Does Sam’s Club Take EBT? What You Can (And Can’t) Use It For

Sam’s Club, a subsidiary of Walmart, is a membership-based warehouse retailer in the U.S. More than just a place to buy in bulk, Sam’s Club is known for offering top national brands alongside its exclusive private label, Member’s Mark.  

If you’re a SNAP recipient and wondering, does Sam’s Club take EBT? Here’s what you need to know. 

1. Does Sam’s Club Take EBT Cards?

Sam’s Club does accept EBT cards at all of its physical club locations. If you’re a SNAP recipient, you can shop in person using your EBT card for eligible food and beverage items.  

To start, you must be a Sam’s Club member to use your EBT card at the store. Sam’s Club offers a special discount for individuals participating in government assistance programs, like SNAP, SSI, and TANF, 60% off a Club membership or $50 off a Plus membership when signing up online as a new member. 

Where you can use EBT at Sam’s Club: 

• In-store: All Sam’s Club locations accept EBT payments. 
• Scan & Go App: You can use your EBT card through the Scan & Go feature in the Sam’s Club app. 
• Not Accepted Online: EBT is not accepted for purchases made on SamsClub.com or for curbside pickup orders, which must be paid for online using other methods. 

Note: Sam’s Club is not a WIC-authorized retailer. If you’re looking to shop with WIC benefits, visit a store that specifically supports that program. 

2. What Can You Buy at Sam’s Club with EBT?

Shopping at Sam’s Club with your EBT card is similar to using SNAP benefits at any authorized grocery store. As long as the items follow USDA SNAP guidelines, they’re eligible for purchase.  

Your EBT card can be used to purchase food and beverage items for home consumption, including: 

• Fruits and vegetables 
• Meat, poultry, and fish 
• Dairy products 
• Breads and cereals 
• Snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages 
• Baby formula and baby food

One of the surprising things you can buy with EBT is birthday cakes, as long as the value of non-edible decorations is minimal. You might also be surprised to learn that luxury food items like lobster or shrimp are also allowed under SNAP rules. 

Sam’s Club sells many of these in bulk, so you can take advantage of savings even on higher-end grocery items. 

SNAP benefits cannot be used to purchase the following at Sam’s Club or any other store: 

• Alcoholic beverages 
• Tobacco products 
• Vitamins, medicines, or supplements (items with a “Supplement Facts” label) 
• Hot prepared foods or meals ready for immediate consumption (such as food from the café or deli area) 
• Non-food items like pet food, cleaning supplies, paper products, soap, clothing, and electronics 

Sam’s Club also allows EBT refunds within 90 days of purchase if you’re returning eligible items. However, they do not provide cash back or store credit; refunds go directly back to your EBT card. 

3. Does Sam’s Club Take EBT Online?

Sam’s Club allows members to shop online for groceries, but you cannot use your EBT card as a payment method for these transactions. 

Sam’s Club does not accept EBT for online purchases. This includes SamsClub.com orders and curbside pickup. 

If you plan to shop at Sam’s Club using EBT,  make your purchases in person at a club location. 

 All Sam’s Club locations accept EBT cards for eligible food items, and you can also use your EBT card with the Scan & Go feature inside the Sam’s Club mobile app. 

>>> Read more: Does Wendy’s Accept EBT? Here’s What You Should Know

4. How to Use Your EBT Card at Sam’s Club

It’s a straightforward process, but there are a few things to keep in mind to use an EBT card at Sam’s Club: 

Become a Sam’s Club Member: 

You must have an active Sam’s Club membership to shop there. If you receive government assistance like SNAP, you may qualify for a discount: 60% off a Club membership or $50 off a Plus membership when you join online. 

Shop In-Store and Select SNAP-Eligible Items: 

EBT is only accepted in person at Sam’s Club locations. When shopping, make sure your cart includes only SNAP-eligible food items if you plan to pay with EBT.  

Check Out at the Register or Use Scan & Go: 

Swipe your EBT card at any regular checkout register. Alternatively, you can use the Scan & Go feature in the Sam’s Club mobile app. Scan items while shopping and pay through the app. 

Importantly, you don’t have to pay state or local sales tax on food and beverages bought with your EBT card. 

If you’re buying both eligible and non-eligible items, you’ll need to use another payment method for anything that doesn’t qualify under SNAP. Accepted other payment methods at Sam’s Club (In-Store): 

• Sam’s Club Credit (PLCC) 
• Sam’s Cash 
• Walmart & Sam’s Club Gift Cards 
• Cash or Check 
• Debit Card 
• MasterCard 
• Visa 
• American Express 
• Prepaid Credit Cards 
• Discover 
• Healthy Benefits+ (S3 Network) 
• Walmart Credit (PLCC) 

Returns and Refunds: 

If you want to return an item you bought with EBT, Sam’s Club can refund the cost back to your EBT account or exchange the product for the same one. (Sam’s Club allows EBT refunds within 90 days of purchase, but they are returned only to the EBT account.) 

>>> Check more: Does Trader Joe’s Take EBT? 

5. How to Qualify for Lifeline Assistance with SNAP

Recipients of SNAP benefits can qualify for the Lifeline program, which provides discounts on monthly phone and internet services. Eligible individuals can save up to $9.25 per month on their phone and internet bills. For those in tribal areas, the Lifeline program offers an increased discount of up to $34.25 per month. 

And in many cases, participants may even receive a free phone from one Lifeline service provider as part of their exclusive benefits. 

AirTalk Wireless is a trusted Lifeline-supported provider, and here’s how to apply for free phone service with SNAP/food stamps: 

Step 1: Visit AirTalk Wireless and enter your ZIP code to view local Lifeline plans. 

Step 2: Choose a plan 

• Select “Free Phone + Plan” to receive a free device 
• Or select “Bring Your Own Device” (BYOD) if you only want new data plans to use with your current device. 

Step 3: Pick your free device. 

Step 4: Submit documents showing you receive SNAP benefits. 

Step 5: Apply. AirTalk will review your submission. If approved, you’ll receive confirmation. 

Applying for Lifeline through AirTalk Wireless, you will get access to a slew of different phones from trusted brands, such as Apple, Samsung, Motorola, and more. 

These devices, plus high-speed data plans, will help elevate your life in various aspects! 

*Prices for AirTalk devices are based on current promotional offers and may vary depending on availability, location, and time of application. 

FAQs 

1. What Sam’s Club locations accept EBT? 

All Sam’s Club warehouse locations across the United States accept EBT cards for in-store purchases. 

2. What forms of payment does Sam’s Club accept? 

 Accepted other payment methods at Sam’s Club (In-Store): 

• EBT/SNAP 
• Sam’s Club Credit (PLCC) 
• Sam’s Cash 
• Walmart & Sam’s Club Gift Cards 
• Cash or Check 
• Debit Card 
• MasterCard 
• Visa 
• American Express 
• Prepaid Credit Cards 
• Discover 
• Healthy Benefits+ (S3 Network) 
• Walmart Credit (PLCC) 

3. Can I use someone else’s Sam’s Club card? 

You can not use someone else’s Sam’s Club card. Membership cards are non-transferable and are exclusively for the primary member and their authorized household cardholders. Only those listed on the account as household members or add-ons may use the membership card. 

4. Can I use EBT at Costco? 

Costco accepts EBT cards at all its warehouse locations for eligible food items. 

5. Does McDonald’s accept EBT? 

In states participating in the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP), eligible individuals, such as seniors, people with disabilities, or those experiencing homelessness, may use their EBT card at select McDonald’s locations. Participation varies by county and restaurant. 

6. Does Sam’s Club take EBT on Instacart? 

Sam’s Club does not accept EBT as a payment method for grocery delivery or pickup orders placed through Instacart.  

Consider other retailers that partner with Instacart and accept EBT payments, such as ALDI, Food Lion, and Stop & Shop. 

Conclusion 

Using your EBT benefits at Sam’s Club can be a smart way to stock up on everyday items. You’ll get access to a wide variety of eligible groceries at competitive warehouse prices, helping you stretch your benefits further.