Sam's Club does accept EBT cards, but only for certain items and only at locations in a few states

Sam's Club participates in the SNAP program (the federal food benefit program that issues EBT cards) in a limited way. You can use your EBT card to buy food at Sam's Club, but the store does not accept EBT for non-food items, membership fees, or prepared foods from the deli or food court. The catch: Sam's Club only takes EBT in California, Ohio, and New York as of now. If you live in another state, your EBT card will not work there, even though Sam's Club operates nationwide.

The reason for this state-by-state difference is that SNAP rules allow retailers to decide whether to accept EBT, and Sam's Club has chosen to participate only in those three states so far. This is different from Walmart or most grocery chains, which accept EBT in all 50 states. If you are a Sam's Club member in one of the participating states, you can use your EBT card at checkout just like you would at any other grocery store.

Key Takeaways

  • Sam's Club accepts EBT cards only in California, Ohio, and New York; the card will be declined in other states.
  • You can use EBT to buy food items only — not membership fees, household goods, electronics, or prepared foods from the deli or food court.
  • You must have an active Sam's Club membership to shop there, and membership fees cannot be paid with EBT.
  • If Sam's Club does not take EBT in your state, you can use your EBT card at Walmart, grocery chains, and most supermarkets instead.

What you can and cannot buy with EBT at Sam's Club

EBT covers the same foods at Sam's Club as it does anywhere else: fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, dairy, bread, cereals, snacks, and beverages. You can buy these items in bulk, which is Sam's Club's main selling point. You cannot use EBT for vitamins, medicine, pet food, paper products, cleaning supplies, or anything from the deli counter or food court — those are prepared foods or non-food items.

One thing to know: Sam's Club's bulk sizes sometimes mean you are buying more than you need at once. Unlike a regular grocery store where you can buy one apple or one loaf of bread, Sam's Club sells in larger quantities. Your EBT balance has to cover the full purchase, so check your balance before you go to the register.

Do you need a Sam's Club membership to use EBT there

Yes, you must have an active Sam's Club membership to shop at the store, even to buy food with EBT. Membership costs money — typically around $45 to $110 per year depending on the membership level — and you cannot pay the membership fee with your EBT card. This is a real barrier for people on a tight budget, because you have to pay out of pocket first before you can use EBT to buy food.

Some people find that the bulk prices at Sam's Club save them money over time, even after paying the membership fee. Others find that a regular grocery store or Walmart (which does not require a membership) is a better option. The math depends on what you buy and how much you spend per month.

How to use your EBT card at Sam's Club checkout

The process is the same as using EBT at any other store. When you reach the register, tell the cashier you are paying with EBT. They will run your card through the payment terminal, and you will enter your PIN. The system will separate may be able to access food items from non-may be able to access items automatically — if you have anything that EBT does not cover, you will need to pay for those items separately with another payment method.

Make sure you are shopping at a Sam's Club location in California, Ohio, or New York. If you try to use EBT at a Sam's Club in another state, the card will be declined. There is no way around this — it is a system-level restriction, not something the store can override at checkout.

What to do if you live outside California, Ohio, or New York

If you do not live in one of the three states where Sam's Club takes EBT, you have other options. Walmart accepts EBT in all 50 states and does not require a membership. Most traditional grocery chains — Kroger, Safeway, Albertsons, Publix, and regional chains — also accept EBT nationwide. Costco, Sam's Club's main competitor, does not accept EBT at all, so Walmart is usually the closest alternative if you want bulk buying without a membership requirement.

You can also use your EBT card at farmers markets in many states, though prices are usually higher than at big-box stores. Some states run programs that match your EBT spending at farmers markets, meaning the state adds extra money to your account when you shop there. Check your state's SNAP website to see if your state has this program.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use EBT to pay my Sam's Club membership fee?

No. EBT can only be used for food items, not for membership fees or any other non-food purchases. You have to pay the membership fee with cash, debit, or credit.

Will my EBT card work at Sam's Club if I live in Texas, Florida, or Pennsylvania?

No. As of now, Sam's Club only accepts EBT in California, Ohio, and New York. If you live elsewhere, your card will be declined. You can use EBT at Walmart or your local grocery store instead.

Can I buy prepared food from the Sam's Club food court with EBT?

No. EBT only covers raw or uncooked food items. Anything from the deli, hot bar, or food court is considered prepared food and is not covered by SNAP, even at stores that accept EBT.

What happens if I try to use EBT for non-food items at Sam's Club?

The register will reject those items automatically. The cashier will separate your may be able to access food items from non-food items, and you will need to pay for the non-food items with another payment method or leave them behind.

Is there a way to learn about my local Sam's Club takes EBT?

Call the store directly or check the Sam's Club website for your location. You can also contact your state's SNAP program office — they maintain a list of retailers that accept EBT in your state.