Sam's Club accepts EBT for food items, but only at locations with an active EBT terminal
Sam's Club takes EBT cards at warehouses that have installed the equipment to process them. Not every location does — you can call ahead or check your state's EBT retailer directory to confirm the warehouse near you accepts it. When you shop there, you can buy the same foods you would at any other grocery store: produce, meat, dairy, bread, canned goods, and frozen vegetables.
The key difference from a regular grocery store is that Sam's Club requires a membership to enter the warehouse. You pay an annual fee to shop there at all. Some states have reduced or waived membership fees for people receiving SNAP benefits, but this varies by state and changes over time — contact your state's SNAP office or call the Sam's Club membership desk to ask what applies where you live.
Your EBT card works the same way at Sam's Club as anywhere else: you swipe it at checkout, enter your PIN, and the purchase amount comes from your SNAP balance. The card itself does not change, and you do not need to do anything special to use it there.
Key Takeaways
- Sam's Club accepts EBT only at warehouses with an active EBT terminal, so call ahead or check your state's retailer list before you go.
- You can buy the same SNAP-covered foods at Sam's Club as you would at a grocery store: produce, meat, dairy, frozen items, and shelf-stable groceries.
- Sam's Club membership is required to enter the warehouse, and you pay an annual fee unless your state has a reduced or waived rate for SNAP recipients.
- Your EBT card works at Sam's Club checkout just like it does anywhere else — swipe, enter your PIN, and the purchase comes from your SNAP balance.
What foods are covered by SNAP at Sam's Club
SNAP covers the same category of foods at Sam's Club as it does at any other store. You can buy fruits and vegetables, meat and poultry, fish and seafood, dairy products like milk and cheese, breads and grains, canned and frozen foods, and pantry staples like beans, rice, and pasta. You can also buy seeds and plants that produce food — tomato seeds or a blueberry bush, for example.
The bulk sizes at Sam's Club do not change what is covered. A 10-pound bag of potatoes is covered the same way a 5-pound bag would be. A case of canned beans is covered the same way individual cans are. The only thing that matters is whether the item itself is a food SNAP covers.
What you cannot buy with EBT at Sam's Club
SNAP does not cover non-food items, prepared foods, or alcohol and tobacco — the same rules apply at Sam's Club as everywhere else. You cannot use your EBT card for paper products, cleaning supplies, vitamins, or personal care items, even though Sam's Club sells them. You cannot buy rotisserie chicken, deli sandwiches, or anything from the food court with SNAP benefits.
Hot foods and foods meant to be eaten right away are not covered. Cold deli items like sliced cheese or lunch meat are covered because you take them home to prepare. Hot pizza, hot fried chicken, or anything sold warm is not covered, even if it is in the same section of the warehouse.
Alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis are never covered by SNAP, regardless of where you shop. Neither are pet food, household supplies, or anything that is not meant for human consumption as food.
How to find a Sam's Club location that accepts EBT
Your state's SNAP office maintains a list of all retailers that accept EBT, including Sam's Club locations. You can find this list on your state's SNAP website or by calling your state's SNAP customer service line. The list is usually searchable by zip code or city, so you can see which warehouses near you have an active EBT terminal.
You can also call the Sam's Club membership desk directly and ask whether that location accepts EBT. They can tell you in one call. If the warehouse you want to shop at does not accept EBT yet, you can ask when they plan to set it up, though there is no may provide they will add it.
Some Sam's Club locations accept EBT but do not advertise it heavily, so the fact that you do not see a sign does not mean the terminal is not there. Calling ahead takes 30 seconds and saves you a trip.
Membership requirements and SNAP discounts
Sam's Club membership costs money — the annual fee varies but is typically $45 to $110 depending on the membership tier you choose. You need a membership to enter the warehouse and shop, even if you are using EBT to pay for food.
Some states have negotiated reduced or waived membership fees for people receiving SNAP benefits. This is not a federal rule — it depends on your state and the specific Sam's Club location. A few states have programs where SNAP recipients can get a free or discounted membership, but others do not. Contact your state's SNAP office or the Sam's Club membership desk to ask what applies to you.
If your state does not have a reduced membership program, you would need to pay the full annual fee to shop at Sam's Club. For some people, this makes it not worth it. For others, buying in bulk saves enough money on groceries to make the membership cost worthwhile. That is a decision you make based on your own situation.
Using your EBT card at Sam's Club checkout
The checkout process at Sam's Club is the same as at any other store. The cashier will separate your EBT-covered items from any non-food items you are buying. You swipe your EBT card, enter your PIN on the keypad, and the SNAP-covered portion of your purchase comes from your benefits balance. Any non-food items or items not covered by SNAP come out of your own money.
If your SNAP balance is not enough to cover all the food items you are buying, the cashier will tell you the shortfall. You can then decide to remove items, pay the difference with cash or another card, or leave some items behind. Your EBT card will not be charged if there are not enough benefits to cover the full food purchase.
Bring your membership card and your EBT card. You will need both to complete your shopping trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all Sam's Club locations accept EBT?
No. Only Sam's Club warehouses with an active EBT terminal accept SNAP benefits. This varies by location and region. Call the warehouse directly or check your state's SNAP retailer directory to confirm before you go.
Can I use EBT to pay the Sam's Club membership fee?
No. SNAP benefits can only be used to buy food. Membership fees are not food, so you cannot pay them with EBT. You would need to pay the membership fee with cash, a debit card, or a credit card.
Can I buy Sam's Club brand items with EBT?
Yes, if they are food items. Sam's Club brand canned vegetables, frozen fruits, pasta, and other groceries are covered by SNAP the same way name brands are. Sam's Club brand paper towels, cleaning supplies, or other non-food items are not covered.
What happens if I buy both EBT-covered and non-covered items?
The cashier separates them at checkout. Your EBT card pays for the food items, and you pay for non-food items with cash or another card. If you do not have enough money for the non-food items, you can leave them behind.
Can I use EBT online at Sam's Club?
Sam's Club does not currently accept EBT for online orders. You must shop in person at a warehouse location that has an EBT terminal. Check your state's SNAP office for updates, as this may change in the future.