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

Costco accepts SNAP benefits (EBT cards) at most of its warehouse locations in the United States. However, you can only purchase foods that are on the SNAP-approved list. This means you cannot buy prepared foods, hot items from the food court, alcohol, vitamins, pet food, or non-food items — even though Costco sells all of these things. The foods you can buy are the same ones you can purchase at any grocery store: produce, meat, dairy, bread, canned goods, frozen vegetables, and pantry staples.

Not every Costco location accepts EBT. Some warehouses in certain states do not process SNAP payments. Before you make a trip, call your local Costco or check the Costco website to confirm that your location takes EBT. If your warehouse does not accept it, you can still use your EBT card at regular grocery stores, farmers markets that accept SNAP, and some online retailers.

Key Takeaways

  • Costco accepts EBT at most U.S. locations, but you must call ahead to confirm your warehouse takes SNAP payments.
  • You can only buy SNAP-approved foods: produce, meat, dairy, frozen items, and shelf-stable groceries — not prepared foods, alcohol, or non-food items.
  • Costco membership is required to shop there, and you pay the membership fee with a regular payment method, not EBT.
  • If your Costco does not accept EBT, you can use your card at traditional grocery stores, some farmers markets, and certain online food retailers.

What foods you can buy with EBT at Costco

The SNAP program covers foods intended for home preparation and consumption. At Costco, this includes fresh produce (apples, carrots, lettuce, berries), fresh and frozen meat and poultry, fish and seafood, dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt, eggs), bread and grains, canned vegetables and fruits, beans and legumes, nuts and seeds, and frozen vegetables and fruits. You can also buy items like peanut butter, cooking oils, flour, sugar, and other pantry staples.

The key rule is that the food must be raw or uncooked when you buy it. If Costco's deli or food court has prepared it, or if it is meant to be eaten immediately, SNAP does not cover it. This applies even if the item is sold in the grocery section. For example, you cannot buy rotisserie chicken, prepared salads, or hot pizza from Costco's food court with EBT, but you can buy a raw whole chicken or a bag of frozen chicken breasts.

What you cannot buy with EBT at Costco

SNAP does not cover prepared or hot foods, so you cannot use EBT for anything from Costco's food court or deli counter. This includes pizza, hot dogs, rotisserie chicken, prepared sandwiches, and any item that has been cooked or assembled for immediate eating. You also cannot buy alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, medicines, pet food, household supplies, or clothing — even though Costco sells these items.

Non-food items are never covered by SNAP, regardless of where you shop. This means no paper products, cleaning supplies, personal care items, or electronics. If you are buying a mix of SNAP-approved and non-approved items, you will need to separate them at checkout. The cashier will ring up only the approved foods on your EBT card and ask you to pay for everything else with a different payment method.

How to use your EBT card at Costco

When you check out, tell the cashier you are paying with EBT. They will ask you to swipe your card or insert it into the PIN pad, just as you would at any other store. You will enter your four-digit PIN. The transaction processes the same way as at a grocery store — the approved foods are deducted from your SNAP balance, and any non-approved items are separated for payment by another method.

Costco membership is required to shop there. You cannot pay the membership fee with EBT; you must use a regular payment method (debit card, credit card, or cash). The membership fee varies by membership tier and changes periodically, so check Costco's website for current prices. Once you have a membership, you can use your EBT card to buy approved foods just like you would anywhere else.

Finding a Costco that accepts EBT

Most Costco locations accept EBT, but not all. Some warehouses in certain states do not process SNAP payments. The fastest way to find out is to call your local Costco directly and ask whether they accept EBT. You can also visit Costco's website and use the warehouse locator to find your nearest location, then call that number.

If your Costco does not accept EBT, you have other options. Traditional grocery stores, supermarkets, and many discount retailers accept SNAP. Some farmers markets that participate in the SNAP program also take EBT cards. A few online retailers, including Amazon Fresh and some regional delivery services, now accept EBT for online grocery orders in certain states. Your state's SNAP program website can tell you which online retailers are available in your area.

Costco membership and EBT

You need a Costco membership to shop at the warehouse, and the membership fee is not covered by EBT. Membership costs vary depending on the tier you choose — Gold Star (basic), Gold Star Executive, or business memberships. You pay this fee upfront with a regular payment method. Once you have an active membership, you can use your EBT card to purchase approved foods during your shopping trips.

Some people find that buying in bulk at Costco stretches their SNAP benefits further, since warehouse prices are often lower per unit than grocery store prices. However, this only works if you have the storage space at home and can use the food before it spoils. If you have a small household or limited freezer space, buying smaller quantities at a regular grocery store might be more practical.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use EBT to pay for my Costco membership?

No. Membership fees must be paid with a regular payment method — debit card, credit card, or cash. EBT can only be used to purchase SNAP-approved foods once you have an active membership.

Can I buy hot food from Costco's food court with EBT?

No. The food court sells prepared and hot foods, which are not covered by SNAP. You can only use EBT for raw or uncooked foods that you will prepare at home.

What do I do if my local Costco does not accept EBT?

Call ahead to confirm, but if your warehouse does not take SNAP, you can use your EBT card at traditional grocery stores, some farmers markets, and certain online retailers. Check your state's SNAP program website to see which online options are available in your area.

Can I use EBT to buy vitamins or supplements at Costco?

No. Vitamins, supplements, medicines, and health products are not covered by SNAP, even if they are sold in the grocery section. You can only use EBT for foods intended for home preparation and eating.

Do I need to separate my items at checkout if I am buying both approved and non-approved foods?

Yes. The cashier will ring up only the SNAP-approved foods on your EBT card. Any non-approved items must be paid for separately with a different payment method.