Costco accepts SNAP benefits, but only at warehouse locations that have a food court or gas station

Costco does take food stamps — officially called SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) — but the rules are stricter than at a regular grocery store. You can use your SNAP card at any Costco warehouse to buy food items that meet SNAP rules. However, you cannot use SNAP at Costco.com for online orders, and you cannot use it at Costco gas stations or food courts, even though those are inside the warehouse.

The key difference is that Costco is a membership warehouse, not a traditional supermarket. You need a Costco membership to shop there, and SNAP benefits work the same way they do anywhere else — you swipe your card at checkout for may be able to access food only. Non-food items, alcohol, and hot food from the food court are never covered by SNAP, regardless of where you shop.

Key Takeaways

  • You can use your SNAP card to buy food at any Costco warehouse location, just as you would at a grocery store.
  • SNAP does not cover non-food items, alcohol, vitamins, or prepared foods, even at Costco.
  • You cannot use SNAP to buy from the Costco food court or gas station, or to place online orders on Costco.com.
  • You must have a Costco membership to shop there; SNAP benefits do not waive the membership fee.
  • The cashier will separate SNAP-may be able to access items from non-may be able to access ones at checkout, and you pay for each group separately.

What you can and cannot buy with SNAP at Costco

SNAP covers the same foods at Costco as it does anywhere else. You can buy fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, breads, cereals, snack foods, and non-alcoholic beverages. Costco's bulk sizes mean you can stretch your benefits further — a large package of chicken or a case of canned vegetables costs less per unit than smaller packages at other stores.

SNAP does not cover hot or prepared foods, even if they are in the grocery section. This means you cannot use SNAP for rotisserie chickens, deli items, or anything from the food court. You also cannot buy vitamins, medicines, pet food, paper products, cleaning supplies, or alcohol. If you buy a mix of may be able to access and ineligible items, the cashier will ring them separately, and you pay for the SNAP items with your card and the rest with cash or another payment method.

Costco membership and SNAP

Costco requires a paid membership to shop there, and SNAP benefits do not cover the membership fee. A Gold Star membership (the basic option) costs money upfront, though Costco occasionally offers discounted trial periods. Some people find that the bulk savings on SNAP-may be able to access foods make the membership pay for itself, especially if they buy large quantities of meat, dairy, or frozen vegetables.

If cost is a barrier, you may want to compare prices on the items you buy most often at Costco versus a regular grocery store or discount supermarket that accepts SNAP with no membership fee. Many communities also have food banks or cooperative buying programs that do not require membership and accept SNAP.

Online orders and Costco.com

Costco does not accept SNAP for orders placed on Costco.com, even if you have a membership. Online grocery delivery services that do accept SNAP include Amazon Fresh (in select areas), Walmart.com, and some regional supermarket chains. If you prefer to shop online, check whether your local grocery store or a service like Amazon Fresh operates in your area and accepts SNAP for delivery.

In-warehouse shopping remains the only way to use SNAP at Costco. You must visit a physical warehouse location, bring your SNAP card, and check out at the register.

How to use your SNAP card at Costco checkout

Bring your SNAP card (also called an EBT card) to the warehouse along with your Costco membership card. At checkout, tell the cashier you are paying with SNAP. The cashier will separate your may be able to access food items from any non-food or ineligible items. You swipe your SNAP card for the may be able to access food total, then pay for the rest with cash, debit, or credit card if you have non-may be able to access items.

The process is the same as at any other store. Your SNAP balance updates immediately after the transaction, and you receive a receipt showing what was paid with SNAP and what was paid another way. If you are unsure whether an item is SNAP-may be able to access, ask the cashier before checkout — they can tell you right away.

Costco locations that accept SNAP

Nearly all Costco warehouse locations in the United States accept SNAP. A small number of warehouses in remote areas or certain states may not, so if you are shopping at an unfamiliar location, you can call ahead or check Costco's website to confirm. The Costco customer service line can tell you whether a specific warehouse accepts SNAP.

Costco Business Centers (a separate format aimed at small businesses) also accept SNAP, though they operate under slightly different rules. If you shop at a Business Center, the same SNAP rules apply — may be able to access food only, no online orders, no food court.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use SNAP to pay my Costco membership fee?

No. SNAP only covers food items, not membership fees or any other services. You must pay the membership cost separately with cash, debit, or credit card.

Can someone else use my SNAP card at Costco if I give them permission?

No. Your SNAP card is tied to your identity and should only be used by you. Letting someone else use it is considered fraud and can result in losing your benefits. If you need someone to shop for you, you can give them cash or a list and have them buy items you then pay for with your SNAP card.

What if Costco is out of stock on something I wanted to buy?

Costco's inventory changes regularly, especially on bulk items. If you cannot find what you need, you can ask a staff member or check Costco's website to see if the item is currently in stock at your location. You can also shop at other stores that accept SNAP on the same day.

Do I need to show my Costco membership card every time I use SNAP?

Yes. You need both your Costco membership card and your SNAP card to shop. The cashier will scan your membership card as part of the checkout process, regardless of how you pay.

Can I return items I bought with SNAP if I change my mind?

Costco has a generous return policy, but the refund goes back to the original payment method. If you paid with SNAP, the refund goes back to your SNAP account. Bring your receipt and the item to customer service to process the return.