Yes, you can use EBT at Costco, but only for certain items and with restrictions

Costco accepts EBT cards at most of its warehouse locations, but the rules are stricter than at a regular grocery store. You can buy food items that are approved under the Supplemental Nutrition information Program (SNAP), but you cannot use EBT to purchase prepared foods, alcohol, vitamins, or non-food items — even if Costco sells them. The key difference is that Costco is a membership warehouse, and some locations have different policies, so calling ahead to confirm is worth the five minutes.

Not every Costco warehouse accepts EBT. Costco locations in some states, particularly in the Northeast and parts of the Midwest, do not process EBT transactions at all. If you are unsure whether your local warehouse takes EBT, call the customer service desk before you go. You will need your membership card to shop at Costco regardless of payment method.

Key Takeaways

  • Most Costco warehouses accept EBT for SNAP-approved foods, but some locations do not, so you should call ahead to confirm.
  • You can buy fresh produce, meat, dairy, bread, and canned goods with EBT at Costco, but not prepared foods, hot items, or anything from the food court.
  • You must have a Costco membership card to shop there, and EBT does not cover membership fees.
  • Costco does not allow you to use EBT for bulk non-food items, alcohol, or vitamins, even though these items are sold in the warehouse.

What foods you can and cannot buy with EBT at Costco

The items you can purchase with EBT at Costco are the same as at any other store: fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, breads, cereals, snack foods, and non-alcoholic beverages. You can buy items in bulk, which is often why people shop at Costco in the first place. A large package of chicken breasts, a case of canned beans, or a bulk container of yogurt all count as SNAP-approved foods.

Items you cannot buy with EBT at Costco include anything from the food court (pizza, hot dogs, rotisserie chicken), prepared salads or deli items, alcohol, tobacco, vitamins and supplements, paper products, cleaning supplies, and any non-food merchandise. Hot or prepared foods are never covered by SNAP, even if they are sold in the same building. If Costco's deli counter has prepared items, those are off-limits to EBT.

Seeds and plants are not covered by SNAP, so you cannot use EBT for those either. However, potted herbs that are meant to be eaten (like basil or parsley) may be covered depending on how they are labeled — when in doubt, ask the cashier before you check out.

How to use your EBT card at Costco checkout

When you reach the register, tell the cashier you are paying with EBT. They will run your card through the payment terminal just like a debit card. The system will separate SNAP-approved items from items you cannot buy with EBT. You will pay for approved foods with your EBT balance and pay for any non-approved items (like household supplies or alcohol) with another payment method — cash, credit card, or debit card.

The cashier will tell you which items cannot be purchased with EBT before the transaction is complete. If you have questions about whether a specific item is covered, ask before you pay. Some items are ambiguous — for example, certain types of seafood or specialty items — and the cashier or a manager can look it up in the system.

Keep your receipt. It will show what was paid with EBT and what was paid with another method. This receipt is useful if you need to track your spending or if there is ever a question about your account.

Costco membership and EBT: what you need to know

You must have a Costco membership to shop at any Costco warehouse. EBT does not cover the cost of a membership, so you will need to pay the membership fee separately with cash or another payment method. Costco membership fees vary by membership tier — Gold Star, Executive, and Gold Star Executive — and the cost changes periodically.

Some Costco locations offer a discounted membership for people receiving certain government benefits, though this varies by location. Call your local warehouse to ask whether they offer reduced-price memberships. Even with a discount, you cannot use EBT to pay the membership fee itself.

If you do not have a membership, you cannot use EBT at Costco. You would need to shop at a regular grocery store, supermarket, or other retailer that accepts EBT and does not require a membership.

Which Costco locations accept EBT

Most Costco warehouses in California, Texas, Florida, New York, and other large states accept EBT. However, some regions have lower EBT acceptance rates. Costco locations in rural areas or in certain states may not be set up to process EBT transactions. The only way to know for sure is to call the warehouse directly or check Costco's website for your location.

When you call, ask specifically: "Does this location accept EBT for SNAP purchases?" This is a straightforward yes-or-no question, and the customer service desk should be able to answer it when ready. If the answer is no, they may be able to tell you whether a nearby warehouse does accept EBT.

Costco's website lists all warehouse locations by state and region. You can find the phone number for your nearest location and call before you make the trip.

What happens if you do not have a Costco membership but want to use EBT

Without a membership, you cannot shop at Costco, period. EBT or no EBT, the membership is required. If you want to use your EBT benefits but do not have a Costco membership, you have other options: regular grocery stores, supermarkets, farmers markets (some accept EBT), and online retailers like Amazon Fresh or Instacart (which accept EBT in many states) all take EBT without requiring a membership.

If you are interested in a Costco membership specifically because of the bulk pricing, consider whether the membership fee makes sense for your household. Some people find that the savings on bulk purchases pay for the membership within a few months. Others find that a regular grocery store with EBT is more practical. Do the math for your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use EBT at the Costco food court?

No. The food court sells prepared and hot foods, which are never covered by SNAP or EBT. This includes pizza, hot dogs, rotisserie chicken, and beverages. You can only use EBT for unprepared foods you take home to cook or eat.

Can I buy toilet paper and paper towels with EBT at Costco?

No. Non-food items like paper products, cleaning supplies, and household goods are not covered by SNAP. You would need to pay for these with cash, a credit card, or a debit card. The cashier will separate these items at checkout.

What if my local Costco does not accept EBT?

Call other Costco locations in your area to see if any of them do. If none do, you can use your EBT card at grocery stores, supermarkets, and some online retailers instead. Many people find regular grocery stores more convenient anyway because they do not require a membership.

Can I use EBT to pay for a Costco membership?

No. EBT can only be used to buy SNAP-approved foods. Membership fees must be paid separately with cash, a credit card, or a debit card. Some warehouses offer discounted memberships for people on certain benefits — call your location to ask.

Do I need to tell the cashier I am using EBT, or does it happen automatically?

Tell the cashier you are paying with EBT before they ring up your items. The system will then separate approved foods from non-approved items. If you do not mention it, the cashier may assume you are paying with a regular debit card, which could cause confusion at checkout.