Does Costco Take EBT?

January 29, 2022

Does Costco Take EBT? Does Costco take ebt food stamps? Costco was established as “Price Club” by father and son, Sol Price and Robert Price, in July 1976. The first Price Club location was San Diego, California. Price Club operated in a similar manner as Sam’s Club and Costco, today.

Offerings included groceries, cleaning supplies, and other merchandise for a $25-annual subscription fee. For the annual membership fee, Price Club members would gain access to discounted merchandise.

Price Club was so profitable, the father and son team agreed to expand into Mexico and Canada. Price Club reported annual revenue of $6.6 billion, $134.1 million from US locations alone in 1992.

Costco is described by many consumers as a “one-stop-shop” for essentials and non-essentials. The membership-only big-box retail store is in constant competition with Sam’s Club, which has nearly 600 locations in Puerto Rico, China, Mexico, Brazil, and the United States.

Fortune magazine ranked Costco as the 10^th largest corporation in the United States in 2021. Costco has since expanded into Taiwan, the United Kingdom, Australia, China, Iceland, France, Japan, Spain, and South Korea.

What Can You Purchase At Costco?

Over the years, Costco’s inventory has changed regularly. When you visit multiple times, you’ll be able to purchase different products. Most people visit Costco so they can purchase groceries. However, the company sells a lot more items.

For instance, you can likely purchase art, books, clothing, caskets, computer software, wine, appliances, hot tubs, and other items at your store. Just remember that the inventory will vary from one Costco to another. In addition to this, some Costco stores have gas stations and pharmacies.

Some have liquor stores. The liquor stores tend to be separated from the main warehouse to ensure that they comply with local liquor license requirements.

Costco sells an assortment of groceries, including bread, water, soda, chips, cakes, candy, and more. You can buy all of the groceries you need while visiting your local Costco store.

What Is EBT?

Electronic Benefits Transfer “EBT” is a government-run electronic payment system. When EBT is combined with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program “SNAP,” qualifying participants can purchase eligible food and beverage products electronically.

Some people refer to EBT as in fact SNAP. However, this is a major misconception, as EBT is limited to digital payments for eligible items that are deducted from the participant’s monthly allotment.

The federal government agency, the United States Department of Agriculture “USDA,” is responsible for running the SNAP program.

Qualifying For SNAP With EBT

The USDA limits the people who qualify for SNAP benefits. To qualify for SNAP, you must meet specific criteria, including the following:

Elderly (60 years of age or older) and/or disabled (diagnosed with a qualifying mental or physical medical condition)

Qualify for governmental disability SSI or disability retirement benefits
Qualify for Medicare
Meet the SSI disability criteria

Total disabled veteran
Surviving child or spouse of a vet who qualified for VA benefits

The USDA has also set monthly income limits for eligibility purposes. The gross household income, with one occupant, should not exceed $1,968 per month unless a member 60 years of age or older is receiving governmental disability benefits.

The gross income for a 2-person household should not exceed $2,658 per month. These monthly income limits exclude households with a resident 60 years of age or older receiving government disability benefits.

Does Costco Take EBT Cards in [year]?

Does Costco accept food stamps? Like most US big-box retailers, such as Sam’s Club, Walmart, and Kroger, Costco can legally accept EBT payments from qualifying participants.

If you are wondering, does Costco take food stamps, the answer is “yes?” Last, but not least, does Costco Club take EBT payments? Yes, Costco and Costco Club can legally accept EBT food stamps from qualifying participants.

What Can You Purchase At Costco With An EBT Card?

Your EBT card is meant to help you purchase food and drinks. It comes with several restrictions to ensure that the benefits are not used to buy alcohol, toys, games, or household cleaning products. Instead, you’ll be able to use your EBT card to purchase food and drinks at a Costco store.

For instance, you can use the card to buy milk, cheese, bread, cereal, fruits, vegetables, chips, and snacks. Are you worried that you won’t be able to use the card to purchase certain items?

If so, you should consult with one of the employees. You can also try calling the local SNAP office. Either way, you can purchase an assortment of food products from Costco while using your EBT card.

How To Use An EBT Card At Costco

When visiting a Costco store, you’ll need to bring your EBT card. After all, you’ll want to pay for your items with your EBT benefits.

Again, you cannot buy diapers, vitamins, toys, or household products with your EBT card. Instead, you’ll need to buy food and drinks to use your EBT benefits.

Thankfully, it is quick and easy to use an EBT card at Costco. Once you’ve done it once or twice, you’ll be able to do it comfortably time and again.

If you buy non-eligible items, you’ll have to buy your food products separately. Then, you’ll need to pay for the other items with another payment method.

First, you’ll need to wait for the cashier to rink up your food items. Once they’ve done this, you will receive a total. Insect your card into the POS system. You can insect your card or swipe it.

You’ll be asked to input your PIN. You’ll need to tell the cashier if you want to use your SNAP benefits or cash. You may need to put in your PIN again to finalize the charge.

Don’t be surprised if you’re asked for your photo ID. Supervisors or managers sometimes ask for a photo ID to ensure that you have permission to use the benefits.

Once you’ve finished checking out, the order total will be deducted from your SNAP benefits. It is wise to keep your receipt so you can dispute any erroneous charges.

Can You Use An EBT Card At Costco.com?

During the past few years, Costco has grown its e-commerce presence. If you want to purchase items online, you’ll need to use a credit card. Although Costco accepts EBT payments in its stores, it does not accept EBT payments online.

As a result, you cannot pay for Costco.com orders using your EBT benefits. If you want groceries delivered to your home, you will need to shop elsewhere. Amazon and Kroger can accept EBT payments online.

Nevertheless, it is a good idea to use your EBT card when you visit a local Costco store. The good news is that the US Food and Nutrition Service recently expanded its online buying pilot program. Therefore, Costco may change its policy in the future.

Using Your EBT Card At The Costco Food Court

Many Costco stores have Food Courts. When you visit the food court, you’ll be able to purchase food that you can eat immediately.

One thing to note is that everyone can buy items from the Costco food court. You don’t have to be a Costco member.

You can’t use your EBT benefits to buy items from Costco’s food court. If you have enough money in your Cash account, you might be able to pay using your EBT card. In general, it depends on the laws in your state.

If you’re an EBT cardholder, you may be hesitant to sign up for Costco’s membership program. It ranges in price from $60 to $120 annually. Each package offers unique benefits. Should you sign up for a membership? You should consider the pros and costs before doing so.

The Costco Executive Membership is a good choice for people who frequently shop at Costco. It comes with several unique benefits including an annual 2% reward of up to $1,000 on Costco purchases. Once you’ve signed up, you will begin receiving these benefits.

If you spend $6,000 a year, you’ll get $120 back. You’ll receive the 2% reward once a year in the mail. You can use the reward as you wish. For instance, you can likely use the reward to pay for Costco Travel Services.

Research has shown that a person has to spend $3,500 each year to cover the $60 membership fee. Most people spend that much so the membership is likely worth it. However, it is up to you to decide.

If you’re going to be visiting Costco frequently, it is a good idea to become a member.

What Can’t You Buy At Costco With An EBT Card?

EBT cards are immensely beneficial for people who need financial assistance. If you fit into the income threshold, you can receive SNAP benefits so you can purchase food products.

As mentioned before, your SNAP benefits can be used to purchase snacks, seeds, food-producing plants, meat, vegetables, dairy products, and cereals. Still, you can’t buy everything you need using an EBT card. For instance, you cannot use your benefits to pay for tobacco products, cigarettes, wine, beer, or liquor.

In addition to this, you will not be able to use your benefits to purchase non-food products such as soap, shampoo, pet food, paper, cosmetics, or grooming products.

In most cases, you won’t be able to purchase hot foods or foods that will be eaten immediately either. Finally, you cannot use your SNAP benefits to pay for medication or vitamins.

It is a good idea to learn more about the restrictions placed on SNAP benefits. Once you’ve done that, you’ll have a better idea of what you can buy with your EBT card and what you can’t.

Why Choose Costco

A lot of people love shopping at Costco because the store offers immense benefits. The primary perk will be the prices. Although you’ll need a membership, you will likely save money by shopping at your local Costco.

Costco stores tend to offer lower prices on many household staples and groceries. It also makes it easier for people to buy items in bulk. Getting a Costco membership will be worth it for many individuals.

FAQs on “Does Costco Accept EBT Cards?

What Can You Buy With EBT In California?

With a California EBT card, you can purchase an assortment of products. For instance, you can use your EBT card to purchase fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy products, bread, cereal, and snack foods. However, there are some restrictions. You cannot purchase alcoholic beverages with your EBT card.

What Can I Buy At Costco With EBT?

When visiting a Costco in California, you can use your EBT card to purchase many items. In most cases, you can purchase food, drinks, and snacks. Just remember that you can’t use your EBT to buy household items at Costco.

You cannot purchase household cleaning products, vitamins, clothes, or diapers at Costco and pay with your EBT card.

When Did Costco Start Accepting EBT?

Costco has been accepting EBT card payments at all of its warehouse locations for many years. In October of 2009, it announced that it would begin accepting food stamps.

At the time, the company had roughly 420 stores. In 2021, it has 804 locations. You should be able to use your EBT card at any of these stores.

See a Costco store locator near me

Can I Pay My Costco Membership With EBT?

If you want to shop at Costco, you’re going to need a membership. In general, the membership fees range from $60 to $120.

Unfortunately, you cannot use your EBT card to pay for the Costco membership. You can use your EBT card to purchase certain products at Costco, but it will not cover the cost of the membership.