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

Your EBT card — the debit card you receive through SNAP (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) — can be used anywhere you see the QUEST logo or a sign that says "We accept EBT." That includes large supermarket chains, independent grocers, food co-ops, and some farmers markets. You cannot use it at restaurants, fast food chains, gas stations, liquor stores, or convenience stores, even if they sell some food items. The card only pays for food you will prepare yourself: fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, bread, cereals, and canned goods.

Some states now allow online ordering through Amazon Fresh, Walmart, and other retailers, but this varies by location. You can check whether your state participates by visiting your state's SNAP office website or calling the number on the back of your card. Online orders work the same way as in-store purchases — the EBT card is charged at checkout, and the food is delivered to your address.

Key Takeaways

  • EBT cards work at supermarkets, grocery stores, farmers markets, and some online retailers that display the QUEST logo or accept EBT.
  • You cannot use EBT at restaurants, fast food chains, gas stations, liquor stores, or any store that primarily sells non-food items.
  • EBT only covers food you prepare yourself — not hot or prepared foods, alcohol, tobacco, or household supplies.
  • Online ordering through Amazon Fresh and Walmart is available in some states but not all; check your state's SNAP program to confirm.
  • If a store says it accepts EBT but your card is declined, contact your state's SNAP office to check your account balance and recent transactions.

What foods and items you can and cannot buy

SNAP covers foods in their raw or uncooked form. You can buy fresh produce, frozen vegetables, canned beans, rice, pasta, bread, milk, cheese, eggs, meat, poultry, and fish. You can also buy seeds and plants that produce food — tomato seeds or a pepper plant, for example. Snack foods like chips and cookies are allowed if they are not hot or prepared at the store.

Items your EBT card cannot pay for include hot or prepared foods (rotisserie chicken, deli sandwiches, hot pizza), alcohol and tobacco, vitamins and medicines, pet food, soap and cleaning supplies, paper products, and anything not meant to be eaten. Some stores have a deli counter or prepared foods section; items from those sections will be declined even if the store accepts EBT elsewhere.

If you are unsure whether a specific item is covered, ask the cashier before you check out. The register will show you which items were approved and which were declined, so you can remove non-covered items before paying.

How to find stores near you that accept EBT

The easiest way to find stores is to use the SNAP Retailer Locator tool on the USDA website (fns.usda.gov/snap/retailer-locator). Enter your address or zip code, and the tool shows every authorized store within a set distance. The list includes supermarkets, farmers markets, and online retailers if your state participates.

You can also call the number on the back of your EBT card and ask a representative which stores in your area accept SNAP. Many state SNAP offices also maintain their own lists on their websites. If you use a farmers market, look for a sign that says "SNAP accepted" or ask the market manager — not all farmers markets participate, but the number is growing in most states.

Using your EBT card at farmers markets

Many farmers markets accept EBT, but the process is different from a grocery store. You cannot swipe your card directly at a farm stand. Instead, you go to a central booth or information table, tell them how much you want to spend, and they give you tokens or vouchers equal to that amount. You then use the tokens to buy from individual vendors. At the end of the market, any unused tokens are returned to you as cash or credited back to your card, depending on the market's system.

Not every vendor at a farmers market accepts EBT — only those selling may be able to access foods. Vendors selling prepared foods, crafts, or non-food items will not take tokens. Before you go, check the market's website or call ahead to confirm which vendors participate and whether EBT is accepted that day.

Online ordering and delivery options

As of now, online SNAP purchases are available in most states through Amazon Fresh and Walmart, with some states also including other retailers. To use EBT online, you must set up an account with the retailer, add your EBT card as a payment method, and place your order. The process is the same as using a regular debit card, and your EBT balance is charged at checkout.

Delivery fees and service charges cannot be paid with EBT — you must cover those with another payment method. Some retailers waive delivery fees for SNAP customers, but this varies. Check your state's SNAP website or the retailer's website to see which online options are available in your area and whether any fees apply.

If you order online and the retailer cannot verify your EBT card, contact your state's SNAP office to make sure your account is active and your card is not blocked. Some cards need to be activated for online use before they work with retailers.

What to do if your card is declined at a store

If your EBT card is declined, it could be for several reasons: your account balance is too low to cover the purchase, the item is not SNAP-may be able to access, the store's system is temporarily down, or your card has been locked. Ask the cashier which reason applies. If it is the balance, you can remove items and try again. If it is an ineligible item, the cashier can tell you which ones were rejected.

If the store's system is down or your card appears to be locked, contact your state's SNAP office using the number on the back of your card. A representative can check your balance, see recent transactions, and tell you whether your card is active. If your card is locked, they can unlock it or issue a replacement. Do not assume the card is broken — call first to confirm the problem.

If you believe you were wrongly denied service or an item was incorrectly marked as ineligible, you can file a complaint with your state's SNAP office. Keep your receipt if you have one, and note the store name, date, and time.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, if you have a membership. Costco and Sam's Club accept EBT for food purchases, but you must be a member to shop there. The same rules apply — you can buy raw and uncooked foods, but not prepared items, alcohol, or non-food goods.

Do I have to tell the cashier I'm using EBT?

No. Simply hand the cashier your EBT card like you would any debit card. The transaction is processed the same way, and your privacy is protected. The cashier does not need to know which payment method you are using.

What happens if I have money left on my EBT card at the end of the month?

Your remaining balance rolls over to the next month. SNAP benefits do not expire at the end of each month — unused funds stay on your card. However, if your case is closed or you are no longer receiving benefits, any remaining balance may be forfeited depending on your state's rules.

Can someone else use my EBT card?

Your EBT card is for your use only. You should not share it with anyone else. If someone else uses your card without permission, report it to your state's SNAP office immediately. Unauthorized use can be investigated, and your benefits may be protected.

Are there stores that accept EBT but shouldn't?

Occasionally, a store may be authorized to accept EBT but sells primarily non-food items or has a history of fraud. If you notice a store accepting EBT for ineligible items, you can report it to your state's SNAP office or the USDA. The USDA investigates retailer violations and can remove stores from the program.