The budget-friendly and bargain-hunting favorite Dollar Tree has earned a loyal following thanks to its simple pricing model. With shelves stocked full of snacks, pantry staples, household items, party supplies, and seasonal goods, it’s become a go-to destination for shoppers. While you won’t find name brands in abundance, you will discover a surprising variety of essentials at good prices. In the fiscal year ending February 1, 2025, the top-selling product category at Dollar Tree was consumable goods, with sales reaching over 8.5 billion dollars.
For shoppers who rely on government assistance, it’s natural to wonder: Does Dollar Tree take EBT? If you want to use SNAP benefits at one of its many locations, here’s what you should know before your next trip.
1. What Forms of Payment does Dollar Tree accept? Does Dollar Tree Accept EBT Cards?
Dollar Tree accepts a variety of payment methods, making it convenient for customers to shop in-store and online. When shopping at Dollar Tree, you can use credit and debit cards, including American Express, Visa, MasterCard, and Discover.
In addition, PayPal and PayPal Credit are accepted for online purchases.
Dollar Tree also accepts EBT cards at all its locations for those using SNAP benefits. EBT allows eligible customers to purchase food items approved under the program.
For online orders, Dollar Tree does not accept purchase orders, coupons, Google Wallet, or Apple Pay for transactions. Be sure to have an accepted payment method ready when shopping to ensure a smooth checkout experience.
>>> Check more: Does Trader Joe’s Take EBT?
2. What Can You Buy with EBT at Dollar Tree?
Dollar Tree accepts EBT cards, which allow customers to use their SNAP benefits to purchase a variety of food items. Not all items in the store are eligible for purchase with EBT benefits. The eligibility is based on the product type and whether it falls under the approved categories outlined by SNAP. Here’s what you can and cannot purchase with EBT at Dollar Tree.
2.1 SNAP-Eligible Items
At Dollar Tree, many of their food items are SNAP-eligible. Here are some examples of common food items available for purchase with EBT at Dollar Tree:
- Frozen foods: Frozen meals, vegetables, and frozen fruits.
- Canned goods: Many canned goods, such as vegetables and beans, are EBT-eligible. You’ll also find canned tuna, fruit, tomato sauce, and other staples that are approved by SNAP.
- Dry goods: Shelf-stable products such as pasta, rice, beans, and boxed cereals are available at Dollar Tree. These dry staples are some of the most commonly purchased items with EBT cards.
- Snacks: Pre-packaged snacks like chips, crackers, and cookies are also eligible for purchase with EBT.
- Beverages: Bottled water is approved by SNAP, but many people don’t know about it.
- Dairy products: If Dollar Tree carries dairy products in your local store, you can generally buy milk, cheese, and butter with EBT.
- Bread: Fresh bread, rolls, and some pastries may be eligible, depending on the specific store’s offerings.
- Seasonings and spices: Packaged seasonings, salt, pepper, and other basic cooking ingredients are commonly available.
>>> Also read: Does Wendy’s Accept EBT? Here’s What You Should Know
2.2 Items that are ineligible for EBT
- Household items: Cleaning products, paper towels, toilet paper, dish soap, and other household cleaning supplies cannot be purchased with EBT.
- Personal care products: Shampoo, conditioner, soap, and other personal hygiene products.
- Health and beauty items: Cosmetics, skincare products, and over-the-counter medications.
- Clothing and accessories: Any clothing or other apparel is not covered by SNAP benefits.
- Pet products: Pet food and supplies cannot be bought using EBT benefits.
- Electronics and appliances: Dollar Tree carries small electronic items like batteries, phone chargers, and light bulbs. These non-food items cannot be purchased with EBT.
- Gift cards: EBT benefits cannot be used to purchase gift cards for Dollar Tree or other retailers.
When you shop at Dollar Tree using your EBT card, you can buy many different food items. Knowing what your SNAP benefits allow you to purchase helps you get the most out of your Dollar Tree shopping trip.
3. Dollar Tree Return Policy for EBT Purchases
If you’ve made a purchase at a physical Dollar Tree location and are not satisfied with the merchandise, here’s what you need to know:
- If you have your original receipt, you can return the item to the store for: a full refund issued in the original form of payment, or an exchange for another item of equal value.
- If you no longer have the receipt, items can be exchanged at the current scanned price (which may be lower than what you paid).
- The following items cannot be refunded or exchanged, regardless of receipt: gift cards and prepaid financial cards
Simply visit the store where the purchase was made and speak with a store associate.
Returns for online orders are more limited. All sales are final. Items purchased through the Dollar Tree website cannot be returned or exchanged unless there is an issue with the order. If your online order arrives damaged, incomplete, or incorrect, Dollar Tree encourages you to contact their customer support team.
EBT purchases at Dollar Tree follow the same in-store return policy as non-EBT purchases. Keep in mind:
- If you return an item bought with your EBT card and have the original receipt, the refund will be issued back to your EBT account.
- You can also go for an exchange of the item for another food product of equal value, which is especially helpful if you prefer not to wait for a refund to process.
4. Get Free Phone Service through Lifeline with SNAP
SNAP recipients can qualify for the Lifeline program and receive significant monthly discounts on phone and internet services.
The Lifeline discount generally covers up to $9.25 off the monthly cost of phone or internet services, with the added benefit of receiving a discounted or free device (including smartphones, tablets, or even smartwatches) when enrolled through a specific Lifeline-supported provider.
The exact type of free device and the available plans may vary based on the provider and location.
How to apply for Lifeline with AirTalk Wireless:
Step 1: Visit AirTalk Wireless and enter your ZIP code.
Step 2: Choose a plan. Options include:
- Free Phone + Plan: A free device with free talk, text, and data
- Bring Your Own Device (BYOD): Keep your current phone and get free service
Step 3: Submit SNAP proof. Upload valid documentation such as: Notice of Action, Notice of Approval, Verification of Benefits Letter
Step 4: Complete every step. Once approved, you’ll receive confirmation and your package may arrive in a few days.
FAQs
1. What forms of payment does Dollar Tree accept?
Dollar Tree accepts several forms of payment:
- Cash (accepted at all physical store locations)
- Credit and Debit Cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover)
- EBT Cards
- PayPal and PayPal Credit (for online purchases at the Dollar Tree website)
Dollar Tree does not accept the following payment methods online:
- Purchase orders
- Coupons
- Google Wallet or Apple Pay
All payments must be made at the time of purchase, either in-store or online.
2. Does Dollar Tree take EBT for candy?
Candy is considered a SNAP-eligible item, so you can use your EBT card to buy candy at Dollar Tree, such as chocolate bars.
(EBT cards cannot be used for online purchases at Dollar Tree; they are only accepted for in-store transactions.)
Conclusion
If you’re shopping with an EBT card, Dollar Tree is a convenient way to stretch your benefits further, offering access to everyday SNAP-eligible items, all in one place.