EBT works at most grocery stores, farmers markets, and some online retailers, but not at restaurants, gas stations, or convenience stores

Your EBT card works like a debit card at any store that displays the SNAP logo — usually a green-and-white symbol near the checkout. That includes chain supermarkets, independent grocers, food co-ops, and some dollar stores. The store must be authorized by your state's SNAP program to accept EBT. You cannot use it at restaurants, fast-food chains, gas stations, liquor stores, or pharmacies, even if they sell some food items.

What you can buy is limited to food you prepare at home: fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, poultry, dairy, bread, cereals, snack foods, and non-alcoholic beverages. You cannot buy hot or prepared foods, vitamins, medicines, pet food, paper products, or anything not meant to be eaten. Seeds and plants that produce food are allowed, but only if you are buying them to grow your own food.

Some states now allow you to order groceries online through Amazon Fresh, Walmart, or local retailers and pay with your EBT card. The rules for what you can order are the same as in-store — food only, no prepared items. Not every retailer or every state offers this option yet, so check your state's SNAP website to see which online stores accept EBT in your area.

Key Takeaways

  • Look for the SNAP logo at the entrance or checkout to know a store accepts EBT.
  • You can use EBT at supermarkets, farmers markets, food co-ops, and some online grocery services, but not restaurants or convenience stores.
  • EBT covers food you cook at home — produce, meat, dairy, bread, and pantry staples — but not prepared meals or non-food items.
  • Some states allow online grocery orders through major retailers; check your state's SNAP program to see which ones work in your area.
  • Your EBT card works the same way as a debit card at checkout; you enter your PIN and the amount is deducted from your balance.

Farmers Markets and Direct-to-Consumer Programs

Many farmers markets accept EBT, though not all do. Markets that take EBT usually have a booth or sign explaining how it works. You swipe your card or enter your PIN at that booth, and the money is converted to tokens or vouchers you use to buy from individual farmers. Some markets let you swipe directly at each vendor's stand instead.

A few states run programs that match what you spend at farmers markets — for every dollar you use in EBT, the program adds an extra dollar or fifty cents to spend there. These matching programs go by different names in different states: Double Up Food Bucks in California, Health Bucks in New York, and Market Match in Washington, for example. Your state's SNAP office can tell you if such a program exists where you live and which markets participate.

Online Grocery Shopping with EBT

As of 2024, several large retailers accept EBT online: Amazon Fresh, Walmart, Instacart (at certain stores), and some regional chains. The list changes and varies by state. To use EBT online, you typically add your card details during checkout the same way you would add a credit card. Some retailers require you to set up an account first and verify your identity.

Online orders follow the same rules as in-store purchases — you can order produce, meat, dairy, bread, and pantry items, but not prepared foods, alcohol, or non-food items. Delivery fees and service charges cannot be paid with EBT; you must cover those with another payment method. Check your state's SNAP website for the current list of online retailers that accept EBT, because this list expands regularly.

What Stores Do Not Accept EBT

Convenience stores, gas stations, and dollar stores sometimes sell food, but many are not authorized to accept EBT. Even if they are, their selection of SNAP-may be able to access items is usually very limited. Calling ahead to ask whether a specific store accepts EBT can save you a trip.

Restaurants and food trucks never accept EBT, even if they serve food you could theoretically cook at home. The only exception is a small pilot program in a few states that allows seniors, people with disabilities, and homeless individuals to use EBT at certain restaurants, but this is not available everywhere and requires separate authorization. Ask your state's SNAP office if you fall into one of these categories and want to know if the program runs in your area.

Using Your EBT Card at Checkout

When you are ready to pay, tell the cashier you are using EBT. They will ask you to swipe your card or insert it into the reader. You will then enter your four-digit PIN. The register will separate SNAP-may be able to access items from ineligible ones — if you have non-food items in your cart, those will be removed from the EBT total and you will pay for them with cash or another card.

Your receipt will show how much you spent and what your remaining balance is. If you do not know your PIN or have forgotten it, contact your state's EBT customer service line — the number is on the back of your card. You can also check your balance by calling that same number or logging into your state's online portal if one exists.

Finding Stores That Accept EBT Near You

Your state's SNAP program website usually has a store locator tool where you can search by address or zip code to find authorized retailers nearby. You can also call the customer service number on the back of your EBT card and ask for stores in your area. Some states have apps that show participating stores on a map.

If you are new to an area or moving, the store locator is the fastest way to find out what is available to you. Rural areas may have fewer options than cities, and some neighborhoods have only convenience stores or small markets — if that is your situation, ask your state's SNAP office about online ordering or whether any nearby stores can be authorized to accept EBT.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my EBT card at Costco or Sam's Club?

Costco accepts EBT in most states, but you must have a membership card to shop there. Sam's Club does not accept EBT. Call your state's SNAP office to confirm whether Costco participates in your state, because a few states have different rules.

What happens if I try to buy something that is not allowed?

The cashier will remove ineligible items from your EBT transaction before you pay. You can then pay for those items with cash or another card if you want them. The register will not let the transaction go through if you try to use EBT for non-food items.

Can I use EBT to buy food at a food bank or pantry?

No. Food banks and pantries give food away for free; they do not accept payment. You do not need an EBT card to use them. If you need additional food beyond what your EBT covers, a local food bank is a free resource.

Do I have to tell the store I am using EBT, or can I just swipe my card?

You can just swipe your card without saying anything. The cashier will see it is an EBT card and will know to separate may be able to access from ineligible items. Some people prefer to tell the cashier in advance so they know what to expect.

Can I use EBT to buy groceries for someone else?

Yes. Your EBT card can be used to buy food for anyone, not just yourself. The card belongs to you, but the food you purchase is not restricted to your use only.