BJ's Wholesale Club accepts SNAP benefits, but only at locations in certain states and only for specific items

BJ's Wholesale Club does take SNAP benefits (the card formerly called food stamps), but the program is not available everywhere. As of now, BJ's accepts SNAP at stores in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut. The stores that do accept SNAP are clearly marked, and you can check the BJ's website or call your local warehouse to confirm whether yours participates.

When you shop at a participating BJ's location, you can use your SNAP card to buy the same foods you would at a regular grocery store: fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, bread, and other staples. You cannot use SNAP to buy prepared foods, hot items from the deli counter, or non-food items like cleaning supplies or paper products — the same rules apply whether you shop at BJ's or a traditional supermarket.

One thing to know about shopping at a warehouse club with SNAP: you may need a membership to enter the store. Some BJ's locations offer a free or low-cost membership for SNAP cardholders, but policies vary by location. Call ahead to ask whether your store waives or discounts the membership fee for people using SNAP.

Key Takeaways

  • BJ's Wholesale Club accepts SNAP in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut, but not in all other states where BJ's operates.
  • You can buy the same SNAP-may be able to access foods at BJ's as you would at any grocery store, but not prepared foods or non-food items.
  • Some BJ's locations offer free or reduced membership for SNAP cardholders, so contact your store to ask about membership costs before you shop.
  • You can call BJ's customer service or check the website to confirm whether your nearest location accepts SNAP.

How to use your SNAP card at BJ's

Using your SNAP card at BJ's works the same way it does at any grocery store. At checkout, tell the cashier you are paying with SNAP, and they will run your card through the payment terminal. The system will separate your SNAP-may be able to access items from anything you cannot buy with benefits — for example, if you buy groceries and a magazine, the register will split the transaction and charge SNAP for the food only.

If you do not have a BJ's membership yet, you will need to get one before you can shop. Visit the customer service desk or ask at checkout about membership options for SNAP cardholders. Some locations offer a free or discounted membership specifically for people using SNAP or other government benefits.

What you can and cannot buy with SNAP at BJ's

SNAP covers the same categories of food at BJ's as it does everywhere else. You can buy fruits and vegetables (fresh, frozen, or canned), meat and poultry, fish and seafood, dairy products like milk and cheese, eggs, bread and grains, beans and legumes, and snack foods like nuts and seeds. You can also buy seeds and plants that produce food, though this is less common at warehouse clubs.

You cannot use SNAP to buy hot or prepared foods from the deli counter, rotisserie chicken, or items from the food court. You also cannot buy vitamins, medicines, pet food, alcohol, tobacco, or any non-food items. If you are unsure whether a specific item is SNAP-may be able to access, ask the cashier before you check out — they can look it up in the register system.

Finding a BJ's location that accepts SNAP

Not every BJ's warehouse accepts SNAP, and availability is limited to four states. To find out whether your nearest location participates, visit the BJ's website and use their store locator tool, or call the store directly and ask whether they accept SNAP. Customer service can also tell you about membership options for SNAP cardholders at that location.

If your BJ's does not accept SNAP, you can still use your benefits at traditional grocery stores, supermarkets, farmers markets (in some cases), and other retailers that participate in the SNAP program. Your state's SNAP office can direct you to authorized retailers near you.

Membership requirements for SNAP shoppers

BJ's is a membership warehouse, which means you normally pay an annual fee to shop there. However, some locations offer free or reduced-cost memberships for people using SNAP or other government benefits. The membership cost and discount policies vary by location, so call your store to ask what they offer.

If the membership fee is a barrier, remember that you can use your SNAP benefits at many other stores without a membership — including most supermarkets, grocery chains, and discount retailers. Your state's SNAP office can provide a list of authorized retailers in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all BJ's locations accept SNAP?

No. BJ's accepts SNAP only at locations in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut. Call your local store or check the BJ's website to confirm whether your warehouse participates in the SNAP program.

Can I use SNAP to buy items from the BJ's food court?

No. SNAP does not cover prepared or hot foods, including items from the food court or deli counter. You can only use SNAP to buy raw or packaged foods that you prepare at home.

Do I need a BJ's membership to use SNAP there?

Yes, you need a membership to shop at BJ's. Some locations offer free or discounted memberships for SNAP cardholders, so ask your store about this option before you pay the full membership fee.

What if my BJ's does not accept SNAP?

You can use your SNAP benefits at most supermarkets, grocery stores, and other authorized retailers in your area. Contact your state's SNAP office for a list of stores near you that accept SNAP.