Gift cards are one of the most flexible items you can buy at a store whether you want to give someone a present, pay for household necessities, or even cover everyday purchases. That’s why so many SNAP households ask the same question every holiday season: Can you buy gift cards with EBT?
If you’ve ever been confused at the register or wondered why your EBT card gets declined when trying to buy a gift card, this guide breaks down exactly what SNAP allows, what it doesn’t, and what alternatives are actually available.
1. Can You Buy Gift Cards With EBT?
The short answer is no, you cannot buy gift cards with an EBT card. This applies to:
- Store gift cards
- Visa/Mastercard prepaid cards
- Restaurant gift cards
- Retailer reloadable cards
- Holiday gift cards
Many people also wonder similar questions, such as “Is an EBT card a gift card?” The answer is also no. Although an EBT card looks like a debit card, it is strictly a benefits card regulated by USDA guidelines.
Cash-like item. including gift cards, are simply not allowed. So even if you try to buy a small $10 gift card for a child’s birthday or use one as a holiday present, the system will automatically decline the transaction.
This creates frustration for families trying to stretch their resources, especially around holidays or special occasions. But the rule is not accidental it’s tied to how the SNAP program is structured.
2. Why Gift Cards Aren’t Eligible Under SNAP Rules
To understand why you can’t buy gift cards with EBT, you need to know how SNAP defines “eligible purchases.”
USDA states that SNAP funds must only be used for food meant for home consumption anything outside this category is automatically blocked. A gift card is categorized as a cash equivalent, meaning it can be used to purchase anything from clothing to electronics, which falls outside SNAP’s mission.
Here are the main reasons gift cards aren’t eligible:
- They function like money
A gift card can be spent on non-food items, so allowing them would break SNAP’s restricted-use system.
- No way to track what the card is used for
SNAP requires strict tracking of what households purchase. A gift card removes this control entirely.
- It prevents benefit misuse
Since SNAP is designed strictly for nutrition assistance, buying a gift card would open the door to unapproved uses like alcohol, cosmetics, or household goods.
- It avoids resale problems
Some people might buy gift cards with SNAP and resell them for cash. The rule helps prevent fraud and maintains program integrity.
So, while the restriction may feel limiting, it’s part of maintaining clear, enforceable boundaries for federal benefits.
3. What You Can Buy With an EBT Card
If gift cards are not allowed, what does SNAP allow? Many users ask, “What am I allowed to buy with an EBT card?” Here’s a quick, clear list of eligible items:
- SNAP-Approved Food Items
- Fresh fruits & vegetables
- Meat, poultry & fish
- Dairy products
- Grains, bread, pasta
- Snacks
- Frozen meals
- Baking ingredients
- Canned goods
- Baby food & formula
Cold Deli Items: Cold sandwiches, Salads, Pre-packaged deli meats (as long as they are not heated)
- Seeds & Plants That Produce Food: This includes tomato plants, herb seeds, and more.
Items NOT approved:
- Gift cards
- Hot prepared foods
- Alcohol
- Supplements (anything with a “Supplement Facts” label)
- Household goods
- Cleaning products
- Toiletries
- Pet food
SNAP rules stay consistent nationwide, though some states offer temporary “hot food waivers” during disasters. But in normal conditions, these restrictions remain firm.
4. Can You Buy Gifts With EBT?
Many people wonder: “Can you buy gifts with EBT?” SNAP does not allow the purchase of any non-food gift items, including:
- Toys
- Clothing
- Electronics
- Decor
- Christmas or holiday gift sets
- Pre-made gift baskets containing non-foods
Even if the gift is small or inexpensive, it must be paid for using cash, debit, or another payment method, not EBT.
However, during holidays, you can still make meaningful choices for your family by using EBT for food and using other assistance programs for non-food needs.
>>> Read more: EBT Christmas Gifts: What Christmas Gifts Are EBT-Eligible?
5. If You Need Gift Cards, Here’s What You Can Do Instead
While you cannot buy gift cards with SNAP benefits, there are legitimate work-arounds that households often use.
5.1. Use a Split Payment (EBT + cash)
You can fill your cart with groceries covered by EBT, then pay for the gift card separately with:
- Cash
- Debit
- Credit
- Store rewards
- Coupons
This is fully legal and widely used.
5.2. Shop discounted or bonus gift card promotions
Some stores offer:
- Buy $50 gift card, get $10 store credit
- Seasonal discounts
- Rewards points for gift card purchases
While you still must use cash, these promotions help stretch your budget.
5.3. Use store loyalty programs
Some loyalty programs provide digital coupons or cash-back that can be redeemed, often helpful for holiday or birthday shopping.
5.4. Use community support programs
Local charities, food pantries, churches, and holiday drives often distribute small gift cards or gifts for families with lower income levels.
5.5. Use your EBT card strategically
Buy all your food with EBT first: free up cash for gift cards or non-food items.
This strategy is one of the simplest and most effective ways to balance your budget legally.
6. More Exclusive Gifts To Get if You Have EBT: Free Phone or Tablet
Here’s the good news: while you can’t buy a gift card with EBT, your EBT status does qualify you for actual valuable gifts completely free.
Through government programs like Lifeline offerings in certain states, carriers such as AirTalk Wireless provide: Free smartphones, free monthly talk & text, free high-speed data, discounted tablets (in eligible programs)
For many families, this benefit is worth far more than a gift card. It’s also a legal, federally supported way to access essential technology.
Whether you need a phone for work, school, telehealth, or staying connected with your child’s daycare or school, these programs are genuine lifesavers.
If you receive SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, or other federal benefits, you are likely eligible.
IMPORTANT: The government does not subsidize devices. Lifeline programs cover basic service costs only. Free or discounted devices, upgrade plans, or top-ups are exclusive benefits provided by AirTalk Wireless as part of our promotional offers. Terms and conditions apply. Limited-time promotion—offers vary by state, stock availability, and eligibility.
7. FAQs
Can I buy shrimp with SNAP?
Yes. Fresh, frozen, and packaged shrimp are eligible as long as they are not cooked or prepared hot.
Can you use EBT to buy meat?
Absolutely. Meat, poultry, and seafood raw or uncooked are fully eligible.
Can you buy cooked food at Walmart with EBT?
No, unless your state has a disaster waiver or Restaurant Meals Program (RMP). Normal hot foods are not allowed.
Is an EBT card a gift card?
No. It is a government-issued benefits card with strict rules on eligible items.
Final Thoughts
So, can you buy gift cards with EBT? No, but that doesn’t mean SNAP families don’t have options. By maximizing what you can purchase with EBT, using split payments, and taking advantage of discount programs, you can stretch your budget further without breaking any rules.
Meanwhile, programs like AirTalk Wireless offer free phones, data, and even discounted tablets – actual meaningful “gifts” far more valuable than a traditional gift card.
Understanding the rules helps you shop smarter, spend confidently, and use every benefit available to support your household.