Costco accepts EBT cards at most of its warehouse locations, but not all, and only for food items that meet SNAP rules

Costco takes EBT cards at the majority of its warehouses across the United States. However, acceptance is not automatic at every location — some Costco warehouses do not process EBT payments. Before you shop, call your local warehouse directly or check Costco's website to confirm your specific location accepts EBT. The warehouse number appears on your membership card or on Costco.com when you search for your nearest store.

When you use your EBT card at Costco, you can only purchase items that are SNAP-may be able to access foods. SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition information Program) rules determine what you can buy with your benefits. Costco's checkout system is programmed to block non-food items and foods that do not may have access to, so the register will decline those purchases even if you try to buy them with your EBT card.

Key Takeaways

  • Most Costco warehouses accept EBT, but you must call ahead or check online to confirm your location does, because some do not.
  • You can only buy SNAP-may be able to access foods with your EBT card at Costco — the same foods you can buy at any grocery store.
  • Hot foods, prepared items, and anything from the food court cannot be purchased with EBT, even at Costco locations that accept the card.
  • You do not need a Costco membership to use your EBT card to buy groceries, though Costco may ask to see your ID.
  • Costco does not accept EBT for online orders through Costco.com, only for in-warehouse purchases.

What foods you can and cannot buy with EBT at Costco

SNAP rules are the same everywhere, including at Costco. You can buy raw and uncooked foods like fresh vegetables, fruits, meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products, breads, cereals, canned goods, frozen vegetables, and pantry staples. You can also buy seeds and plants that produce food.

You cannot buy hot or prepared foods, even if they are in the grocery section. This includes rotisserie chickens, deli items, prepared salads, and anything from the Costco food court. You also cannot buy non-food items like paper products, cleaning supplies, vitamins, medicines, pet food, or alcohol. Costco's register system blocks these items automatically when you try to pay with EBT.

Some items fall into a gray area depending on how they are labeled or packaged. If you are unsure whether something is SNAP-may be able to access, ask a Costco employee before you check out. They can tell you whether the item will go through on your EBT card.

How to use your EBT card at Costco

Bring your EBT card to the warehouse and shop normally. When you reach the checkout, tell the cashier you are paying with EBT. Hand over your card and enter your PIN on the keypad, just as you would at any other store. The register will separate SNAP-may be able to access items from items you cannot buy with benefits.

If you have both EBT benefits and cash or another payment method, you can split the transaction. Pay for SNAP-may be able to access foods with your EBT card and pay for other items with cash or a credit card. The cashier will ring up the may be able to access items first, process the EBT payment, then ring up the remaining items and process your second payment.

You do not need a Costco membership to use your EBT card for groceries. However, Costco may ask to see your ID at the entrance or at checkout. Bring a photo ID with you.

Costco locations that do not accept EBT

A small number of Costco warehouses do not accept EBT. These are typically in areas where the warehouse is not set up with the equipment or systems to process SNAP payments. The list of non-participating locations changes occasionally, so calling ahead is the most reliable way to know.

If your nearest Costco does not accept EBT, you can use your benefits at other grocery stores, supermarkets, farmers markets that are authorized to take SNAP, and some online retailers. Your state's SNAP program website lists authorized retailers in your area.

Online shopping and EBT at Costco

Costco does not accept EBT for online orders through Costco.com. You can only use your EBT card for in-person purchases at a Costco warehouse. If you want to shop online with SNAP benefits, Amazon and some other retailers offer this option in certain states, but Costco is not one of them.

To find out which online retailers in your state accept EBT, contact your state's SNAP program office or visit their website. The rules for online SNAP purchases vary by state.

What to do if your EBT card is declined at Costco

If your card is declined, the most common reasons are: you do not have enough benefits left on your card, the item is not SNAP-may be able to access, or the Costco location does not accept EBT. Ask the cashier which reason applies to your transaction.

If the item should be may be able to access and your balance is sufficient, ask to speak with a manager. They can look up whether that specific location accepts EBT and whether the item is coded correctly in the system. If the location does accept EBT and the item is may be able to access, a system error may have occurred — the manager can sometimes override it or you can try again.

If you believe your benefits balance is wrong, contact your state's SNAP program directly. Do not rely on Costco to resolve benefit account issues — only your state program can check your balance and fix errors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Costco membership to use EBT?

No. You can enter a Costco warehouse and buy groceries with your EBT card without a membership. However, Costco may ask to see your ID. Some locations may require a membership for other purchases, but not for SNAP-may be able to access foods.

Can I use my EBT card at Costco's food court?

No. Food court items are prepared foods and are not SNAP-may be able to access. You cannot buy anything from the food court with your EBT card, even if you also have cash to pay for other items.

What if Costco says my card is not accepted there?

That location does not participate in SNAP. Find another Costco warehouse nearby that does, or use your benefits at a different grocery store. Call other Costco locations in your area to find one that accepts EBT.

Can I use EBT to buy items in bulk at Costco?

Yes, as long as the items are SNAP-may be able to access. You can buy bulk quantities of food like rice, beans, frozen vegetables, or canned goods with your EBT card. The bulk size does not change whether an item is may be able to access.

What happens if I accidentally buy a non-may be able to access item with my EBT card?

The register will not process the transaction for that item. The cashier will remove it from your purchase before charging your EBT card. You can pay for it separately with cash or another payment method if you want to buy it.