If you’re wondering, “Does Costco Accept EBT?”, the answer is yes, shoppers can confidently use them at all warehouse locations throughout the U.S. for eligible items. As a member, you can use your EBT benefits to shop for SNAP-approved food items. However, there are some restrictions, and you can’t use EBT for non-food items or membership fees. Continue reading to learn how to make the most of your EBT card at Costco, along with a detailed list of approved and non-approved items.
1. Does Costco Accept EBT?
Overview of Costco
Costco is a well-known wholesale retail chain in the United States that operates on a membership-based model. This means customers must purchase an annual membership to shop at Costco stores.
Key highlights of Costco include:
- Products are typically sold in bulk quantities at lower prices compared to regular retail.
- A wide variety of goods is available, including groceries, household items, electronics, clothing, pharmaceuticals, and even fuel.
- Costco offers a flexible and customer-friendly return policy.
- Costco has a robust presence not just across the United States but also in Canada and various international markets.
- However, Costco only accepts specific payment methods such as Visa, EBT (for eligible items), cash, or Costco Shop Cards (gift cards).
Does Costco accept EBT in California?
You can use your EBT card at every Costco warehouse across the U.S., including major states like California. This allows you to use benefits from the SNAP program to purchase eligible food items at Costco.
In California, EBT cards are typically issued through the CalFresh program, which is the state’s version of the federal SNAP initiative. You can use your CalFresh EBT card at Costco, but only under certain conditions:
- You are a Costco member. Costco requires all shoppers to have a membership card (approximately $60/year) to make purchases.
- Your EBT card is valid solely for purchasing items approved under the SNAP program. Non-eligible items such as household supplies, prepared foods, and medicine must be paid for using another payment method.
How to use your EBT card at Costco
- Register for a Costco membership if you don’t already have one.
- Bring your EBT card with you when shopping.
- Select SNAP-approved food items from the store.
At checkout:
- Use your EBT card for the portion of your purchase that includes eligible food items.
- Use a credit/debit card or cash to pay for non-eligible products.
If you don’t have a Costco membership, you can ask a friend or family member to buy you a Costco Shop Card (Costco gift card). This card allows you to enter the store without a membership. However, you must pay using the Shop Card, and if the balance is insufficient, you’ll need to cover the remaining amount using an accepted payment method. EBT can still only be used for SNAP-eligible products.
2. What Can You Buy with EBT at Costco?
If you are a SNAP participant and a Costco member, you can use your EBT card to purchase a wide range of essential grocery items at significantly lower prices compared to typical retail. However, it’s important to understand which items are eligible and which are restricted under SNAP guidelines.
Eligible food items with EBT at Costco
The following food items are eligible for purchase with your EBT card at Costco, according to USDA SNAP guidelines and verified through Costco’s customer support and official documentation:
- Fruits and vegetables: Fresh, frozen, and canned produce.
- Meat, poultry, and Fish: Including fresh cuts, frozen packages, or bulk options.
- Dairy products: Milk, cheese, yogurt, butter, and more.
- Breads and cereals: Including whole loaves, bulk-packed goods, and breakfast cereals.
- Snack foods: Chips, crackers, cookies, and granola bars.
- Non-alcoholic beverages: Fruit juice, bottled water, soda, coffee, and tea.
- Cooking ingredients: Flour, sugar, oil, spices, and baking essentials.
- Frozen foods: Ready-to-cook meals, frozen vegetables, and desserts.
- Seeds and plants: If they produce food for household consumption (where available).
These items are consistent with general SNAP-approved categories. Costco does not place quantity restrictions within those guidelines, meaning you can take full advantage of bulk savings when using your EBT card for eligible groceries.
Costco’s in-store signage typically does not indicate which products are SNAP-eligible, so it’s best to review the USDA’s list or consult a store associate if you’re unsure.
What cannot you buy with EBT at Costco?
While Costco accepts EBT for grocery purchases, there are strict federal regulations that prohibit using EBT for non-food and specialty items. You cannot use your EBT card to buy:
- Alcoholic beverages: Beer, wine, spirits, and mixers.
- Tobacco products: Cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, etc.
- Prepared or hot foods: Including ready-to-eat items from Costco’s food court (e.g., hot pizza, rotisserie chicken).
- Products marked with “Supplement Facts,” such as most vitamins or dietary supplements, cannot be purchased with EBT.
- Household goods such as toilet paper, cleaning products, and personal care items.
- Pet-related products, including food and supplies meant for animals.
- Personal care items: Shampoo, soap, toothpaste, diapers, and similar items.
- Electronics and appliances: TVs, phones, refrigerators, or kitchen equipment.
- Clothing and furniture: Any non-food items that are not SNAP-approved.
By knowing exactly what your EBT card can and cannot be used for, you can better plan your shopping and maximize the value of your benefits when shopping at Costco.
>> Also read: The Most Surprising Things You Can Buy With EBT Card (Or Cannot)
3. EBT and Other Payment Options at Costco
What payments does Costco accept?
Costco is known for its streamlined payment policies, which help simplify checkout and reduce transaction fees. However, unlike many other retailers, Costco does not accept a wide variety of credit card types, only specific methods are allowed, especially in the U.S.
Here are the payment methods currently accepted at most Costco warehouse locations:
- Costco only accepts Visa credit cards, so be sure to bring a Visa-branded card if you’re not paying with EBT.
- Debit cards with PIN
- Cash
- Costco Shop Cards (gift cards)
- EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) cards for eligible items
- Mobile payment options like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay are accepted at Costco.
- Checks (at select locations and with membership verification)
Costco does not accept Mastercard, American Express, or Discover cards at its U.S. warehouses. If you shop online at Costco, however, Mastercard is accepted along with Visa.
Can you get a Costco membership with EBT?
No, EBT cards cannot be used to purchase a Costco membership. SNAP benefits are strictly regulated and can only be used for purchasing approved food items, not services, subscriptions, or fees.
However, even though you can’t pay for the membership itself with EBT, many low-income families still find Costco to be a valuable option. With its bulk pricing model and access to SNAP-eligible grocery items, EBT cardholders can stretch their food budgets significantly once they’re members.
The Costco EBT membership price is the same as the standard annual fee, which starts at approximately $60 per year for the Gold Star membership. This fee must be paid using a valid payment method such as a debit card, credit card (Visa), cash, or Costco gift card.
Also read: EBT Phone Service: How To Get Free Phone with EBT Card Or SNAP
4. FAQs
Does Costco or Sam’s take EBT?
Yes, both Costco and Sam’s Club accept EBT cards for in-store purchases of SNAP-eligible food items at all their U.S. warehouse locations. However, you must be a paying member at either club to shop, and EBT cannot be used to pay for membership fees.
Here is a comparison of Costco and Sam’s Club in terms of EBT policy:
| Feature | Costco | Sam’s Club |
| Accepts EBT in-store | Yes | Yes |
| Accepts EBT online | Limited (only in select states via Instacart) | No |
| Membership required | Yes (~$60/year) | Yes (~$50/year) |
| Can pay membership with EBT | No | No |
| EBT for non-food items | Not allowed (per SNAP rules) | Not allowed (per SNAP rules) |
Both clubs support EBT for in-store purchases of eligible grocery items, but Costco has limited online EBT support, while Sam’s Club does not support EBT online at all.
Can you use EBT at Costco self-checkout?
Yes, you can use your EBT card at Costco self-checkout lanes in most locations. Simply select “EBT” as your payment method when prompted and follow the on-screen instructions. However, ensure your cart contains only SNAP-eligible items, as non-eligible products must be paid separately with another payment method.
If you’re unsure which items are EBT-eligible, ask a Costco associate before heading to self-checkout.
Tips for low-income shoppers at Costco
If you’re shopping at Costco with an EBT card, here are smart ways to maximize your SNAP benefits:
- Buy in bulk wisely: Choose non-perishable or freezable EBT-eligible items like rice, canned goods, frozen vegetables, and meats to stretch your budget.
- Focus on SNAP-approved products: Stick to essentials like dairy, grains, fresh produce, and cooking staples to stay within EBT rules.
- Use a shopping list: Plan meals and make a list to avoid buying non-eligible or unnecessary items.
- Compare unit prices: Costco often offers lower per-unit costs, check labels to ensure real savings.
- Split large packs with family or friends: Share bulk purchases to reduce food waste and maximize value.
- Watch for seasonal deals: Look for occasional discounts on EBT-eligible items to save more.
Can you get EBT free phone service?
If you have supporting documents that prove you are receiving SNAP benefits, for example: notices of approval or verification off benefit letters, you may qualify for free phone service through the Lifeline program. Apply through a Lifeline provider, such as AirTalk Wireless, verify your eligibility, and get free phones from brands like Apple, Samsung, with data that suits your needs.
Hope all the information provided above has helped you find a clear and accurate answer to the question “Does Costco Accept EBT?”. You can use your EBT card for eligible food items at Costco, helping you save on bulk groceries. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to significantly reduce your expenses, get your Costco membership today and start shopping with your EBT card.