Shopping at wholesale clubs like BJ’s is a popular way to save money. You can buy items in bulk and cut down on your monthly grocery costs. This is especially helpful for families on a budget. Many shoppers need to know: Does BJs take EBT? The answer is important for households that use SNAP benefits. Let’s look at the details.
1. Does BJ’s Accept EBT?
We have good news for you. Yes, BJ’s Wholesale Club accepts EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) cards.
This allows you to use your SNAP benefits to buy groceries. The process is simple, but it has different rules for in-club shopping versus online orders.
BJ’s policy on accepting EBT/SNAP payments (in-club and online)
All BJ’s club locations accept EBT cards. You can shop in the store and use your EBT card at any checkout lane. The process works just like using a debit card. This policy applies to every single BJ’s club.
Online shopping at BJs.com has a few more steps. You can use your EBT card for online orders, but only for “Buy Online, Pick Up In-Club” or curbside pickup. This is a great feature. It lets you reserve your items online and pick them up at your convenience.
There is one major exception. BJ’s does not accept EBT for “ship-to-home” orders. This is because SNAP benefits are intended for food items and cannot be used to pay for shipping fees.
If you add items to your cart for home delivery, you must use a different payment method.
What items are EBT-eligible at BJ’s
Your EBT card uses SNAP funds. These funds are designated for specific food items to ensure families get the nutrition they need. The USDA sets clear guidelines for what you can buy.
Eligible items include most staple foods. You can buy:
- Fruits and vegetables (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt
- Breads and cereals
- Snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages
- Seeds and plants that produce food for the household to eat
Ineligible items cannot be purchased with your SNAP funds. If you buy these, you need a separate form of payment. The ineligible list includes:
- Hot, prepared foods (like rotisserie chickens or items from the food court)
- Alcoholic beverages and tobacco products
- Vitamins, medicines, and supplements
- Non-food items like cleaning supplies, paper products, pet food, and cosmetics.
BJ’s registers are programmed to identify eligible items automatically. This makes checkout much easier.
Any state or regional restrictions to note
SNAP is a federal program. This means the rules for what you can buy are consistent across the entire country.
So, if you ask, “Does BJ’s Take EBT in NY?” the answer is a clear yes. This is also true for shoppers in Florida, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and every other state where BJ’s operates.
The only “restriction” you will encounter is the item eligibility we just discussed. Your EBT card works at any approved BJ’s, but only for SNAP-eligible food.
2. What Forms of Payment Does BJ’s Accept?
BJ’s offers flexibility at checkout. They accept a wide range of payment methods to make your shopping trip smooth. EBT is one of these options, and it works perfectly alongside other payment types.
Accepted payment methods (cash, credit/debit, digital wallets, EBT)
In its clubs, BJ’s accepts most forms of payment. This includes:
- All major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover)
- The BJ’s One Mastercard
- Debit cards
- Cash and personal checks
- EBT (for eligible items)
- Digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay.
This variety ensures you can always pay in the way that works best for you. For more insights on managing finances, check out our guide on budgeting.
How EBT payment works at checkout (online and in-store)
First, you shop and head to a checkout lane. Second, the cashier rings up all your items. Third, you will swipe or insert your EBT card before any other payment. The system prompts you to enter your 4-digit PIN on the keypad. The register’s software automatically detects all the SNAP-eligible food items. It deducts the total cost of those items from your EBT card’s SNAP balance.
For online pickup orders, the process starts at home. You add items to your cart on BJs.com and select pickup. At checkout, you will choose EBT as a payment option. You will still need your physical EBT card when you go to the club. You complete the payment and enter your PIN at the curbside pickup spot or at the in-club pickup desk.
Splitting payment between EBT and other payment forms
This is a common scenario and is very easy at BJ’s. Many shoppers buy both EBT-eligible food and non-food items in one trip.
The EBT system pays for the approved food items first. After your EBT funds are applied, the register will show you the remaining balance. This balance includes all non-food items (like laundry detergent or diapers) and any applicable sales tax.
You must pay this remaining amount with a different payment method. You can use cash, a debit card, or a credit card to cover the rest of your bill. The entire process is seamless.
3. Elevate Your Daily Life With a Free Phone Through EBT Benefits
Your participation in SNAP (EBT) is a powerful key. It unlocks other valuable support programs designed to help low-income households. If you receive SNAP benefits, you almost certainly qualify for other federal assistance.
One of the most important programs is Lifeline. Lifeline is a federal program that helps make communications services more affordable. In today’s world, a phone and internet access are not luxuries. They are essential.
This is where AirTalk Wireless comes in. AirTalk Wireless is a proud provider of the Lifeline program. They are dedicated to helping qualified individuals stay connected.
If you qualify through your SNAP participation, AirTalk Wireless can provide you with a free smartphone.
This is not all. You also receive a bundle of free monthly services. This typically includes free talk, free text, and free data.
This service is a game-changer. It allows you to contact doctors, manage your benefits, call your children’s school, or search for job opportunities without a costly phone bill. Staying connected is crucial, and AirTalk helps make it possible. You can learn more about how to get a free phone on our blog.
Final Words
So, does BJs take EBT? The answer is a definite yes. This policy is a huge help for many families. It allows them to use their SNAP benefits to access bulk groceries and save money. You can shop with confidence in-club or use the convenient online pickup option. This support helps stretch your food budget.
It also frees up your money for other important monthly bills, like your phone and utilities. This is where services like AirTalk Wireless offer even more help, by reducing your connectivity costs. You can also explore other ways to save, like finding local food banks.