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

Costco takes EBT cards at most of its warehouse locations, but your card will only work for foods that the SNAP program (the federal food information program) covers. This means you can buy groceries like produce, meat, dairy, and packaged foods — but not prepared foods from the food court, household supplies, or anything else outside the SNAP food list.

The rules are the same at Costco as they are at any other grocery store. Your EBT card reads as a debit card at checkout, and the cashier's register automatically blocks any items that SNAP does not cover. You do not need to do anything special or tell anyone you are using EBT.

Not every Costco warehouse accepts EBT. Membership-only warehouses in some states do not participate. Before you make the trip, call your local Costco warehouse directly or check the Costco website to confirm that location takes EBT.

Key Takeaways

  • Costco accepts EBT cards at most warehouse locations, but you must check with your local store first because not all warehouses participate.
  • Your EBT card will only pay for SNAP-covered foods like produce, meat, dairy, and packaged groceries — not prepared foods, household items, or anything else.
  • The register automatically blocks non-food items, so you do not have to worry about accidentally trying to pay with EBT for something it cannot cover.
  • You do not need a Costco membership to use EBT at the warehouse, though some locations may have different policies.

Which Costco locations take EBT

Most Costco warehouses in the United States accept EBT, but the company does not publish a complete list of participating locations. Your best option is to call the warehouse nearest you directly and ask whether they take EBT cards. The phone number is on the Costco website under the warehouse locator.

Some states have lower participation rates than others. If your local Costco does not take EBT, you can use your card at other grocery stores, supermarkets, and farmers markets in your area. The SNAP program works at thousands of retailers nationwide.

What you can and cannot buy with EBT at Costco

SNAP covers foods you cook or prepare at home. At Costco, this includes fresh produce, meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, eggs, bread, cereals, canned vegetables, frozen fruits and vegetables, nuts, beans, and other packaged groceries. You can also buy seeds and plants that produce food.

SNAP does not cover prepared or hot foods, even if they are sold in the grocery section. This means you cannot use EBT at Costco's food court for pizza, rotisserie chicken, hot dogs, or any other ready-to-eat items. You also cannot buy household supplies, cleaning products, paper goods, vitamins, medicine, alcohol, or tobacco.

The register will automatically decline any item that SNAP does not cover. If you have a mix of may be able to access and ineligible items in your cart, the cashier will separate them, and you will pay for the non-food items with another payment method.

Do you need a Costco membership to use EBT

Costco membership rules vary by location. Some warehouses let you shop with EBT without a membership, while others require one. Call ahead to ask about your local warehouse's policy. If membership is required and you do not have one, you can purchase a Gold Star membership at the warehouse.

A few Costco locations have guest policies that allow non-members to shop with a member, but this is not standard across all warehouses. Your local store can tell you whether this option is available.

How to use your EBT card at Costco checkout

Using EBT at Costco works the same way as using it at any other store. When you reach the checkout, tell the cashier you are paying with EBT. Hand them your card, and they will swipe or insert it into the payment terminal. You may be asked to enter your PIN.

The register will process only the SNAP-covered items. If you have non-food items, the cashier will set them aside, and you will pay for those separately with cash, a credit card, or a debit card. The whole process takes the same amount of time as a regular transaction.

What to do if your local Costco does not take EBT

If the Costco nearest you does not accept EBT, you have other options. Most traditional grocery stores, supermarkets, and many smaller retailers take SNAP. You can also use EBT at farmers markets in most states, though the process is slightly different — you will need to use a special card reader or speak with a market manager.

To find SNAP retailers near you, use the USDA's SNAP Retailer Locator tool on the SNAP website. You can search by address or zip code to see every store in your area that takes EBT.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use EBT to buy items from Costco's online store?

No. Costco does not currently accept EBT for online orders. You can only use your EBT card in person at a warehouse location that participates in the SNAP program.

What happens if I accidentally put non-food items in my cart?

The cashier will catch them at checkout. The register will not allow you to pay for household supplies, prepared foods, or other ineligible items with EBT. You will need to pay for those items separately with another payment method, or you can leave them behind.

Do I need to tell Costco I am using EBT?

No. straightforward hand your EBT card to the cashier when you are ready to pay. There is no special process or paperwork. The card works like any other debit card at the register.

Can I use EBT to buy items for someone else at Costco?

Yes. Your EBT card can pay for groceries for anyone. The card itself does not restrict who the food goes to — only what types of food you can buy.

What if my EBT card is declined at Costco?

This usually means your account balance is too low, your PIN was entered incorrectly, or the card has expired. Check your balance through your state's EBT customer service line or online portal. If the card is expired, contact your state agency to request a replacement.