Ollie’s Bargain Outlet is an American discount retail chain specializing in closeout, overstocked, and surplus merchandise at deeply discounted prices. If you’re looking to use EBT benefits for your purchases here, it’s important to know which stores accept them. So, does Ollie’s take EBT cards?
1. Does Ollie’s Accept EBT Cards?
Ollie’s offers customers real brand-name products at bargain prices across a wide range of departments, including food, housewares, flooring, cookware, toys, electronics, and more.
Unfortunately, Ollie’s does not accept EBT/SNAP benefits/food stamps at this time. The store is currently unable to participate in these programs due to the regulations and requirements involved, according to their customer service.
For those looking to use their SNAP benefits, consider other retailers.
>>> Read more: Seafood Places That Take EBT – Full Guide for EBT Cardholders
2. Ollie’s vs. Other Discount Stores: Where Can You Use EBT?
2.1. Is Ollie’s the same as Big Lots?
Big Lots is an American discount retail chain, similar to Ollie’s, offering brand-name, closeout, and overstock merchandise at everyday low prices.
Although both stores specialize in discounted and closeout items, Big Lots allows SNAP recipients to use their benefits for their purchases.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, customers should check with their local Big Lots store directly, as EBT policies may vary by location.
2.2. Ollie’s vs. Dollar Stores
Dollar General, Family Dollar, and Dollar Tree typically accept EBT.
These stores are authorized SNAP retailers and sell a range of food items that are eligible for purchase with EBT
- Dollar General, likely the better option than others, offers the largest and most consistent selection of grocery items among discount chains, including fresh produce at many locations. (Does Dollar General take WIC?)
- Family Dollar also accepts EBT and carries a variety of grocery items.
- Dollar Tree accepts EBT payments. Yet, most items are priced at $1.25, so the food selection may be limited and portions smaller. Still, it’s a valid option for snacks, beverages, and packaged foods..
2.3. Where to go if you want to use EBT?
If your main goal is to buy food with EBT, it’s best to skip Ollie’s and explore other places.
Major Supermarkets and Retailers
- Walmart accepts EBT at all locations and for online grocery pickup and delivery orders in all 50 states. Check out Surprising things you can buy with EBT at Walmart
- Target allows you to use your EBT card for in-store purchases and for online orders.
- ALDI accepts EBT for in-store purchases and also for online orders through Instacart.
- Albertsons’ network, which includes Safeway, Vons, and Jewel-Osco, accepts EBT in-store and at many locations for online orders.
- Kroger and its family of stores (like Ralphs, Fred Meyer, and Fry’s) widely accept EBT for both in-store and online pickup orders.
Dollar and Discount Stores
In addition, you can find dollar and discount stores that are often more accessible in rural or underserved areas. Great for pantry staples with EBT payment.
- Dollar General
- Family Dollar
- Dollar Tree
Wholesale Clubs
If you have a membership, you can use your EBT card to buy food in bulk at these stores.
- Costco accepts EBT for in-store purchases, but not for online orders.
- Sam’s Club accepts EBT at its stores and with its Scan & Go service, but not for online purchases.
Online and Delivery Services
- Amazon: You can use EBT to purchase SNAP-eligible food items on Amazon Fresh and Amazon.com in most states.
- Instacart: This partners with a wide range of retailers, including ALDI, Publix, and others, to allow you to use your EBT card for grocery delivery or pickup.
- DoorDash: DoorDash also partners with grocery stores to facilitate EBT payments for grocery delivery.
- Walmart.com: As mentioned above, Walmart accepts EBT for online grocery pickup and delivery nationwide.
Other Places
- Many farmers’ markets across the country are authorized to accept EBT. Some even offer “healthy food incentive programs” that match your SNAP dollars, allowing you to get more fresh produce.
- Smaller stores like Walgreens and CVS often carry SNAP-eligible food items and accept EBT.
To find an EBT-accepting store near you, use the USDA’s SNAP Retailer Locator.
Even with this list, you should still check with the specific store or their website to confirm their EBT acceptance policy, as policies can sometimes vary by location.
Also, keep SNAP regulations in mind: SNAP EBT cards can only be used to purchase eligible food items.
Non-food products, such as household supplies, electronics, or furniture, cannot be purchased with an EBT card at Big Lots or any other retailer.
3. What Forms of Payment Does Ollie’s Accept?
Though the store does not accept EBT cards, Ollie’s currently accepts many forms of payment methods, including:
- Cash
- Personal checks
- Major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express)
- Contactless payments such as Apple Pay and Google Pay
4. Tips for Affordable Shopping at Ollie’s
To get the best deals and make the most of your trip, consider these tips:
- Join Ollie’s Army, Ollie’s loyalty program, and save money. You can receive exclusive coupons and special offers, often including 15% off your entire purchase. For every $250 spent in a calendar year, you can earn a higher “Rank” that unlocks bigger discounts, such as 20% or 30% off a single item.
- Visit the store frequently, preferably in the morning on weekdays, to increase your chances of finding top deals. After holidays or season’s end, you can see significant markdowns on decorations, toys, and seasonal goods.
- Inspect expiration dates on food items, since closeout products may be near their expiry.
- In fact, not everything at Ollie’s is automatically the lowest price. Compare higher-ticket items (like electronics, appliances, and tools) to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
- Ollie’s inventory constantly changes based on the closeouts they acquire. Treat your visit as a hunt for bargains. You may find high-end brand-name items at a fraction of the cost.
- Stick to a list or budget to avoid purchasing unnecessary items just because they’re cheap.
5. Claim a Free Device with EBT
When you enroll in Lifeline through SNAP, you gain more than just food — you access a program that provides discounted phone and internet services.
By applying with your EBT benefits, you can receive a $9.25 monthly discount (or more in Tribal lands) and a free device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or smartwatch, from a participating provider.
The process is straightforward, and your eligibility can often be verified automatically.
How to Apply:
- Visit AirTalk Wireless: Enter your ZIP code on their website.
- Choose a Lifeline Plan: Select a plan that includes free device benefits.
- Upload Documentation (if required)
- Submit Application: Once approved, you’ll receive confirmation and can start using your discounted service and device.
FAQs
Does every Ollie’s location take EBT?
Ollie’s Bargain Outlet does not accept EBT at any of its locations. Customers who want to use EBT should visit stores like Walmart, Target, and Dollar Tree.
What payment methods does Ollie’s accept?
The store currently accepts cash, personal checks, and major credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express. Contactless payment options, including Apple Pay and Google Pay, are also accepted. At this time, SNAP/EBT cannot be used at Ollie’s.
Does Ollie’s take the American Express card?
Yes. Ollie’s accepts American Express cards as a form of payment.
Conclusion
In short, Ollie’s Bargain Outlet does not accept EBT or SNAP benefits at any of its locations. If you want to use your EBT benefits, there are many authorized grocery stores or supermarkets that consistently carry eligible food items with EBT payments.