Does Bi Mart Take EBT? Eligible Items & How-To
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Does Bi Mart take EBT? Yes, Bi-Mart accepts EBT at all store locations for approved food items under the SNAP program. However, many shoppers still ask how Bi-Mart accepts EBT, what items they can purchase, and which states support it.
Keep reading to learn how to use your card, what items qualify, and how EBT users can also access free phone service through Lifeline benefits.
1. Does Bi Mart Take EBT?
Does Bi Mart accept EBT? Yes, Bi-Mart accepts EBT for approved food purchases at all of its physical store locations. You can use your EBT card and PIN at the checkout counter to pay for groceries that qualify under the SNAP program. These include everyday essentials like fruits, vegetables, dairy, and pantry foods.
However, EBT cannot be used for online shopping, ship-to-store, or delivery orders. The company’s grocery policy states that “Grocery & Beverages are in-store purchases only.”
According to the USDA SNAP Retailer Locator, many Bi-Mart stores across Oregon, Washington, and Idaho are listed as authorized SNAP retailers. Before visiting, you can check your nearest location using the official USDA SNAP Retailer Locator to confirm EBT acceptance in your area.
2. What Payment Methods Does Bi-Mart Accept?
Bi-Mart offers several convenient ways to pay for your purchases, both in-store and online. Whether you’re buying groceries, household items, or electronics, you can choose the payment method that works best for you.
Here are the accepted payment options at Bi-Mart:
- EBT/SNAP (in-store only): You can use your EBT card at physical Bi-Mart stores to pay for SNAP-approved food items. EBT cannot be used for online or ship-to-store purchases.
- Credit and Debit Cards: Bi-Mart accepts major cards, including Visa, Mastercard, and Discover, for both in-store and online shopping.
- Cash and Checks: You can still pay with cash or write a check at the register in most store locations.
- Bi-Mart Gift Cards: Customers can use Bi-Mart gift cards for purchases across all departments.
- PayPal: For online orders placed through the Bi-Mart website, PayPal is available as a secure payment option.
Note: Mobile wallets, such as Apple Pay or Google Pay, may not be supported for EBT transactions. If you plan to use EBT, always pay directly with your physical card and PIN at the register.
These payment choices make it easy for Bi-Mart shoppers to manage their purchases in-store or online with flexibility and convenience.
3. What Can You Buy With EBT at Bi-Mart?
When you shop at Bi-Mart with your EBT card, you can buy a wide variety of groceries approved under the SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). These items help you prepare healthy meals and stock your kitchen with everyday essentials.
However, EBT can only be used for food products meant for home consumption, not for general merchandise or non-food items.
3.1. SNAP-Eligible Items
You can use your EBT card at Bi-Mart to pay for the following SNAP-eligible groceries:
- Fruits and vegetables: Fresh, frozen, or canned options
- Dairy products: Milk, yogurt, and cheese
- Meat, poultry, and fish: Fresh, frozen, or canned varieties
- Bread, cereal, pasta, and rice: Pantry staples for daily meals
- Non-alcoholic beverages: Water, milk alternatives, and 100% fruit juice
- Frozen and canned foods: Soups, vegetables, and ready-to-cook items
- Seeds and plants that grow food: For those who want to grow their own produce
These items fall under the USDA’s approved list for SNAP purchases and are available in most Bi-Mart locations.
3.2. Non-Eligible Items
Your EBT card cannot be used for products that are not approved by SNAP, including:
- Prepared or hot food items made for immediate consumption
- Alcohol and tobacco products
- Pet food, vitamins, and dietary supplements
- Cleaning and household goods, such as detergent or paper towels
- Non-food merchandise, including electronics, clothing, or home décor
If you plan to purchase these items, you’ll need to use another payment method such as cash, debit, or credit.
Tip: When checking out, separate EBT-eligible and non-eligible items in your cart. This makes the payment process faster and helps avoid confusion at the register.
>>> Read more: Can You Buy Alcohol with EBT? Facts You Need to Know
4. How to Use Your EBT Card at Bi-Mart (Step-by-Step)
Using your EBT card at Bi-Mart is simple and quick. You can pay for your groceries the same way you would with a debit card. Follow these easy steps to complete your purchase smoothly and make sure your SNAP benefits are applied correctly.
Step 1: Shop for SNAP-Eligible Items
Choose only food products approved under the SNAP program. Stick to groceries such as fruits, vegetables, dairy, meat, and other pantry essentials. Non-food items cannot be paid for with your EBT card.
Step 2: Head to Checkout
When you are ready to pay, tell the cashier that you will be using your EBT card. This helps them process your transaction correctly and separate eligible from non-eligible items.
Step 3: Swipe Your EBT Card
Insert or swipe your card at the payment terminal. Enter your 4-digit PIN securely to confirm the payment. The total amount for eligible items will be deducted from your SNAP balance.
Step 4: Split Payment if Needed
If you have both EBT-eligible and non-eligible items, use another payment method such as cash, debit, or credit for the remaining balance. The cashier can process both payments in one transaction.
Step 5: Keep Your Receipt
Your receipt will show the remaining SNAP balance after the purchase. Save it so you can track how much is left in your account before your next shopping trip.
Tip: You can check your EBT balance anytime on your last receipt or by logging into your state’s SNAP portal.
5. Other Benefits EBT Users Can Access
If you have an EBT card, you may also qualify for other support programs that reduce monthly expenses and improve daily living. These programs are designed to help with communication, housing, job training, and more.
5.1. Lifeline Program for EBT or SNAP Recipients
If you receive SNAP or EBT benefits, you may also be eligible for Lifeline, a federal program managed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Lifeline helps low-income households lower the cost of phone and internet service, making it easier to stay connected.
Key Lifeline benefits include:
Free or discounted monthly phone and data service
- Up to $9.25 per month in support for most users
- Up to $34.25 per month in support for Tribal residents
- Free phone or discounted newer smartphones/tablets
- Nationwide coverage with unlimited talk, text, and reliable data plans
If you have an EBT card, check your ZIP code to see if AirTalk Wireless Lifeline plans are available in your area. Applying takes only a few minutes and can help you save on communication costs every month.
5.2. Other Programs for EBT Users
If you qualify for SNAP or EBT, you may also be eligible for other assistance programs that support your daily needs. Each program has its own eligibility rules, but most are designed to help low-income families live more comfortably.
- Food and Phone Bundles
Some states combine SNAP benefits with discounted or free phone service, helping families stay connected for work, healthcare, and education.
- Education Assistance
EBT users may qualify for free school meals, college aid, or digital literacy classes that help improve job skills and career opportunities.
- Housing Programs
Programs such as Section 8 and LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program) can help reduce rent and utility bills, making housing more affordable.
- Employment Services
The SNAP Employment and Training (SNAP E&T) program provides free job training, resume help, and employment placement services through local agencies.
>>> Find a list of free and discounted tablets for SNAP recipients through: Top Best Free Tablet with EBT: Get a FREE Tablet and Internet Service
Final Words
Does Bi Mart take EBT? Yes, shoppers can use EBT cards at Bi-Mart stores for SNAP-eligible food purchases. EBT makes grocery shopping easier for families across Oregon, Washington, and Idaho.
Remember, you must pay in-store since Bi-Mart does not process EBT online. If you already have an EBT card, you may also qualify for the federal Lifeline program to get free phone and data service. Check your ZIP code today to see if plans are available near you.
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