Costco accepts EBT cards, but only at warehouses that have a state authorization to do so

Not every Costco warehouse takes EBT. Whether your local Costco accepts it depends on whether your state's SNAP agency has authorized that specific warehouse location. Most Costco warehouses in the United States do accept EBT, but some do not — particularly in certain states or newer locations. Before you go, call your local warehouse directly or check your state's SNAP program website to confirm.

The authorization sits with your state, not with Costco corporate. This means one Costco in your state might accept EBT while another across town does not. Your state's SNAP office maintains a list of authorized retailers, and Costco locations appear on that list only if they have completed the authorization process with your state.

Key Takeaways

  • Call your local Costco warehouse before you go, because not all locations accept EBT even though most do.
  • Your state's SNAP program office publishes a list of authorized retailers — check it to see which Costco warehouses in your area take EBT.
  • You can buy food items with EBT at Costco, but not prepared foods, alcohol, vitamins, or non-food items like paper towels or cleaning supplies.
  • Costco membership is required to shop there, and you must pay for the membership with a non-EBT card — EBT cannot be used for membership fees.

What foods you can and cannot buy with EBT at Costco

EBT covers the same foods at Costco as it does at any other grocery store: raw fruits and vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, breads, cereals, snack foods, and beverages. You can buy these items in bulk, which is why many people with EBT shop at warehouse clubs. The bulk sizes and prices are the same as they are for any other customer.

You cannot use EBT for prepared foods, hot foods from the deli counter, alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, medicines, pet food, or any non-food items. Costco's food court is off-limits for EBT purchases. If an item has a nutrition label but is not meant to be eaten — like pet food or bird seed — EBT will not cover it.

At checkout, the cashier will separate your EBT-may be able to access items from items you are paying for with another card. This happens automatically at most registers. If you are unsure whether a specific item is covered, ask the cashier before you check out.

How to learn about your local Costco accepts EBT

Start by visiting your state's SNAP program website and looking for the authorized retailers list. Most states publish this list online, organized by county or city. Search for Costco locations in your area and see which ones appear on the list. If your state does not publish the list online, call your state SNAP office and ask which Costco warehouses are authorized.

You can also call the Costco warehouse directly. Tell them you want to pay with EBT and ask if they accept it. The warehouse staff can answer this question immediately. This is faster than searching online if you already know which location you plan to visit.

If your nearest Costco does not accept EBT, you can still shop there with cash or a credit card for non-food items or items not covered by EBT. But you cannot use EBT at that location for groceries. In that case, look for another authorized retailer in your area — your state's SNAP office can tell you which stores near you do accept EBT.

Costco membership requirements when paying with EBT

You must have a Costco membership to shop at any Costco warehouse. The membership fee — which ranges from around $45 to $130 per year depending on membership type — cannot be paid with EBT. You must pay for your membership with cash, a debit card, or a credit card.

Once you have a membership, you can use your EBT card to pay for may be able to access food items at checkout. Your EBT card and your membership card are separate. Some people use a Costco membership card that belongs to a household member who is not the EBT cardholder, which is allowed.

How EBT payment works at Costco checkout

When you reach the register, tell the cashier you are paying with EBT. The cashier will separate your may be able to access food items from non-food items and items not covered by SNAP. You will swipe or insert your EBT card into the card reader, enter your PIN, and the transaction will process like any other debit card purchase.

If your EBT balance is not enough to cover all your may be able to access items, you can pay the difference with another card or with cash. The cashier will process the EBT payment first, then ring up the remaining balance on a separate payment method. This is standard practice at all retailers that accept EBT.

Keep your receipt. It shows what was paid with EBT and what was paid another way. If you need to return items, you will need the receipt to process the return.

What to do if Costco says they do not accept EBT

If a Costco warehouse tells you they do not accept EBT, ask them why. Some locations may not have completed the authorization paperwork with your state, or your state may not have authorized that particular location yet. This is not a reflection on you or your EBT card — it is a matter of state authorization and retailer enrollment.

You can contact your state's SNAP office and ask when that Costco location might be authorized, or whether there are other Costco warehouses in your area that do accept EBT. You can also shop at other authorized retailers in your area. Your state SNAP office can provide a list of all authorized stores near you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use EBT at Costco's food court?

No. Costco's food court serves prepared and hot foods, which are not covered by EBT. You can only use EBT to buy unprepared groceries from the warehouse shelves.

Do I need a Costco membership to use EBT there?

Yes. You must have a valid Costco membership to enter and shop at any warehouse. The membership fee must be paid with cash, debit, or credit — not EBT. A household member's membership card can be used by another person in the household.

Can I use EBT to buy items in bulk at Costco?

Yes. Any food item that is EBT-may be able to access remains may be able to access at Costco, regardless of package size. You can buy bulk quantities of fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, and other groceries with EBT just as you would at any other store.

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

You can pay the remaining balance with another card or cash. The cashier will process the EBT payment first for may be able to access items, then charge the difference to your other payment method. This is how it works at all retailers.

Does every state allow Costco to accept EBT?

Most states authorize Costco warehouses to accept EBT, but not all locations in all states are authorized. Authorization happens at the individual warehouse level, so check with your state SNAP office or call your local Costco to confirm before you shop.