What You Can Buy at Sam's Club with EBT: A Comprehensive Guide

A diverse array of grocery items and household essentials available at Sam's Club, highlighting options purchasable with EBT.

Understanding EBT and SNAP Benefits

The Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) is a system that allows recipients of government assistance programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), to pay for food using a card similar to a debit card. SNAP benefits are designed to help low-income individuals and families purchase nutritious food.

Shopping at Sam's Club with EBT

Sam's Club, a membership-only retail warehouse club, accepts EBT for in-store purchases. However, it's important to note that EBT cannot be used for online purchases or at the food court.

Eligible Food Items

Fresh Produce

  • All fresh fruits and vegetables
  • Pre-cut produce
  • Bagged salads
  • Fresh herbs

Meat, Poultry, and Seafood

  • Fresh meat and poultry
  • Fish and seafood
  • Deli meats
  • Cold cuts
  • Bacon and sausage

Dairy Products

  • Milk and cream
  • Cheese
  • Yogurt
  • Butter
  • Eggs
  • Ice cream

Bread and Cereals

  • Bread and rolls
  • Bagels
  • Cereals
  • Pasta
  • Rice
  • Crackers

Pantry Staples

  • Cooking oils
  • Flour
  • Sugar
  • Spices
  • Condiments
  • Baking supplies

Non-Eligible Items

There are certain items that cannot be purchased with EBT:

  • Alcoholic Beverages: Beer, wine, and liquor
  • Tobacco Products: Cigarettes, cigars, and other tobacco items
  • Vitamins and Supplements: Items with a Supplement Facts label
  • Prepared Foods: Hot foods and foods meant to be eaten in-store
  • Non-Food Items: Pet foods, cleaning supplies, paper products, and other household goods

How to Use EBT at Sam's Club

  1. Ensure Your Membership: First, you need to be a member of Sam's Club. You can sign up on their official website.
  2. Check EBT Acceptance: While most Sam's Club locations accept EBT, it's a good idea to call ahead and confirm that your local store does.
  3. Shop for Eligible Items: Make sure the items in your cart are eligible for purchase with EBT.
  4. Checkout: At checkout, let the cashier know you will be using your EBT card.

Using EBT at Self-Checkout

Sam's Club allows EBT usage at self-checkout kiosks. Here's the process:

  1. Scan all items
  2. Select EBT as payment method
  3. Swipe EBT card
  4. Enter PIN
  5. Pay for non-eligible items separately

Important Note: While Sam's Club offers online shopping, EBT payment is currently only accepted for in-club purchases in most states. Check the USDA SNAP retailer locator for up-to-date information about online EBT acceptance.

Best Practices for Shopping

Before Your Trip

  • Check your EBT balance
  • Make a shopping list
  • Review current sales
  • Separate eligible from non-eligible items
  • Bring alternative payment method for non-eligible items

Making the Most of Your Benefits

  1. Buy in bulk when practical
  2. Compare unit prices
  3. Watch for sales and markdowns
  4. Consider splitting bulk purchases with another family

Cash Back Programs

Consider using apps like:

For more information on using EBT at Sam's Club, you can visit their official website or the USDA SNAP website.