Does Costco Accept Food Stamps?

## Understanding Food Stamps and EBT The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, provides financial assistance to low-income individuals and families to purchase food. The program is administered by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and distributes benefits via Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards, which function like debit cards. ## Costco's SNAP Policy **Yes, Costco accepts EBT cards** at most warehouse locations across the United States. However, acceptance may vary by location, so it's advisable to verify with your local store before shopping. ### How to Use SNAP Benefits at Costco 1. Bring your valid EBT card and Costco membership card 2. Separate eligible items from non-eligible items during checkout 3. Inform the cashier you'll be using EBT 4. Swipe your EBT card and enter your PIN 5. Pay for remaining non-eligible items with another payment method ## Eligible Items SNAP benefits can be used to purchase: - **Fruits and vegetables** (fresh, frozen, or canned) - **Meat, poultry, and fish** - **Dairy products** - **Breads and cereals** - **Snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages** - **Seeds and plants** that produce food for the household For a comprehensive list of eligible items, visit the [USDA's official SNAP page](https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/eligible-food-items). ## Ineligible Items SNAP benefits **cannot** be used for: * Alcoholic beverages and tobacco products * Hot prepared foods or foods meant to be eaten in-store * Vitamins, medicines, and supplements * Pet food * Cleaning supplies and paper products * Personal care items * Non-food items ## Important Considerations ### Membership Requirement A valid Costco membership is required to shop at the warehouse, even when using SNAP benefits. The annual membership fee cannot be paid with EBT funds. For more information on membership options, visit [Costco's membership page](https://www.costco.com/join-costco.html). ### Online Shopping Limitations Currently, Costco does *not* accept EBT payments for online purchases or delivery orders. If you prefer online shopping, consider other retailers that accept EBT for online orders, such as [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/snap-ebt/b?ie=UTF8&node=19097785011) or [Walmart](https://www.walmart.com/cp/ebt-online/4801472). ## Additional Resources For more information about SNAP benefits and eligibility, you can: * Visit the [USDA SNAP website](https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program) * Use the [USDA SNAP Retailer Locator](https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/retailer-locator) * Contact your state's SNAP office * Speak with a Costco member services representative --- Remember that SNAP benefits are designed to help provide nutritious food for families in need. Costco's bulk-buying options can help SNAP recipients maximize their benefits while accessing quality food products at competitive prices.

Does Costco Accept Food Stamps?

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