Sam's Club does not accept EBT cards at checkout, but you can use EBT to buy a membership and then shop with a regular payment method

Sam's Club's membership warehouse model creates a split rule: you cannot swipe your EBT card to pay for groceries or other items in the store. However, you can use your EBT card to purchase a Sam's Club membership card itself, and once you own that membership, you can shop inside using any other payment method — debit, credit, cash, or checks.

This matters because Sam's Club memberships cost money upfront (typically $45 to $110 per year depending on membership tier), and that membership fee is a barrier for many households. The ability to use EBT to cover that cost removes one obstacle, even though you will still need a separate payment method for the actual groceries.

The rule applies nationwide at all Sam's Club locations. It is the same whether you shop in person or online, though online ordering has its own separate membership requirements.

Key Takeaways

  • You cannot use EBT to pay for food or merchandise inside Sam's Club, but you can use EBT to buy a membership card at the membership desk.
  • Once you own a Sam's Club membership, you can enter the warehouse and shop using debit, credit, cash, or checks — but not EBT.
  • Sam's Club membership costs between $45 and $110 per year depending on which tier you choose.
  • If you do not have a second payment method for groceries, Sam's Club membership may not be practical for your situation even if you can cover the membership fee with EBT.

How to use EBT to buy a Sam's Club membership

Visit the membership desk at any Sam's Club location in person. Tell the staff member you want to purchase a membership and that you will pay with your EBT card. They will process the membership fee through the EBT system just as they would any other payment method.

You will need to provide your name, address, and phone number to complete the membership application. The membership card is usually issued immediately or within a few minutes. Once you have it, you can shop in the warehouse on that same visit if you wish, but you will need to bring a debit card, credit card, or cash to pay for the items you select.

Online membership purchases through Sam's Club's website do not currently accept EBT as a payment option. You must buy the membership in person at a warehouse location.

What you cannot buy with EBT at Sam's Club

EBT funds (SNAP benefits) can only be used to purchase food items that are intended for home preparation and consumption. At Sam's Club, this means you can buy fresh produce, meat, dairy, bread, canned goods, and frozen vegetables with EBT — the same categories that work at any grocery store.

You cannot use EBT to buy prepared foods, hot foods from the deli counter, alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, household supplies, clothing, electronics, or anything else outside the SNAP food category. These restrictions are federal rules, not Sam's Club policies, and they apply everywhere.

The key difference at Sam's Club is that you cannot use EBT at the register at all. You must have a separate payment method ready for every purchase, even if you are only buying EBT-may be able to access items. This is different from traditional grocery stores, where you can use EBT for may be able to access items and a debit card for non-may be able to access items in the same transaction.

Membership tiers and what they cost

Sam's Club offers two main membership levels. The Gold Star membership costs $45 per year and gives you access to the warehouse and basic benefits. The Plus membership costs $110 per year and includes additional perks like extra discounts, free shipping on some online orders, and a rewards program.

Both memberships are renewable annually. If you use your EBT card to purchase the membership, the full cost comes out of your SNAP benefits balance. Some members choose the lower-cost Gold Star membership to preserve their EBT balance for groceries.

Sam's Club occasionally runs promotions where new members receive a discount on their first membership or a gift card credit. These promotions change throughout the year, so ask the membership desk what current offers are available when you visit.

Whether Sam's Club membership makes sense for your household

A Sam's Club membership is worth considering if you have a household of four or more people and buy groceries regularly. Bulk purchases often cost less per unit than smaller packages at traditional grocery stores, so the membership fee can pay for itself within a few months for a larger family.

However, the membership only makes financial sense if you have a second payment method (debit card, credit card, or cash) to use at checkout. If your only available funds are EBT benefits, you cannot complete a purchase inside the warehouse, and the membership becomes unusable. In that situation, a traditional grocery store that accepts EBT at the register is a better option.

You should also consider whether a Sam's Club location is convenient to reach. If the nearest warehouse is far from your home, the time and transportation cost may outweigh the savings on bulk groceries.

Other warehouse clubs and their EBT policies

Costco does not accept EBT cards for membership purchases or for in-store shopping. You must use a traditional payment method for both the membership fee and all purchases.

BJ's Wholesale Club accepts EBT for may be able to access food purchases inside the warehouse, but does not accept EBT for the membership fee itself. This is the opposite of Sam's Club's policy.

Walmart and Target, which are not membership-based, accept EBT at the register for may be able to access food items in all their locations. If you do not have a second payment method available, these retailers are more practical options than warehouse clubs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use EBT to buy non-food items at Sam's Club if I have a membership?

No. EBT can only be used for food items that meet SNAP rules, regardless of where you shop or whether you have a membership. Household supplies, clothing, electronics, and other non-food items must be paid for with a separate payment method at any retailer.

What if I do not have a debit card or credit card to use at Sam's Club checkout?

Sam's Club accepts cash and checks at the register. If you have access to cash, you can use it to pay for groceries after using your EBT card to purchase the membership. If you do not have cash, debit, credit, or checks, a membership warehouse may not be practical for your situation.

Can someone else use my Sam's Club membership card if I bought it with EBT?

Sam's Club memberships are tied to the person whose name is on the card. Technically, household members can shop with you using your membership, but the card itself should be presented by the member it was issued to. Policies vary by location, so ask at your local warehouse about their household member rules.

Will using EBT to buy a Sam's Club membership affect my SNAP benefits?

Yes. The membership fee comes directly out of your EBT account balance, just like any other purchase. If you have $200 in SNAP benefits and spend $45 on a membership, you will have $155 left for food purchases that month.

Is there a way to get a free or discounted Sam's Club membership if I receive SNAP benefits?

Sam's Club does not offer special discounts or free memberships based on SNAP status. Occasional promotions for new members are available to anyone, but these are not specific to EBT holders. Contact your local Sam's Club to ask what current new-member offers are running.