Costco accepts EBT at most locations, but not all, and only for food items you can eat at home

Costco is authorized to take SNAP benefits (the federal food program formerly called food stamps) at the vast majority of its warehouse locations in the United States. However, not every Costco warehouse accepts EBT — a small number do not — and the items you can purchase are limited to foods meant for home preparation and consumption. You cannot use EBT to buy prepared foods from the Costco food court, rotisserie chickens, or items like vitamins, household supplies, or pet food.

The easiest way to confirm whether your specific Costco takes EBT is to call the warehouse directly or check your state's SNAP retailer locator. Your state's Department of Social Services or SNAP agency maintains a searchable list of authorized retailers, and you can filter by location. Costco's customer service line can also confirm whether your nearest warehouse is authorized.

Key Takeaways

  • Most Costco warehouses accept EBT for SNAP-may be able to access foods, but you must call ahead or check your state's retailer list to confirm your location participates.
  • EBT covers bulk foods like produce, meat, dairy, bread, and canned goods, but not prepared foods, the food court, or non-food items.
  • You do not need a Costco membership to use EBT at the warehouse, though you do need one to shop for other items.
  • Your EBT card works the same way at Costco as at any other grocery store — swipe or insert it at checkout and enter your PIN.

What foods you can and cannot buy with EBT at Costco

SNAP covers foods intended for home preparation: fresh and frozen vegetables and fruits, meat and poultry, fish and seafood, dairy products, breads and cereals, snack foods like nuts and crackers, and beverages like milk and juice. At Costco, this means you can purchase bulk packages of chicken breasts, bags of frozen broccoli, wheels of cheese, cases of eggs, and large containers of yogurt. You can also buy items like peanut butter, canned beans, pasta, rice, and cooking oils in bulk quantities.

SNAP does not cover hot or prepared foods, even if they are sold in the grocery section. At Costco, this means you cannot use EBT for the rotisserie chickens sold near the deli, items from the food court (pizza, hot dogs, sandwiches), or any food heated for immediate consumption. You also cannot use EBT for vitamins, supplements, alcohol, tobacco, household cleaning supplies, paper products, pet food, or cosmetics — even though Costco sells these items.

If you are unsure whether a specific item is covered, the general rule is: if you can eat it uncooked or prepare it yourself at home, it is likely covered. If it is already cooked or ready to eat, or if it is not a food at all, it is not covered.

Whether you need a Costco membership to use EBT

You do not need a paid Costco membership to enter the warehouse and use EBT to purchase food. Federal law requires that SNAP-authorized retailers allow EBT cardholders to shop without membership barriers. However, Costco does require a membership card to purchase non-food items or to check out at all. In practice, this means you can walk in with your EBT card and buy groceries, but you cannot buy other merchandise without a membership.

Some Costco locations have a separate entrance or checkout lane for EBT-only shoppers, though this varies by warehouse. If you are unsure how your local Costco handles this, call ahead and ask. The staff can tell you whether there is a dedicated process or whether you proceed through the regular checkout.

How to use your EBT card at Costco

Using EBT at Costco works the same way as at any other grocery store. Fill your cart with SNAP-may be able to access foods, proceed to checkout, and tell the cashier you are paying with EBT. The cashier will separate your may be able to access food items from any non-food items or prepared foods. You will then swipe or insert your EBT card into the card reader and enter your four-digit PIN. The transaction will process, and your SNAP balance will be reduced by the amount of may be able to access food purchased.

If you have a question about whether a specific item is covered before you reach checkout, you can ask a Costco employee while you are shopping. They can tell you whether an item is SNAP-may be able to access. This can save time and prevent items from being removed at the register.

Finding your nearest Costco that accepts EBT

To find out whether your local Costco accepts EBT, start with your state's SNAP retailer locator. Every state maintains a searchable database of authorized SNAP retailers, usually on the website of the state's Department of Social Services, Department of Human Services, or equivalent agency. You can search by zip code or city name and filter results to show only Costco locations. The database will show you which warehouses are authorized and which are not.

If you cannot find the information online, call your state's SNAP hotline or your local Costco warehouse directly. Costco's main customer service line can also confirm whether a specific warehouse location accepts EBT. Having your zip code or the warehouse address ready will speed up the process.

What happens if your local Costco does not accept EBT

A small number of Costco locations do not accept EBT, usually because they are located in areas where SNAP authorization was not granted or because the warehouse is very new. If your nearest Costco does not accept EBT, you have several options. You can shop at another Costco location if one is within reasonable distance, or you can use your EBT card at other grocery stores and warehouse retailers that do accept it, such as Sam's Club or most traditional supermarkets.

If you believe a Costco location should be authorized but is not, you can contact your state's SNAP agency to ask about the authorization process. Retailers can apply to become SNAP-authorized, and your state agency can explain what that process involves.

Using EBT online at Costco

Costco does not currently allow EBT payment for online grocery orders placed through its website or app. You must shop in person at a physical warehouse location to use your EBT card. However, some states have expanded online SNAP purchasing through other retailers like Amazon Fresh and Walmart.com. Check your state's SNAP program website to see whether online SNAP purchasing is available in your area and which retailers participate.

This restriction may change in the future, as the USDA has been testing online SNAP purchasing with select retailers. If you want to know whether Costco plans to accept EBT online, you can contact Costco customer service or check your state's SNAP agency for updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use EBT to buy items from the Costco food court?

No. The food court sells prepared and hot foods, which are not covered by SNAP. You can only use EBT for foods you purchase from the warehouse shelves that you will prepare yourself at home.

Do I need to show my Costco membership card when I use EBT?

No. Federal law requires that SNAP-authorized retailers allow EBT cardholders to shop without membership requirements. You can enter the warehouse and purchase food with EBT alone. Some locations may ask for a phone number or zip code for record-keeping, but you do not need a paid membership.

What if an item is rejected at checkout?

If an item is rejected, it means the cashier or the system determined it is not SNAP-may be able to access. You can choose to pay for it with another payment method, or you can leave it behind. If you believe an item should be covered, you can ask the cashier to check or contact your state's SNAP agency to report the issue.

Can I use EBT at Costco in a different state than where I live?

Yes. Your EBT card works in any state. As long as the Costco location is authorized to accept SNAP, you can use your card there. Your balance and PIN remain the same across state lines.

Does Costco charge a fee to use EBT?

No. There is no fee to use your EBT card at Costco or any other authorized retailer. The transaction is free.