Yes, you can use EBT at Costco, but only for certain foods

Costco accepts SNAP benefits (the federal food assistance program, formerly called food stamps) at most of its warehouse locations in the United States. However, you can only use your EBT card to buy foods that SNAP covers — not everything Costco sells. The rules about what you can purchase are the same at Costco as they are at any other grocery store.

You do not need a Costco membership to use your EBT card there. Costco allows customers without a membership to enter and shop using SNAP benefits, though some locations may have specific procedures for this. Call your local Costco warehouse to confirm they accept EBT and to ask about their process for non-members paying with SNAP.

Key Takeaways

  • Costco accepts EBT for SNAP-covered foods like produce, meat, dairy, and pantry staples, but not for rotisserie chickens, prepared foods, or items from the food court.
  • You cannot use EBT to buy non-food items at Costco, even if they are sold in the grocery section — this includes vitamins, household supplies, and pet food.
  • Most Costco locations allow non-members to shop with EBT, but policies vary by warehouse, so call ahead to confirm.
  • Your EBT card works the same way at Costco as it does at any supermarket — the cashier will process it like a debit card, and you can only pay for SNAP-covered items with your benefits.

What foods you can buy with EBT at Costco

SNAP covers foods you cook or prepare yourself. At Costco, this means you can use your EBT card for fresh produce, meat, poultry, seafood, dairy products, eggs, bread, cereals, canned vegetables and fruits, dried beans and lentils, peanut butter, nuts, seeds, and other pantry staples. You can also buy frozen vegetables and fruits, as long as they have no added sugars or sauces that would make them a prepared food.

Costco's bulk sizes and warehouse pricing can stretch your SNAP benefits further if you have storage space at home. Many people use Costco for items like large bags of rice, beans, frozen chicken breasts, and blocks of cheese. Just remember that the item itself must be SNAP-covered — the size or package does not change the rule.

What you cannot buy with EBT at Costco

SNAP does not cover prepared or hot foods, even if they are sold in the grocery section. At Costco, this means you cannot use EBT for the rotisserie chickens, deli items, bakery goods made on-site, or anything from the food court. You also cannot use EBT for hot or cold prepared meals, sandwiches, or salad bar items.

Non-food items are never covered by SNAP, regardless of where you shop. This includes vitamins and supplements, pet food, household cleaning supplies, paper products, personal care items, alcohol, tobacco, and hot beverages. Costco's pharmacy and optical departments are also off-limits for EBT purchases. If you are unsure whether a specific item is covered, ask the cashier before you check out — they can tell you whether it rings up as SNAP-may be able to access.

How to use your EBT card at Costco

Bring your EBT card to the checkout and tell the cashier you are paying with SNAP benefits. The cashier will separate your SNAP-covered items from anything else you are buying. Your EBT card will be processed like a debit card — you may be asked to enter your PIN. The SNAP-covered items will be charged to your benefits account, and you will pay for any non-covered items with cash, a credit card, or a debit card.

If your total SNAP balance is not enough to cover all your SNAP-may be able to access items, the cashier will let you know. You can then decide which items to remove or pay for with another payment method. The transaction will only go through for the amount your EBT card can cover.

Costco membership and EBT

Costco's policy allows people without a membership to enter the warehouse and shop using SNAP benefits. However, this policy is set at the individual warehouse level, so not every location may follow it the same way. Some warehouses may require you to have a membership, or they may have a specific entrance or checkout lane for non-members using EBT.

The best approach is to call your local Costco warehouse before your first visit and ask whether non-members can shop with EBT. If they say yes, ask whether there are any special procedures — for example, whether you need to check in at customer service first or use a particular checkout lane. This takes five minutes and saves you a trip if your location has different rules.

What happens if you do not have a Costco membership

If your local Costco does not allow non-members to shop with EBT, you have a few options. You can purchase a Costco membership if you want to shop there regularly — memberships start at around $60 per year, though prices vary. You can also shop at other grocery stores, supermarkets, and warehouse clubs that accept EBT without requiring a membership, such as Sam's Club (which has a similar policy) or traditional supermarkets.

Some states and regions have additional resources to help you find SNAP-accepting retailers near you. Your state's SNAP program website usually has a store locator tool, or you can call your local SNAP office to ask which nearby stores accept benefits.

Using EBT online at Costco

Costco does not currently accept EBT for online orders placed through its website or app. You must shop in person at a Costco warehouse to use your SNAP benefits. This is true even in states where other retailers allow online EBT purchases.

If you cannot visit a warehouse in person, you may be able to shop online at other retailers that accept EBT for delivery or pickup. Amazon Fresh, Walmart, and some regional supermarkets offer online SNAP shopping in certain areas. Check your state's SNAP program website to see which online retailers are available in your location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use EBT to buy Costco gift cards?

No. Gift cards are not covered by SNAP, even if you plan to use them to buy food later. You can only use your EBT card to pay directly for SNAP-covered items at checkout.

What if the cashier says an item is not SNAP-covered and I disagree?

Ask the cashier to check with a manager or use the store's system to verify. SNAP rules are specific, and some items are borderline — for example, certain prepared foods or items with added ingredients. If the store says it is not covered, you can pay for it with another payment method or leave it behind. You can also contact your state's SNAP program to ask about a specific item.

Can I use someone else's EBT card at Costco?

No. EBT cards are issued to specific individuals, and only that person can use the card. Using someone else's card is considered fraud and can result in serious legal consequences, including criminal charges and loss of benefits.

Do I need to show ID when I use EBT at Costco?

Costco may ask to see your ID to verify that you are the cardholder, especially if you do not have a membership. Bring your ID with you when you shop. Some states require ID verification for all EBT transactions, while others do not — your local Costco will follow your state's rules.

Can I return items I bought with EBT?

Yes. Costco's return policy applies to items bought with EBT the same way it applies to items bought with other payment methods. If you return an item, the refund will go back to your EBT card. Keep your receipt so you can process the return.