Does Costco Take EBT? Using SNAP Benefits at Wholesale Clubs

Yes, all Costco warehouse locations in the United States accept EBT cards for eligible food purchases. While you can use your benefits at any register, you must be a paid member to enter the store and shop. This guide explains exactly how to use your Electronic Benefit Transfer card at the warehouse, online, and what restrictions apply to your purchases.

Key Takeaways

• Accepted Nationwide: You can use your EBT card at every Costco warehouse location in the U.S.
• Membership Required: You cannot use SNAP benefits to pay for the annual membership fee; you must pay this with cash, debit, or credit.
• Online Restrictions: Costco.com does not accept EBT. You must use Instacart or Costco "Same-Day Delivery" to use benefits online.
• No Hot Food: EBT cards are generally not accepted at the Food Court for hot items like pizza or hot dogs.
• Strict Return Policy: Refunds for items bought with SNAP must be credited back to your EBT card, not given as cash.

How to Use EBT In-Store at Costco

Using your benefits at a physical warehouse is straightforward. All standard checkout lanes and self-checkout registers are equipped to process SNAP payments. When you are ready to pay, simply swipe your card and enter your PIN just as you would at a regular grocery store.

Costco's system handles split-tender transactions automatically. If your cart contains both eligible food items (like eggs) and ineligible non-food items (like paper towels), the system will deduct the food cost from your EBT balance first. You can then pay the remaining balance with a Visa card, debit card, or cash.

Buying in Bulk with SNAP

Shopping at a wholesale club allows you to maximize your monthly allotment by lowering the cost per unit. Popular eligible items include 25-pound bags of rice, bulk frozen chicken, and large containers of shelf-stable pantry goods.

You can also use your benefits to purchase seeds and plants that produce food. This includes tomato plants, fruit trees, and herb pots often found in the seasonal garden center.

The Membership Fee Hurdle

While Costco takes EBT for products, they do not accept EBT for the membership fee itself. The annual cost for a Gold Star membership is roughly $65, which acts as a barrier for many low-income households. Federal regulations define SNAP benefits strictly for "food for home consumption," classifying club memberships as an ineligible service.

If you are not a member, you generally cannot shop there. While a member can bring guests, Costco policy requires the member to make the purchase. Some managers may allow a guest to swipe their EBT card, but this is inconsistent and not guaranteed.

Online Shopping: Costco.com vs. Instacart

There is a major difference between shopping on Costco's main website and using their same-day delivery service.

Costco.com: You cannot use EBT on the main website. This site is set up for shipping non-perishable goods and big-ticket items, and it does not have the technology to process government benefits. 

Same-Day Delivery (Instacart): You can use EBT for "Costco Same-Day Delivery," which is powered by Instacart. To do this, you must add your EBT card to your profile on the Instacart app or the Same-Day website.

Be aware of the costs involved with delivery:

• Higher Prices: Item prices on Instacart are higher than in the warehouse to cover service costs.
• Delivery Fees: You may be charged delivery fees if your order is small.
• Split Payment: You must have a secondary payment method (credit/debit) linked to cover tip, delivery fees, and taxes.

Food Court and Prepared Foods

Costco Food Courts generally do not accept EBT. The USDA prohibits the purchase of hot, prepared foods with SNAP benefits. This means you cannot use your card to buy hot pizza, hot dogs, or chicken bakes.

Unlike some fast-food chains in states like California or Arizona, Costco is not a participant in the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP). Even if you are homeless, elderly, or disabled and qualify for hot meals elsewhere, Costco's registers will decline EBT payment for hot food court items.

What You Cannot Buy

It is important to know which items will be rejected by the EBT system to avoid issues at checkout.

• Vitamins and Supplements: Most vitamins sold at Costco have a "Supplement Facts" label, making them ineligible.
• Household Goods: Toilet paper, diapers, cleaning supplies, and pet food must be paid for with cash or credit.
• Alcohol and Tobacco: Beer, wine, and cigarettes are strictly prohibited.
• Hot Rotisserie Chicken: While cold rotisserie chicken (often sold in the deli) may be eligible, the hot birds under the heat lamps are usually not.

Compare Costco to Other Retailers

Understanding how Costco compares to other major retailers can help you decide where to shop.

Sam's Club offers a unique "Scan & Go" feature in their app. This allows you to scan items as you walk through the store and pay directly on your phone with EBT, skipping the checkout line entirely. Costco does not currently offer this technology.

Return Policy for EBT Purchases

If you need to return an item purchased with food stamps, Costco will refund the money back to your EBT card. Federal laws are strict about this to prevent fraud. You cannot receive cash back for a SNAP purchase.

If you purchased items via Instacart, you should process the return through the Instacart app. Returning an Instacart purchase in the warehouse can be difficult because the store's system may not see the original transaction details.

For more details on eligible food items, you can visit the official USDA SNAP eligibility page. If you need to check your balance or find other retailers, state resources like the California Department of Social Services or your local agency can provide assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions