Retailers that accept EBT for food purchases

Your EBT card works at most grocery stores, supermarkets, and food retailers across the United States. This includes large chains like Walmart, Target, Kroger, Safeway, and Whole Foods, as well as independent grocers and farmers markets. The retailer must be authorized by your state's SNAP program to accept EBT payments.

Not every location of a chain accepts EBT — authorization happens store by store, not by company. A Walmart in one town might accept it while another Walmart thirty miles away does not. Before you go, you can search for nearby authorized retailers on the USDA's SNAP Retailer Locator at fns.usda.gov/snap/retailer-locator, or call your state's SNAP office for a list.

Convenience stores, gas stations, and dollar stores sometimes accept EBT, but many do not. If a store displays the SNAP logo or asks for your PIN at checkout, it is authorized. If you are unsure, ask the cashier before you shop.

What you can and cannot buy with EBT

EBT covers food items only — fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, poultry, dairy, bread, cereals, snacks, and beverages. You can buy frozen and canned food, organic produce, and meat from the butcher counter. Seeds and plants that produce food are also covered.

EBT does not cover hot or prepared food, even if it is sold in a grocery store deli. Rotisserie chicken, hot pizza, or food from a salad bar cannot be purchased with EBT. Alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, medicines, pet food, soap, paper products, and household supplies are also not covered. Restaurant meals are not covered, with rare exceptions in some states for elderly or disabled people — check with your state program if you think you may may have access to.

If you try to buy something not covered, the cashier will decline the transaction for those items only. You can pay for non-food items with cash or another payment method at the same time.

Key Takeaways

  • Most grocery stores and supermarkets accept EBT, but authorization varies by location — use the USDA SNAP Retailer Locator to confirm before you shop.
  • EBT covers food you cook at home, including produce, meat, dairy, bread, and canned goods, but not hot prepared food or restaurant meals.
  • Alcohol, tobacco, household supplies, and pet food cannot be purchased with EBT under any circumstances.
  • If a retailer is authorized, they will display the SNAP logo or ask for your PIN at checkout.
  • Some farmers markets and online retailers now accept EBT in certain states — contact your state SNAP office to learn what is available where you live.

Farmers markets and online shopping with EBT

Many farmers markets now accept EBT through a system called SNAP Online Purchasing Pilot in select states. You can use your EBT card at authorized farmers market stands to buy fresh produce directly from farmers. Some states also allow you to order groceries online from authorized retailers and pick them up or have them delivered, though this varies widely by location and retailer.

Retailers like Amazon Fresh, Instacart, and some regional grocery chains have begun accepting EBT for online orders in certain areas. The rules differ by state and change frequently. To find out what is available in your area, contact your state SNAP office or visit fns.usda.gov for the most current list of participating retailers and states.

How to use your EBT card at checkout

When you reach the cashier, tell them you are paying with EBT or SNAP. Hand them your card. They will either swipe it or insert it into a PIN pad, depending on the store's equipment. You will be asked to enter your four-digit PIN — this is the same PIN you use at ATMs to withdraw cash from your account.

The transaction will show only the food items you purchased. If you bought non-food items, those will be removed from the EBT transaction and you will pay for them separately with cash or another card. The cashier will give you a receipt showing what was paid with EBT and your remaining balance.

If your card is declined, it may mean your balance is too low, your PIN is incorrect, or the store is not authorized. Ask the cashier to check the reason. If the store is not authorized, you will need to shop elsewhere.

What to do if a store refuses to accept your EBT card

If a retailer claims they do not accept EBT but is listed as authorized in the SNAP Retailer Locator, report it to your state SNAP office. Stores are required by law to accept EBT if they are authorized, and refusing payment is a violation. You can also file a complaint with the USDA by calling the SNAP hotline or visiting the USDA website.

If the store is not listed as authorized, you have no legal recourse — they are not required to accept EBT. In that case, find another retailer nearby. Use the locator tool to identify all authorized stores within a reasonable distance.

EBT cash benefits and where to use them

Some states issue a separate cash benefit on the same EBT card, usually through a program called TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) or a state-specific program. This cash can be used at any ATM or store that accepts debit cards — it is not limited to food retailers.

To find out whether your state offers cash benefits and what they can be used for, contact your state SNAP or TANF office. The rules for cash benefits are different from food benefits and vary significantly by state.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Some Costco and Sam's Club locations accept EBT, but not all. Membership warehouse clubs are authorized on a location-by-location basis. Use the SNAP Retailer Locator to check whether the warehouse near you accepts EBT before you shop or pay for a membership.

What happens if I buy something by mistake that is not covered?

The cashier will decline the transaction for that item. You can remove it from your purchase and pay only for the food items with EBT, or you can pay for everything with cash or another card. There is no penalty for attempting to buy a non-covered item.

Can I use EBT at restaurants or food delivery services?

In most states, no. Restaurants and food delivery apps do not accept SNAP benefits. A few states have pilot programs that allow EBT at certain restaurants for elderly, disabled, or homeless people — contact your state SNAP office to learn if you may have access to.

What if I forgot my PIN?

Contact your state SNAP office or the customer service number on the back of your EBT card to reset your PIN. You will need to verify your identity. Most states can issue a temporary PIN over the phone or mail a new one to you within a few days.

Do all grocery stores in my state accept EBT?

No. Authorization is store-by-store, not statewide. Two locations of the same chain may have different authorization status. Always check the SNAP Retailer Locator or ask the store directly before shopping.