Big Lots does not accept EBT for most of what it sells

Big Lots is a discount retailer that sells furniture, home décor, seasonal items, and some groceries. However, EBT (SNAP benefits) can only be used to buy food items that are meant to be eaten at home. Big Lots carries many products that fall outside this category, and the store's SNAP policy is restrictive compared to supermarkets.

If Big Lots does stock SNAP-may be able to access food in your location, you can use your EBT card there — but you cannot use it on household goods, cleaning supplies, paper products, or non-food items, even if they are sold in the same transaction. You would need to pay for those separately with another payment method.

The reason is federal law, not Big Lots' choice. SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) has a fixed list of what counts as food you can buy with benefits. That list does not include items for your home or body that are not meant to be eaten.

Key Takeaways

  • Big Lots may accept EBT for certain packaged and fresh foods, but only if your local store participates in SNAP — not all Big Lots locations do.
  • You cannot use EBT on furniture, home décor, cleaning supplies, paper products, or any non-food items, even at a Big Lots that takes SNAP.
  • Supermarkets, grocery stores, and farmers markets are more reliable places to use EBT because they stock more SNAP-may be able to access food and staff are trained on SNAP rules.
  • To find out whether your nearest Big Lots takes EBT, call the store directly or use the USDA's SNAP retailer locator tool.

Which Big Lots locations accept EBT

Not every Big Lots store accepts EBT. The company does not operate a single SNAP policy across all locations. Whether your local Big Lots takes EBT depends on whether that specific store is registered with your state's SNAP program and has the equipment to process EBT cards.

To find out, call your nearest Big Lots directly and ask whether they accept EBT or SNAP. You can also use the USDA's SNAP retailer locator at fns.usda.gov/snap/retailerlocator. Enter your zip code and it will show you which stores in your area are authorized SNAP retailers. Big Lots locations that appear in that search take EBT.

Even if a Big Lots is listed as a SNAP retailer, staff may not be familiar with which products are SNAP-may be able to access. If you are unsure whether a specific item can be bought with EBT, ask the cashier before you check out.

What you can and cannot buy with EBT at Big Lots

SNAP covers food intended for home preparation and eating. At Big Lots, this typically means packaged snacks, canned goods, frozen vegetables, bread, and dairy products if the store carries them. The exact inventory varies by location.

You cannot use EBT on:

  • Hot or prepared foods (rotisserie chicken, deli items, anything heated for immediate eating)
  • Household supplies (trash bags, paper towels, laundry detergent, soap)
  • Furniture and home décor
  • Seasonal items
  • Vitamins and medicines
  • Pet food
  • Alcohol or tobacco

If you buy both SNAP-may be able to access and ineligible items in one transaction, the cashier will separate them. You pay with EBT for the food and with cash, debit, or credit for everything else.

Better alternatives for using EBT

If you want to stretch your SNAP benefits and have more food choices, supermarkets and grocery stores are more reliable than Big Lots. Stores like Walmart, Kroger, Safeway, Whole Foods, and local grocery chains all accept EBT and stock a much wider range of SNAP-may be able to access food. Staff at these stores are also trained on SNAP rules and can answer questions about what you can buy.

Farmers markets in many states also accept EBT through a program called SNAP at Farmers Markets. You can use your EBT card to buy fresh produce directly from farmers. To find a participating market near you, search "farmers market EBT" plus your state name, or call your local food bank.

Online grocery shopping through Amazon Fresh, Instacart, and some regional services now accepts EBT in certain states. This can be helpful if you have mobility issues or live far from a store. Check whether your state and zip code are covered before you set up an account.

How to use your EBT card at a retailer that accepts it

When you check out at a store that takes EBT, tell the cashier you are paying with your EBT card. They will ask you to insert your card into the PIN pad, just like a debit card. Enter your four-digit PIN. The transaction will go through if you have enough balance for the SNAP-may be able to access items.

Your receipt will show how much you spent and how much balance remains on your card. Keep the receipt so you can track your spending. If the cashier rejects an item as ineligible, you can leave it behind or pay for it with another payment method.

If your card is declined, it may mean your balance is too low, your PIN is wrong, or the store's equipment is not working. Ask the cashier to try again or contact your state's SNAP customer service line to check your balance.

What to do if a store refuses to take your EBT card

If a store is listed in the USDA retailer locator as a SNAP retailer but refuses to accept your EBT card, the store may be having equipment problems or staff may be incorrectly trained. Ask to speak to a manager and explain that the store is authorized to take SNAP.

If the store continues to refuse, you can report it to your state's SNAP program. Contact your state's Department of Social Services or Department of Human Services (the name varies by state) and provide the store name, location, and date. They can investigate whether the store is violating SNAP rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use EBT to buy Big Lots' store-brand groceries?

Yes, if Big Lots carries store-brand food items that are SNAP-may be able to access — such as canned goods, pasta, or frozen vegetables — you can buy them with EBT. The brand does not matter; what matters is whether the item itself is food meant to be eaten at home. Ask the cashier if you are unsure.

Does Big Lots accept EBT online?

Big Lots does not currently offer EBT payment for online orders. You can only use EBT in person at a store location that accepts SNAP. If you want to shop for groceries online with EBT, use Amazon Fresh, Instacart, or another service that accepts EBT in your state.

Can I use EBT to buy cleaning supplies or paper products at Big Lots?

No. Cleaning supplies, paper towels, trash bags, and similar household items are not food and cannot be bought with SNAP benefits, even at a store that accepts EBT. You must pay for these items with cash, debit, or credit.

What if I do not know my EBT PIN?

Contact your state's SNAP customer service line or visit your state's EBT website to reset your PIN. You can usually do this by phone or online. You will need to provide your card number and personal information to verify your identity.

Can I use someone else's EBT card to buy groceries?

No. EBT cards are issued to a specific person and can only be used by that person. Using someone else's card is considered fraud. If you need food assistance, contact your local social services office to apply for your own SNAP benefits.