Costco accepts SNAP benefits through EBT cards, but only at warehouses that have a valid state license to do so

Most Costco locations in the United States take SNAP EBT cards for may be able to access food purchases. However, not every warehouse participates. Costco must be authorized by your state's SNAP program to accept EBT, and a small number of locations — particularly in rural areas or newer warehouses — may not yet have that authorization. Before you shop, call your local Costco warehouse or check the SNAP retailer locator on the USDA website to confirm your specific location accepts EBT.

Costco does not accept EBT for non-food items, alcohol, hot foods from the food court, or membership fees. You can use your EBT card only on groceries and other SNAP-may be able to access foods: produce, meat, dairy, bread, canned goods, and similar items. If you buy a mix of may be able to access and ineligible items, the cashier will ring them separately and you'll pay for the ineligible items with another payment method.

Key Takeaways

  • Most Costco warehouses accept SNAP EBT cards, but you should confirm your local store participates before shopping.
  • EBT covers only food items at Costco — not household supplies, electronics, clothing, alcohol, or food court purchases.
  • You do not need a Costco membership to use EBT at the register, though some states allow EBT to pay for a membership card itself.
  • The USDA SNAP retailer locator and your state's SNAP program website show which Costco locations near you accept EBT.

What you can and cannot buy with EBT at Costco

SNAP rules about what counts as food are the same at Costco as they are at any grocery store. You can use EBT to buy fresh produce, meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, breads, cereals, canned vegetables and fruits, frozen vegetables, beans, rice, pasta, peanut butter, and similar staples. Seeds and plants that produce food also count.

You cannot use EBT for vitamins, medicines, hot or prepared foods (including items from the Costco food court), pet food, household supplies, paper products, cleaning supplies, alcohol, tobacco, or anything that is not food. Costco's bulk sizes and warehouse format do not change these rules — a gallon of milk is may be able to access whether you buy it at a regular grocery store or at Costco.

If your cart has both may be able to access and ineligible items, the cashier will separate them at checkout. You'll swipe your EBT card for the food items and use a different payment method for everything else. This process works the same way at Costco as it does at any other retailer.

How to learn about your local Costco accepts EBT

The fastest way to check is to call your Costco warehouse directly and ask whether they accept SNAP EBT. The warehouse manager or customer service desk can tell you immediately. You can also visit the USDA's SNAP retailer locator at fns.usda.gov/snap/retailer-locator, enter your zip code, and search for Costco locations near you. The locator shows which stores in your area are authorized to accept EBT.

Your state's SNAP program website also maintains a list of authorized retailers. Contact your state's SNAP office or visit its website to find the retailer directory for your area. If you cannot find your Costco listed, it may not yet be authorized in your state, or authorization may be in progress. In that case, calling the warehouse is the most reliable way to get a current answer.

Do you need a Costco membership to use EBT?

You do not need a paid Costco membership to use your EBT card at the register to buy food. Costco allows non-members to shop and pay with EBT for may be able to access groceries. However, you will not have access to Costco's full selection or member-only deals, and you may not be able to enter the warehouse without a membership card or a guest pass.

Some states allow SNAP benefits to be used to purchase a Costco membership card itself, treating it as a food-related expense. This varies by state and by Costco location. If you are interested in whether your state allows this, contact your local Costco warehouse or your state's SNAP program office to ask.

What happens at checkout when you use EBT

When you reach the register, tell the cashier you are paying with EBT. They will run your card through the payment terminal just like a debit card. You'll enter your PIN, and the transaction will process. The cashier will separate may be able to access and ineligible items if needed, and you'll pay for ineligible items with cash, a credit card, or another payment method.

Your receipt will show what was paid with EBT and what was paid another way. Keep your receipt so you can track your spending and check your EBT balance later. If your EBT balance is too low to cover all your may be able to access food purchases, you can pay the difference with another payment method.

Costco's bulk sizes and EBT

Buying in bulk at Costco does not change whether an item is may be able to access for SNAP. A 10-pound bag of rice is may be able to access the same way a 2-pound bag is. A case of canned beans counts just like individual cans. The warehouse format and larger quantities do not affect SNAP rules — only the type of food matters.

The main difference is that Costco's bulk pricing often means you pay less per unit than at a traditional grocery store, so your EBT benefits stretch further. This can be a real advantage if you have a Costco membership or access to one. However, you do need to have enough EBT balance to cover the full bulk purchase at once — you cannot split a single item across multiple transactions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use EBT at the Costco food court?

No. The Costco food court sells hot and prepared foods, which are not covered by SNAP. You can only use EBT for packaged and unprepared groceries in the warehouse itself. If you want to buy food at Costco with EBT, you must purchase items from the shelves, not the food court.

What if my local Costco says it does not accept EBT?

Some Costco locations, particularly newer warehouses or those in certain states, may not yet be authorized to accept EBT. Contact your state's SNAP program office to ask whether Costco can become authorized in your area, or find another SNAP-authorized retailer nearby. You can use the USDA retailer locator to find other grocery stores that accept EBT in your zip code.

Can I use EBT to pay for a Costco membership?

This depends on your state. Some states allow SNAP to cover the cost of a membership card, while others do not. Call your local Costco warehouse or contact your state's SNAP program to ask whether this is an option where you live.

Do I need to show ID when I use EBT at Costco?

Yes. Costco requires a photo ID when you use an EBT card, just as they do with other payment methods. Bring your ID and your EBT card to the register. The ID must match the name on your EBT card.

What if I do not have enough EBT balance to cover my purchase?

You can pay the difference with cash, a credit card, or a debit card. The cashier will ring up your may be able to access food items separately from ineligible items and process each group with the appropriate payment method. Your EBT balance will cover what it can, and you pay the rest out of pocket.