Costco accepts EBT cards, but only at certain locations and only for food items you can eat at home

Costco does take SNAP benefits through EBT cards at warehouses that are authorized to do so. Not every Costco location accepts EBT — authorization depends on whether that specific warehouse has registered with the state SNAP program. You can use your EBT card to buy food you prepare and eat at home, but not prepared foods, hot items, or anything sold at the food court.

The items you can purchase with EBT at Costco are the same as at any other store: fresh produce, meat, dairy, frozen vegetables, bread, canned goods, and pantry staples. You cannot use EBT to buy alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, pet food, paper products, cleaning supplies, or anything from the Costco food court — including pizza, hot dogs, or rotisserie chicken.

Key Takeaways

  • Not all Costco warehouses accept EBT; call your local store or check Costco's website to confirm before you go.
  • You can only buy unprepared food items with EBT — fresh produce, meat, dairy, frozen foods, and shelf-stable groceries.
  • Costco food court items, prepared foods, and non-food merchandise cannot be purchased with EBT under any circumstances.
  • You must have a valid Costco membership to shop there, and membership fees cannot be paid with EBT.

How to learn about your local Costco takes EBT

Call the Costco warehouse nearest you and ask directly whether they are authorized to accept SNAP/EBT. The warehouse phone number is on Costco's website — search for your location and call the store, not the corporate line. Staff at the warehouse can tell you immediately whether EBT is accepted there.

You can also check your state's SNAP program website, which sometimes lists authorized retailers by location. Your state's SNAP office or your local food bank may have a list of which Costco warehouses in your area participate. Some states publish this information online; others require a phone call to find out.

What happens when you pay with EBT at Costco

At checkout, 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. Only the may be able to access items will be charged to your EBT card; you will need to pay for everything else with cash, debit, or credit.

If you buy a mix of may be able to access and ineligible items, the transaction will split at the register. For example, if you buy chicken, vegetables, and paper towels, the chicken and vegetables go through EBT and the paper towels require a different payment method. This is standard at all retailers that accept EBT.

Costco membership and EBT

You must have a valid Costco membership to shop at the warehouse. Membership fees cannot be paid with EBT — you will need to pay the membership cost with cash, debit, or credit. Costco offers different membership levels at different price points, and the membership itself is not a food item.

If you do not have a membership, some Costco locations allow non-members to shop with a member's card, but this varies by location. Call ahead to ask whether your local warehouse allows this. Some states also have programs that help low-income households pay for Costco memberships, though these are not run by Costco itself.

Items you cannot buy with EBT at Costco

SNAP benefits cover food you prepare and eat at home. This means you cannot use EBT for anything from the Costco food court, including pizza, hot dogs, rotisserie chicken, or beverages. You also cannot buy prepared foods from the deli counter or bakery section, even if they are packaged and ready to eat.

Non-food items are never covered by EBT, regardless of where you shop. This includes vitamins and supplements, paper products, cleaning supplies, personal care items, pet food, and household goods. Alcohol and tobacco are also never covered, even at stores that sell them.

What to bring when you shop with EBT at Costco

Bring your EBT card and a valid photo ID. Costco will ask for ID at the warehouse entrance as part of their membership verification process. You will also need your Costco membership card or the membership number associated with your account.

If you are using someone else's membership card, bring that person's ID as well. Costco's membership policy requires the person whose name is on the card to be present or to have authorized you to use it. Bring enough cash or another payment method to cover any non-food items you want to buy, since those cannot go on EBT.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use EBT at the Costco food court?

No. The food court is not covered by SNAP benefits because the items are prepared and meant to be eaten right away, not taken home. This includes pizza, hot dogs, rotisserie chicken, and beverages. You can only use EBT for unprepared food you buy from the warehouse shelves.

What if my local Costco does not accept EBT?

Not all Costco locations are authorized for SNAP. If yours does not, you can shop for the same items at grocery stores, supermarkets, or other retailers that accept EBT in your area. You can also ask the Costco manager whether the warehouse plans to become authorized in the future.

Can I use EBT to buy rotisserie chicken or deli items at Costco?

No. Prepared foods and hot items from the deli or food court cannot be purchased with EBT, even if they are packaged. You can buy raw chicken or other unprepared meat with EBT, but not anything that has been cooked or prepared for immediate eating.

Do I need a Costco membership to use EBT there?

Yes. Costco requires a membership to shop at the warehouse, and the membership fee cannot be paid with EBT. You will need to pay the membership cost separately with cash, debit, or credit before you can use your EBT card to buy food.

Can someone else use my EBT card at Costco?

No. Your EBT card is tied to your identity and benefits account. Only you can use it. If someone else needs to shop for you, you can give them cash or another payment method, but not your EBT card itself.