Yes, Costco accepts EBT cards, but only for food items you can eat at home

Costco takes SNAP EBT cards (the card that loads your food benefits each month) at all of its warehouse locations in the United States. You can use your EBT card to buy groceries like produce, meat, dairy, bread, and canned goods — the same foods you can buy at any supermarket.

However, Costco will not let you use EBT to pay for prepared foods, hot items from the food court, gas, pharmacy items, or anything else outside the SNAP food category. The register will decline the card if you try. You'll need to pay for those items with a different payment method.

You do not need a Costco membership to use your EBT card there. Costco allows EBT shoppers to enter the warehouse and purchase food items even without a paid membership card.

Key Takeaways

  • Costco accepts SNAP EBT cards for all food items meant to be prepared and eaten at home, including fresh produce, meat, dairy, frozen foods, and pantry staples.
  • Your EBT card will be declined if you try to buy prepared foods, hot items from the food court, alcohol, vitamins, or non-food items like gas or household supplies.
  • You do not need a Costco membership to shop for food with your EBT card, though you will need one to buy other items.
  • The EBT card works the same way at Costco as it does at any other grocery store — the system automatically blocks non-food purchases.

What you can and cannot buy with EBT at Costco

Foods you can buy: Fresh fruits and vegetables, meat and poultry, fish and seafood, eggs, milk and cheese, yogurt, bread and grains, rice and pasta, beans and legumes, nuts and seeds, frozen vegetables and fruits, canned vegetables and fruits (in juice or water, not syrup), peanut butter, cooking oils, spices, and coffee or tea.

Items you cannot buy: Rotisserie chicken from the food court, pizza slices, hot dogs, or any prepared food; alcohol or tobacco; vitamins and medicines; pet food; household supplies like paper towels or cleaning products; gas; or anything from the Costco pharmacy counter.

The register system knows which items are food and which are not. When you check out, the cashier will separate your purchases, and the EBT card will only process the food items. You'll pay for everything else with cash, debit, or credit.

How to use your EBT card at Costco

Bring your EBT card to the warehouse along with a photo ID. At checkout, tell the cashier you're paying with EBT. They will run your card like a debit card — you do not need to enter a PIN at most Costco locations, though some may ask for it.

The transaction works instantly. Your EBT balance updates right away, so you'll know how much you have left for the month. If your balance is too low to cover all your food purchases, the card will decline, and you'll need to pay the difference with another payment method or remove some items.

Keep your receipt. It shows what was paid with EBT and what was paid another way, which is useful if you need to track your spending or if there's ever a question about the transaction.

Membership requirements for EBT shoppers

Costco's official policy allows people without a membership to enter the warehouse and purchase food with an EBT card. This means you can shop for groceries without paying the annual membership fee. However, the policy varies slightly by location, so it's worth calling your local Costco ahead of time to confirm.

If you want to buy non-food items or use other Costco services (like the pharmacy or gas station), you will need a paid membership. Some Costco locations offer a discounted membership for people receiving SNAP benefits, though this is not standard across all warehouses. Ask at the membership desk when you visit.

What happens if your EBT card is declined

Your card may be declined for a few reasons: your balance is too low, you're trying to buy a non-food item, the card has expired, or there's a technical issue with the card reader. Ask the cashier which reason applies.

If your balance is low, you can remove items and try again. If the card itself has a problem, contact your state's SNAP program or the customer service number on the back of your card. If you're trying to buy something that's not allowed, you'll need to pay with a different payment method or leave it behind.

Using Costco's online shopping with EBT

Costco's website and app do not currently accept EBT cards for online orders. You must shop in person at a warehouse location to use your EBT card. This is true across all Costco locations in the United States.

If you order online and pick up in the warehouse, you can pay with EBT at the time of pickup, but only for the food items in your order. Non-food items will need to be paid for separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my EBT card at Costco's gas station?

No. Gas is not a food item, so EBT will not work at the pump or the gas station counter. You'll need to pay with cash, debit, or credit for fuel.

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

No. When you're shopping with EBT, you do not need a membership card. Costco allows EBT shoppers to enter and purchase food without one. If you're buying non-food items, you'll need a membership.

What if I buy food and non-food items together?

The cashier will separate them at checkout. Your EBT card will pay for the food, and you'll pay for everything else with another payment method. The register does this automatically.

Can I use my EBT card to buy Costco gift cards?

No. Gift cards are not food, so EBT will not cover them. You'll need to pay with cash, debit, or credit.

Does Costco accept P-EBT (pandemic EBT) cards?

P-EBT cards work the same way as regular SNAP EBT cards at Costco. You can use them to buy food items. Check your state's program to see if P-EBT is still active in your area, as these programs have ended in most states.