Sam's Club does not accept EBT cards at the register or online

Sam's Club is a membership warehouse that does not participate in the SNAP program (the federal food assistance program that issues EBT cards). This means you cannot use your EBT card to buy groceries there, even though Sam's Club sells food items. The restriction applies to both in-store purchases and Sam's Club online orders.

The reason is straightforward: Sam's Club has chosen not to become an authorized SNAP retailer. Participation is voluntary for stores, and warehouse clubs like Sam's Club and Costco have historically opted out. This is different from regular grocery stores, supermarkets, and some discount retailers that do accept EBT.

If you have a Sam's Club membership and receive SNAP benefits, you will need to shop at an authorized retailer to use your EBT card. You can find stores near you that accept EBT by using the USDA's store locator tool or by asking at your local SNAP office.

Key Takeaways

  • Sam's Club does not accept EBT cards for any purchases, in-store or online.
  • Warehouse clubs like Sam's Club and Costco are not authorized SNAP retailers and have not joined the program.
  • You can use your EBT card at most traditional grocery stores, supermarkets, and some discount retailers instead.
  • The USDA website has a store locator tool that shows which retailers near you accept EBT.

Why warehouse clubs don't accept EBT

Warehouse clubs operate on a membership model that differs from traditional grocery stores. Members pay an annual fee to shop at lower prices in bulk. SNAP rules allow benefits to be used for food, but the warehouse club model creates a barrier: SNAP participants would need to pay the membership fee out of pocket before they could use their benefits inside the store.

Because of this structure, warehouse clubs have generally decided not to become SNAP retailers. The administrative cost and operational complexity of processing EBT transactions in a membership environment has not made it worth their while. Costco, BJ's Wholesale, and other warehouse chains follow the same policy as Sam's Club.

Where you can use your EBT card instead

Most traditional grocery stores accept EBT, including national chains like Walmart, Target, Kroger, Safeway, and Whole Foods. Many smaller independent grocers and food co-ops also participate. Discount retailers like Aldi and Dollar General accept EBT at locations that have grocery sections.

Some farmers markets accept EBT through special programs, though not all do. A few states allow online grocery orders through Amazon Fresh or Instacart to be paid with EBT, but this varies by state and is not available everywhere. Your state's SNAP office can tell you whether online ordering is an option where you live.

Finding authorized retailers near you

The USDA maintains a searchable database called the SNAP Retailer Locator at fns.usda.gov. You can enter your zip code or address and see every store in your area that accepts EBT. The list includes grocery stores, supermarkets, farmers markets, and other authorized retailers.

You can also call your state's SNAP office or visit your local food bank. Staff there can give you a list of nearby stores and may have information about which ones have the best selection or prices for items you need.

What you can and cannot buy with EBT

EBT covers fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, dairy, breads, cereals, and snack foods like nuts and seeds. It also covers baby formula and food for people with special dietary needs. The key rule is that the item must be food that you prepare and eat at home.

EBT does not cover hot or prepared foods, vitamins, medicines, pet food, household supplies, or alcohol. At any authorized retailer, the cashier will know which items are may be able to access. If you try to buy something that is not covered, the transaction will be declined for that item only.

If you have a Sam's Club membership

Having a Sam's Club membership does not change the fact that you cannot use EBT there. Your membership card and your EBT card are separate, and Sam's Club does not process SNAP benefits at any of its locations.

If you want to use your SNAP benefits, you will need to shop at an authorized retailer. You can keep your Sam's Club membership and use it for non-food purchases or items that are not covered by SNAP, like household supplies or electronics. Many people use both their EBT card at grocery stores and their warehouse membership for bulk purchases of non-food items.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my EBT card at Sam's Club gas station?

No. EBT is only for food purchases at authorized retailers. Gas stations, including Sam's Club fuel centers, do not accept EBT for any reason.

Do any warehouse clubs accept EBT?

No major warehouse clubs accept EBT. Costco, BJ's Wholesale, and Sam's Club all have the same policy. If you receive SNAP benefits, you will need to shop at a traditional grocery store or authorized discount retailer.

What if I buy groceries at Sam's Club with cash and then try to return them?

You can return items you purchased with cash using your receipt, just as you normally would. The return method does not change based on how you originally paid. However, you cannot use EBT to purchase the items in the first place.

Can I use EBT online at any grocery store?

Some states allow online grocery orders through certain retailers to be paid with EBT, but this is not available everywhere. Check with your state's SNAP office or the USDA website to see if online ordering is an option in your area.