Sam's Club accepts SNAP benefits, but only at locations with a pharmacy

Sam's Club takes SNAP (the federal food stamp program) at warehouse locations that have an in-store pharmacy. Not every Sam's Club has a pharmacy, so you need to confirm yours does before you shop. You can use your SNAP card like a debit card at checkout for food items only — the same rules apply as at any other store.

The pharmacy requirement exists because Sam's Club's payment systems are set up differently at locations with and without pharmacies. If your nearest Sam's Club does not have a pharmacy, you cannot use SNAP there, even though the store sells food. You can call ahead to ask, or check the Sam's Club website and filter by "pharmacy" to see which locations near you accept SNAP.

Key Takeaways

  • Sam's Club locations with an in-store pharmacy accept SNAP; locations without a pharmacy do not.
  • You can buy any food item at Sam's Club with SNAP, but not household supplies, alcohol, or prepared foods from the deli counter.
  • You need a Sam's Club membership to shop there, and SNAP does not cover the membership fee.
  • Call your local Sam's Club or check the website to confirm it has a pharmacy before you make a trip.

What you can and cannot buy with SNAP at Sam's Club

SNAP covers the same categories at Sam's Club as anywhere else: fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, dairy, bread, cereals, snack foods, and non-alcoholic beverages. Bulk sizes and warehouse pricing apply — you are buying the same may be able to access foods, just in larger quantities than a regular grocery store.

SNAP does not cover hot or prepared foods, alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, medicine, pet food, paper products, cleaning supplies, or anything not meant to be eaten. At Sam's Club, this means you cannot use SNAP at the food court or for rotisserie chickens, deli items, or bakery items sold as prepared food. The bakery bread sold unheated in the regular aisles is fine; the bakery counter items are not.

Sam's Club membership and SNAP

You must have a Sam's Club membership to shop there. A basic membership costs money, and SNAP cannot pay for it. You pay the membership fee separately, then use your SNAP card for the food you buy inside.

Sam's Club sometimes runs promotions on membership fees, especially for new members or during certain seasons. If cost is a barrier, you can ask about current offers when you call to confirm the pharmacy location, or check the website for any active deals.

How to use your SNAP card at Sam's Club

Bring your SNAP card to checkout along with your Sam's Club membership card. Tell the cashier you are paying with SNAP. The cashier will separate your may be able to access food items from any non-food items, and you will swipe or insert your SNAP card for the food total only. Non-food items and the membership fee come out of your own money.

If you are unsure whether an item is SNAP-may be able to access, ask the cashier before checkout. They can tell you on the spot. The register will also flag items that cannot be purchased with SNAP, so you will know before you pay.

Finding a Sam's Club that accepts SNAP

Not all Sam's Club locations accept SNAP, and the pharmacy requirement means you cannot assume your nearest warehouse does. The fastest way to check is to call the store directly and ask: "Do you have a pharmacy, and do you accept SNAP?" You can find the phone number on the Sam's Club website by entering your zip code.

You can also visit the Sam's Club website, use the location finder, and filter by "pharmacy" to see which warehouses near you have one. Any location with a pharmacy will accept SNAP. If your closest Sam's Club does not have a pharmacy, you may need to travel to a different location or shop at a regular grocery store instead.

Other warehouse stores and SNAP

Costco does not accept SNAP at any location. Walmart and Target both accept SNAP at most locations, though you do not need a membership to shop there. If you have a choice between stores, Walmart and Target may be more convenient because they do not require membership and are more widely available.

Food co-ops, farmers markets, and some smaller warehouse-style stores may also accept SNAP. You can search for SNAP-accepting retailers near you on the USDA's official store locator tool, which is free and searchable by address.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use SNAP to buy a Sam's Club membership?

No. SNAP only covers food items, not membership fees. You must pay the membership cost with your own money, then use SNAP for the groceries you buy inside.

What if my Sam's Club does not have a pharmacy?

You cannot use SNAP there. Call ahead or check the website to find a Sam's Club with a pharmacy in your area. If none are nearby, Walmart and Target accept SNAP without a membership requirement.

Can I use SNAP on the Sam's Club website or app?

No. SNAP can only be used in person at the register. You cannot use it for online orders or delivery. You must visit the warehouse location with your physical SNAP card.

Do I need a membership to use SNAP at Sam's Club?

Yes. You must have an active Sam's Club membership to enter and shop, even if you are only buying SNAP-may be able to access food. The membership fee is separate and cannot be paid with SNAP.

Can I buy rotisserie chicken or deli items with SNAP at Sam's Club?

No. Hot or prepared foods from the deli counter or food court are not SNAP-may be able to access. You can buy raw chicken and other uncooked meats with SNAP, but not prepared items.