Sam's Club does not accept EBT cards for regular shopping, but you can use EBT at Sam's Club's gas stations in some states

Sam's Club membership warehouses do not take SNAP benefits (the food part of EBT) for groceries, prepared foods, or other items sold inside the building. However, some Sam's Club gas stations do accept EBT for fuel purchases in certain states — this varies by location and changes over time, so you need to call ahead or check the pump before you swipe.

The reason for this split is that federal SNAP rules allow EBT at gas pumps but not at warehouse clubs for regular shopping. Warehouse clubs like Sam's Club and Costco operate differently from regular grocery stores: they require membership fees, sell in bulk, and their business model does not fit SNAP's rules about what counts as a food retailer. Walmart, by contrast, accepts EBT throughout its stores because it is classified as a traditional grocery retailer.

If you are looking for a place to use EBT for groceries, you will have better luck at supermarkets, farmers markets, and regular grocery chains. If you specifically want to use EBT for gas, call your local Sam's Club fuel station first to confirm they participate in your state.

Key Takeaways

  • Sam's Club warehouse locations do not accept EBT for food or merchandise, even if you have a membership.
  • Some Sam's Club gas stations accept EBT for fuel in certain states, but this is not available everywhere.
  • Federal SNAP rules do not classify warehouse clubs as may be able to access retailers for in-store purchases, which is why Costco and Sam's Club differ from traditional grocery stores.
  • You can use EBT at regular grocery stores, supermarkets, and farmers markets that display the SNAP logo.

Why warehouse clubs are not SNAP retailers

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition information Program) has specific rules about which stores can accept the benefit. A store must be authorized by the USDA and must meet certain criteria: it has to stock a variety of food items, be open to the general public, and operate as a traditional food retailer. Warehouse clubs like Sam's Club require a paid membership to enter, which creates a barrier that SNAP rules do not allow.

Additionally, warehouse clubs sell items in bulk quantities and often at prices that assume high-volume purchases. SNAP is designed to help people buy food at regular retail locations where they can purchase smaller quantities suited to individual household needs. The membership model and bulk-only format put warehouse clubs outside the SNAP system.

This is not a choice Sam's Club made — it is a federal restriction. If you have a Sam's Club membership and want to use SNAP there, the store cannot override this rule.

How to learn about a Sam's Club gas station takes EBT

Not all Sam's Club locations have gas stations, and not all gas stations that exist accept EBT. The best way to know is to call the specific Sam's Club location you plan to visit. Ask for the fuel station and confirm whether they accept EBT cards for gas purchases.

You can also visit the Sam's Club website and search for locations near you, then call the number listed. When you call, have your state ready — EBT acceptance at gas pumps varies by state and sometimes by individual station, so knowing your location helps the staff give you an accurate answer.

If a Sam's Club gas station does accept EBT in your state, the pump will display the SNAP logo or have signage indicating it takes EBT. Swipe your card at the pump the same way you would at any other gas station.

Where you can use EBT instead

SNAP is accepted at thousands of retailers across the country. Traditional grocery stores like Kroger, Safeway, Publix, and regional chains all accept EBT. Supermarkets like Walmart and Target accept EBT in their grocery sections. Many smaller grocery stores, ethnic markets, and independent grocers also participate.

Farmers markets in your area may accept EBT as well — many have special programs that match your SNAP dollars or offer incentives when you buy fresh produce. You can search for farmers markets that take EBT on the USDA's website or by calling your local health department.

Online grocery delivery through Amazon Fresh, Instacart, and some regional services now accepts EBT in many states, though availability depends on where you live. Check the retailer's website to see if EBT is an option in your area.

What you can and cannot buy with EBT at any store

At any store that accepts SNAP — whether it is a supermarket, farmers market, or gas station — the same rules explore about what you can purchase. You can buy fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, breads, cereals, snack foods, and non-alcoholic beverages. You can also buy seeds and plants that produce food.

You cannot use SNAP to buy hot or prepared foods, alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, medicines, pet food, household supplies, or anything that is not food. At a gas station, you can only use EBT for fuel — not for snacks, drinks, or other items sold inside the convenience store attached to the pump.

The rules are the same everywhere SNAP is accepted. If an item would not be allowed at a regular grocery store, it will not be allowed at a farmers market or gas station either.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my EBT card inside a Sam's Club if I have a membership?

No. SNAP does not work inside Sam's Club warehouses, even if you pay for a membership. Federal rules do not classify warehouse clubs as may be able to access SNAP retailers. You would need to shop at a traditional grocery store or supermarket instead.

Do all Sam's Club gas stations take EBT?

No. EBT acceptance at Sam's Club gas stations varies by state and sometimes by individual location. Call the specific Sam's Club fuel station you plan to use to confirm they accept EBT before you go.

Can I use EBT to buy gas at Costco?

Costco gas stations do not accept EBT in most states. Like Sam's Club, Costco is a membership warehouse and does not participate in SNAP. Check with your local Costco fuel station to be certain, but EBT is generally not an option there.

What if I want to buy groceries but do not have a Sam's Club membership?

You can use EBT at any store that displays the SNAP logo — supermarkets, grocery chains, farmers markets, and many independent grocers. You do not need a membership at any of these places. Search online for "SNAP retailers near me" or call your local health department for a list.

Can I use EBT to buy anything at a Sam's Club gas station besides fuel?

No. At gas stations that accept EBT, the card works only for fuel at the pump. You cannot use it to buy snacks, drinks, or items inside the convenience store, even if those items would normally be allowed under SNAP rules.