Costco offers bulk groceries, household essentials, and electronics at competitive prices. Many shoppers who rely on SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits through EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) cards wonder whether they can use them at Costco.
The good news is that Costco does accept EBT in all its warehouse locations for eligible food items. However, there are limitations on what you can buy, and Costco’s EBT policy differs for online shopping and certain store services.
This guide explains how EBT works at Costco, what you can buy, and whether you need a Costco membership to use your benefits.
Does Costco Accept EBT?
Yes, Costco accepts EBT at all its warehouse locations in the United States. SNAP recipients can use their EBT card to purchase eligible food items at Costco stores. However, EBT cannot be used for online purchases or Costco’s food courts.
Costco follows federal SNAP guidelines, meaning only approved food items can be purchased with EBT. Non-food items, hot meals, and certain prepared foods are not covered.
Which Items Can You Buy With EBT at Costco?
Since Costco is a bulk retailer, many food items qualify for EBT purchases. The following categories are EBT-eligible under SNAP guidelines:
- Meat, poultry, and seafood – Fresh, frozen, and packaged options.
- Dairy products – Milk, cheese, yogurt, and butter.
- Fruits and vegetables – Fresh, frozen, and canned varieties.
- Bread and cereals – Whole grains, flour, and packaged bread.
- Snack foods – Chips, nuts, and granola bars.
- Non-alcoholic beverages – Water, juice, and soda.
- Seeds and plants – Items used to grow food for home consumption.
What You Can’t Buy With EBT at Costco
Certain items are not eligible for purchase with EBT, including:
- Hot or prepared foods – Rotisserie chickens, deli meals, and ready-to-eat items.
- Alcohol and tobacco – Beer, wine, liquor, and cigarettes.
- Household supplies – Cleaning products, paper towels, and toiletries.
- Pet food – Dog food, cat food, and other pet-related items.
- Vitamins and supplements – Items labeled as “supplements” with a nutrition facts panel.
To avoid confusion at checkout, separating EBT-eligible and non-eligible items when shopping is best.
Do All Costco Locations Accept EBT?
All Costco warehouse locations in the U.S. accept EBT, but availability may depend on state regulations. Specific stores in states with additional SNAP restrictions may have specific limitations on what can be purchased.
Since Costco is a membership-based warehouse, you must have an active Costco membership to shop, even when using EBT benefits.
Can you use EBT at Costco to shop online?
Currently, Costco does not accept EBT for online orders. Unlike retailers like Walmart and Amazon, which allow SNAP recipients to purchase groceries for delivery, Costco only allows EBT transactions in-store.
If you prefer grocery delivery and want to use EBT, consider Walmart, Amazon Fresh, or other grocery stores that accept EBT for online orders.
How to Use EBT at Costco
Using an EBT card at Costco is simple and follows the same checkout process as a debit card.
Step-by-Step Guide to Paying With EBT at Costco:
- Shop for eligible food items – Ensure your cart contains only SNAP-approved products.
- Go to checkout – Head to a register with your items.
- Swipe your EBT card – Insert your card and enter your PIN when prompted.
- Confirm your total – Costco will split the transaction if you have both EBT-eligible and non-eligible items. You will need a separate payment method for non-SNAP items.
- Complete the transaction – Your EBT funds will be deducted, and you’ll receive a receipt with your remaining balance.
To make checkout more effortless, you can check your EBT balance before shopping to ensure you have enough funds.
Do You Need a Costco Membership to Use EBT?
Yes, a Costco membership is required to shop at the warehouse, even if you’re using EBT. Costco does not offer a discounted membership for EBT users.
Costco’s membership options:
- Gold Star Membership – $60 per year.
- Executive Membership – $120 per year, includes 2% cashback on purchases.
If you don’t want to purchase a membership, you may be able to shop with a Costco gift card (Costco Cash Card) provided by a friend or family member who has a membership.
What Are the Limitations of Using EBT at Costco?
While Costco accepts SNAP benefits, there are a few limitations:
- No Online Shopping – EBT can only be used for in-store purchases.
- No Costco Food Court – Hot and prepared meals are not EBT-eligible.
- Limited State Restrictions – Certain states may impose additional SNAP rules.
- Membership Required – Shoppers must pay for a Costco membership to use EBT at their stores.
For those looking for alternative bulk shopping options, Sam’s Club and BJ’s Wholesale also accept EBT but require a membership.
Does Costco Accept EBT at the Food Court?
No, Costco food courts do not accept EBT payments. Since food court meals are prepared and served hot, they do not qualify under SNAP eligibility rules.
If you want to purchase food items with EBT, stick to the grocery aisles inside the warehouse.
Alternatives If You Can’t Use EBT at Costco
If Costco’s EBT policies don’t meet your needs, here are some alternative stores that accept EBT for online and in-store purchases:
- Walmart – Accepts EBT for online grocery orders.
- Amazon Fresh – Allows SNAP users to buy groceries online and get free delivery.
- Target – Accepts EBT in-store but not for online purchases.
- Sam’s Club – Accepts EBT for in-store shopping but requires a membership.
If you need bulk groceries but don’t want to pay for a Costco membership, Walmart and Amazon Fresh provide EBT-friendly online options.
Final Thoughts
For eligible food items, Costco accepts EBT in all its warehouse locations but does not allow online EBT transactions or food court purchases. While Costco’s bulk pricing can be a great way to maximize SNAP benefits, a membership is required to shop at the store.
Retailers like Walmart, Amazon, and Target may offer better options for online orders and grocery deliveries for those who want more flexibility with EBT purchases.
Do you use EBT at Costco? Share your experience in the comments!
