bottled water can be purchased with EBT.  
• Seeds and Plants: Seeds and plants intended to grow food for household consumption are also eligible.  

A helpful general guideline is that items with a standard "Nutrition Facts" label are typically eligible foods under SNAP rules. Cold prepared foods meant for home consumption, like some salads or sandwiches from the deli area, might be eligible depending on specific state regulations, but items sold hot are generally excluded.

What You CANNOT Buy with EBT at Costco

Just as SNAP rules define eligible items, they also specify items that cannot be purchased with EBT benefits. These restrictions are consistent across all SNAP-authorized retailers, including Costco.  

The following categories and items are ineligible for purchase using EBT/SNAP funds:

• Alcoholic Beverages: Beer, wine, and liquor cannot be bought with SNAP benefits.  
• Tobacco Products: Cigarettes, cigars, and other tobacco items are excluded.  
• Vitamins, Medicines, and Supplements: If an item has a "Supplement Facts" label rather than a "Nutrition Facts" label, it is considered a supplement and is ineligible.  
• Live Animals: Exceptions exist for shellfish, fish removed from water, and animals slaughtered before store pickup.
• Hot Foods: Any food sold hot and ready-to-eat is ineligible. This includes items like rotisserie chickens prepared in the deli or meals purchased at a food court.  
• Non-food Items: A broad category of household goods cannot be purchased with EBT, including:
  • Pet foods.  
  • Cleaning supplies, paper products (like toilet paper), and other household supplies.  
  • Hygiene items, cosmetics, and toiletries.  
  • Clothing, furniture, electronics, tires, auto parts, and other general merchandise sold at Costco.  

Several specific areas within or associated with Costco also have restrictions regarding EBT use:

• Costco Food Court: EBT payments are not accepted at the food court because the items sold (like hot dogs, pizza, sandwiches) are considered prepared hot foods intended for immediate consumption.  
• Costco Gas Stations: EBT cards cannot be used to purchase fuel. Costco gas stations typically accept only Visa cards, debit/ATM cards, and Costco Shop Cards.  
• Costco Membership Fees: As previously mentioned, the annual fee for Costco membership cannot be paid using EBT funds.

How to Pay with EBT at Costco Checkout

Using an EBT card at a Costco checkout is a straightforward process, similar to using a standard debit card. However, careful attention is needed, especially when purchasing a mix of eligible and ineligible items.  

Here is a step-by-step guide for paying with EBT at a Costco warehouse :  

1. Present Membership Card: Shoppers must show their valid Costco membership card upon entering the warehouse and again at the checkout register.
2. Separate Items: It is essential to group all SNAP-eligible food items together on the conveyor belt, keeping them separate from any non-eligible items (like household supplies or clothing). This separation helps the cashier process the transaction correctly and efficiently.  
3. Inform Cashier (Optional but Recommended): While not always necessary, informing the cashier that part of the purchase will be paid with an EBT card can help streamline the process.  
4. Swipe/Insert EBT Card: When it's time to pay for the SNAP-eligible items, the shopper should swipe their EBT card through the magnetic stripe reader or insert it into the chip reader, following the terminal's prompts.  
5. Enter PIN: The card terminal will prompt the shopper to enter their confidential 4-digit EBT Personal Identification Number (PIN) on the keypad. It's crucial to shield the keypad to protect the PIN from view.  
6. Confirm EBT Amount: The point-of-sale system will verify the PIN and deduct the cost of the SNAP-eligible items from the shopper's available EBT balance.
7. Pay Remaining Balance: If the shopping cart contains items that are not eligible for SNAP purchase, these must be paid for using a separate, Costco-accepted payment method. Accepted methods typically include Visa credit cards, debit/ATM cards (processed with a PIN), cash, or Costco Shop Cards. The cashier will finalize this second payment, or the self-checkout machine will prompt for it.  
8. Receive Receipt: The final receipt will typically show the amount paid using the EBT card and the remaining SNAP benefit balance. Shoppers should keep track of their balance for future planning.  

Using EBT at Self-Checkout

EBT cards are also accepted at Costco's self-checkout lanes. The process mirrors that of a regular lane: swipe or insert the card and enter the PIN when prompted. Shoppers using self-checkout should pay close attention to the on-screen instructions, especially when handling transactions involving both EBT-eligible and non-eligible items requiring split payment.

Protecting Your EBT Card and PIN

Shoppers should always be mindful of protecting their EBT card and PIN. It is advisable to inspect payment terminals for any signs of tampering, such as loose parts or misaligned keypads, which could indicate illegal card-skimming devices. If anything seems suspicious, requesting assistance from a store employee is recommended.

Paying for Non-EBT Items

An important practical consideration arises when paying for non-EBT items. Costco warehouses have a specific policy regarding credit card acceptance, primarily taking only Visa cards for in-store credit transactions. If a shopper using EBT needs to pay for ineligible items and prefers using a credit card, they must ensure it is a Visa.  

Mastercard, American Express, and Discover credit cards are generally not accepted inside the warehouse (though Mastercard is accepted online). This limitation means EBT users with mixed purchases need to be prepared with an alternative payment method that Costco accepts in-store, such as cash, a debit card, a Visa credit card, or a Costco Shop Card. This adds a layer of planning compared to retailers with broader credit card acceptance.

Can You Use EBT for Costco Online Orders (Costco.com)?

The policy for online purchases is clear: Costco.com does NOT accept EBT cards as a form of payment for orders placed directly through its website. This applies to items shipped to home as well as any potential online ordering for warehouse pickup options offered directly by Costco.  

This stands in contrast to several other major retailers, like Amazon, Walmart, and Target, which participate in the USDA's SNAP Online Purchasing Pilot program. This program allows SNAP recipients in participating states to use their EBT cards to buy eligible groceries online for delivery or pickup. Costco's lack of participation in this program via its own website represents a service gap for EBT users who prefer or require the convenience of online grocery shopping. Payment methods accepted on Costco.com include Visa, Mastercard, most debit/ATM cards, and Costco Shop Cards, but explicitly exclude EBT.

What About Costco Same-Day Delivery (via Instacart)?

The situation regarding EBT acceptance for Costco items delivered via third-party platforms like Instacart is more nuanced and location-dependent. While Costco.com itself does not process EBT payments, the USDA allows individual states to authorize online EBT purchases through specific third-party partners and participating retailers.  

In recent years, some states have included Costco in their SNAP online purchasing programs facilitated through Instacart. User reports and state agency information confirm that in certain areas (like specific counties in California, or statewide in Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Pennsylvania, among others), it is possible to order SNAP-eligible groceries from Costco via the Instacart platform and pay using an EBT card. This appears to be a developing capability and is not universally available.

How to Verify Instacart EBT Availability

Therefore, whether an individual can use EBT for Costco delivery through Instacart depends entirely on their geographic location and the specific agreements in place between Instacart, Costco, and their state's SNAP agency. To determine eligibility, shoppers should:

• Check the Instacart app or website for their specific delivery address. If Costco appears as a retailer option that accepts EBT payment, then it is likely possible in that area.
• Consult their state's official SNAP program website or contact the state agency directly. These resources often list all retailers authorized for online EBT purchases within the state.  

Even where this option is available, a crucial limitation applies: SNAP benefits cannot be used to cover any associated delivery fees, service charges, or tips for the Instacart shopper. These additional costs must be paid using a separate payment method (like a credit or debit card) linked to the Instacart account. The possibility of using EBT for Costco delivery via Instacart in some regions, but not others, highlights the fragmented and evolving nature of online EBT implementation. It requires local verification by the user.

Quick Summary: Where Costco Accepts EBT

This table offers a quick reference for where EBT cards can and cannot be used within the Costco ecosystem:

Tips for Shopping at Costco with EBT

To make the most of using SNAP benefits at Costco, consider these practical tips:

• Plan Ahead: Before heading to the warehouse, create a detailed shopping list focusing on needed SNAP-eligible items. This helps avoid impulse purchases of non-essential or ineligible goods and ensures efficient use of the monthly benefit amount. Meal planning can also guide bulk purchasing decisions.  
• Check Your Balance: Always know the current balance on the EBT card before shopping. Balances can typically be checked through a state EBT portal online, a dedicated mobile app (like Providers, formerly Fresh EBT), or by calling the EBT customer service number listed on the back of the card.  
• Evaluate Bulk Needs: Honestly assess household storage capacity (refrigerator, freezer, pantry space) and consumption rates before buying large quantities. Ensure that bulk items, especially perishables, can be used before expiration to prevent waste and truly benefit from lower unit prices. Sharing large bulk purchases with other eligible friends or family members might be an option if quantities are too large for one household.  
• Understand Pricing (Optional): Familiarity with Costco's pricing conventions can help identify special deals. For instance, prices ending in $.97 often indicate store-specific manager markdowns, while an asterisk (*) on the price tag usually means the item will not be restocked once sold out.  
• Bring Alternate Payment: Always carry an alternative form of payment accepted by Costco (cash, debit card, Visa credit card, or Costco Shop Card). This is necessary for covering the cost of any non-SNAP eligible items, potential fees associated with Instacart delivery (if applicable), and crucially, the annual membership fee itself.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Using EBT at Costco

Shopping at Costco using EBT/SNAP benefits is possible but requires understanding specific rules and conditions.

Here are the main points to remember:

• Yes, all U.S. Costco warehouses accept EBT cards for the purchase of SNAP-eligible food items.
• A paid Costco membership is mandatory for all shoppers, including those using EBT, and the fee cannot be paid with SNAP benefits.
• EBT is definitively not accepted for purchases made on Costco.com, at Costco food courts, or at Costco gas stations.
• The possibility of using EBT for Costco grocery delivery via Instacart exists in some locations but depends heavily on state and local program participation; users must verify availability in their area and be prepared to pay delivery fees separately.
• The checkout process requires separating eligible and ineligible items and using the EBT card with a PIN, similar to a debit transaction. An alternate payment method is needed for non-food items.

For SNAP recipients who can utilize bulk quantities effectively and whose budget accommodates the annual membership fee, Costco can offer significant value and help stretch food dollars. Careful planning regarding budget, storage, and adherence to SNAP eligibility rules is key to a successful shopping experience.

Relevant Resources

For further information, shoppers can consult these official sources:

• USDA SNAP Retailer Locator: [https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/retailer-locator] - Find authorized SNAP retailers, including specific Costco locations.
• USDA SNAP Eligible Food Items: [https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/eligible-food-items] - Official list of what can and cannot be purchased with SNAP benefits.
• Costco Membership Information: [https://www.costco.com/join-costco.html] - Details on current membership types, benefits, and annual fees.  
• Your State's SNAP Program Website: Search online for "SNAP program" or "EBT card" to find state-specific rules, balance inquiry options, and potentially lists of approved online retailers.

Frequently Asked Questions