Quick answer
Yes, Costco takes EBT. All U.S. Costco warehouses accept SNAP EBT for eligible food, such as meat, produce, dairy, bread, snacks, and cold prepared foods. You need a paid membership to shop in person, and SNAP cannot pay the membership fee. SNAP cannot buy hot foods (including hot rotisserie chicken and food court items), alcohol, vitamins, household goods, or gas. Costco.com does not take EBT, but Costco same-day delivery through Instacart accepts EBT SNAP in many areas, with delivery fees paid separately. Some states restrict items like soda or candy under new SNAP rules, so check your state.
Key facts
- Warehouses: every U.S. Costco accepts EBT SNAP for eligible food.
- Membership: required to shop; cannot be paid with SNAP.
- Not eligible: hot food, alcohol, vitamins, household items, gas.
- Online: not on Costco.com; available through Instacart same-day delivery in many areas.
- State limits: some states now restrict soda, energy drinks, or candy with SNAP.
Table of contents
- Does Costco take EBT everywhere?
- What you can buy at Costco with EBT
- Items you cannot buy with EBT at Costco
- Do I need a membership, and is it worth it?
- Can I use EBT for Costco online or delivery?
- Making SNAP go further at Costco
- EBT cash benefits at Costco
- Key terms explained
- A smart Costco list on SNAP
- State SNAP restrictions at Costco
- Costco versus other stores for SNAP shoppers
- Mistakes EBT shoppers make at Costco
- Paying with EBT at Costco, step by step
- Related guides
- Frequently asked questions
Does Costco take EBT everywhere?
Costco accepts EBT at its U.S. warehouses for SNAP-eligible items. Pay for SNAP-eligible food with your EBT card and anything else with another payment method; the cashier can split the order. Costco gas stations, pharmacies, and food courts do not accept SNAP for those purchases.
What you can buy at Costco with EBT
| SNAP eligible | Examples at Costco |
|---|---|
| Meat, poultry, fish | Ground beef, chicken breasts, salmon |
| Fruits and vegetables | Fresh, frozen, and canned produce |
| Dairy and eggs | Milk, cheese, yogurt, eggs |
| Bread and grains | Bread, rice, pasta, oats |
| Snacks and drinks | Chips, crackers, juice, coffee (subject to state limits) |
| Cold prepared food | Cold rotisserie chicken, salads, sandwiches |
| Seeds and plants | Plants that produce food for the household |
USDA explains eligible items on its SNAP eligible food page.
Items you cannot buy with EBT at Costco
- Hot foods, including hot rotisserie chicken and food court pizza.
- Alcohol and tobacco.
- Vitamins, supplements, and medicine.
- Paper goods, cleaning supplies, diapers, and pet food.
- Gas, gift cards, and the membership fee.
- In some states, soda, energy drinks, or candy under new SNAP restrictions.
Do I need a membership, and is it worth it?
Yes, a paid membership is required to shop at Costco warehouses, and SNAP cannot pay for it. Whether it is worth it depends on how much you buy and whether you have space to store bulk food. For a small household on a tight budget, the savings may not cover the fee; for a larger family that buys staples like rice, eggs, frozen vegetables, and meat, it often does. Sharing a household membership card with a family member can help. Many people also compare prices with discount grocers like Aldi.
Can I use EBT for Costco online or delivery?
Costco.com does not accept EBT. However, Costco same-day delivery through Instacart accepts EBT SNAP in many areas for eligible food. Delivery, service fees, and tips must be paid another way. Availability depends on your state and ZIP code. See our Instacart EBT guide.
Making SNAP go further at Costco
- Buy shelf-stable staples and frozen foods that will not spoil.
- Split bulk packs with family or neighbors.
- Freeze meat in meal-size portions.
- Compare unit prices with other stores.
- Make sure you get your full SNAP amount; estimate it with our SNAP calculator.
EBT cash benefits at Costco
If your EBT card also carries cash benefits such as TANF, many retailers let you use them for non-food items. Whether a specific Costco location accepts EBT cash for other purchases can vary, so ask at the register. Cash benefits can also be withdrawn at ATMs.
Key terms explained
- SNAP
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, the federal food benefit loaded on EBT cards.
- EBT cash
- Cash benefits like TANF on the same card, usable for non-food items.
- Split tender
- Paying part of an order with EBT and the rest another way.
Watch out: never share your EBT PIN or sell benefits for Costco gift cards. Trading SNAP is illegal and can end your benefits.
A smart Costco list on SNAP
| Item | Why it stretches SNAP |
|---|---|
| Rice, oats, dried beans | Cheap per serving, long shelf life |
| Frozen vegetables and fruit | No spoilage, easy portions |
| Eggs and milk | Low cost protein; check use-by dates |
| Chicken, ground beef | Freeze in meal-size portions |
| Canned tomatoes, tuna, beans | Pantry meals for the end of the month |
Skip large packs of fresh items your household cannot finish before they spoil; compare those prices at regular grocers.
State SNAP restrictions at Costco
Yes. A growing number of states have USDA approval to restrict SNAP purchases of items like soda, energy drinks, or candy. Those rules apply at every store, including Costco. If an item is blocked at checkout, pay for it another way or remove it. Check your state SNAP agency’s website for its current list.
Costco versus other stores for SNAP shoppers
For some staples, yes, especially rice, eggs, frozen produce, and meat bought in bulk. For others, discount grocers like Aldi or store brands at supermarkets can be cheaper, and they do not require a membership. Compare unit prices on your most-bought items. If you do not have room to store bulk food, a regular grocery store may stretch SNAP better.
Mistakes EBT shoppers make at Costco
- Forgetting that the membership is required and cannot be paid with SNAP.
- Buying fresh bulk items that spoil before they are used.
- Not separating non-eligible items, which slows checkout.
- Not checking the remaining balance on the receipt.
- Forgetting to bring the physical EBT card and PIN.
Paying with EBT at Costco, step by step
- Show your Costco membership card at the entrance and register.
- Tell the cashier you are paying with EBT.
- Swipe your EBT card and enter your PIN for eligible food.
- Pay for non-eligible items with another payment method.
- Check your receipt for your remaining balance.
Help is free. SNAP applications and your state EBT customer service never charge.
For more specifics, see our guides on Costco EBT and whether Applebee’s takes EBT.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Does Costco take EBT?
Yes. Costco takes EBT for SNAP-eligible food at all U.S. warehouses. You still need a paid membership.
Can I pay for a Costco membership with EBT?
No. SNAP can only buy eligible food, not membership fees.
Does Costco take EBT online?
Not on Costco.com, but Costco same-day delivery through Instacart accepts EBT SNAP in many areas.
Can I buy a rotisserie chicken at Costco with EBT?
Only if it is sold cold. Hot rotisserie chicken is a hot food and is not SNAP eligible.
Does the Costco food court take EBT?
No. Food court items are hot prepared foods and cannot be bought with SNAP.
Sources
Facts on this page were checked against these sources on October 25, 2026. If a source and this page ever disagree, follow the source.
This guide is general information. Store policies and state SNAP rules change; confirm with Costco and your state. National Relief Program is an independent website and is not affiliated with Costco or USDA.
Before you apply: program rules, amounts, and deadlines change. Always confirm details with the official agency or program administrator. Applying for government benefits is free.
National Relief Program is an independent guide, not a government agency. Spotted an error? Email support@nationalreliefprogram.org.
