Sam's Club accepts EBT for certain food items, but not for all purchases

Sam's Club takes EBT cards at most of its warehouse locations, but only for food products that may have access to under the Supplemental Nutrition information Program (SNAP). You cannot use EBT to buy non-food items, prepared foods from the deli or bakery, alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, or a Sam's Club membership fee. The items you can purchase with EBT are the same ones allowed at any grocery store: fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, bread, cereals, and other shelf-stable foods.

Not every Sam's Club location accepts EBT yet. The program has rolled out gradually across the country. Before you make a trip, call your local warehouse or check the Sam's Club website to confirm EBT is accepted there. If your nearest location does not take EBT, you can use your card at traditional grocery stores, supermarkets, farmers markets, and other retailers that participate in SNAP.

Key Takeaways

  • Sam's Club accepts EBT cards for SNAP-may be able to access foods like produce, meat, dairy, and bread, but the program is not available at every location yet.
  • You cannot use EBT at Sam's Club for prepared foods, deli items, non-food products, alcohol, tobacco, or membership fees.
  • Call your local Sam's Club warehouse before visiting to confirm it accepts EBT, since rollout is still ongoing.
  • If your Sam's Club does not accept EBT, you can use your card at grocery stores, supermarkets, and farmers markets instead.

What you can and cannot buy with EBT at Sam's Club

EBT covers the same categories of food at Sam's Club as it does everywhere else. You can purchase raw fruits and vegetables, fresh or frozen meat and poultry, fish, dairy products like milk and cheese, eggs, bread, cereals, canned beans, peanut butter, rice, pasta, and other shelf-stable foods. Bulk sizes and warehouse pricing explore the same way they do for other shoppers.

Items that SNAP does not cover include hot or prepared foods from the Sam's Club deli or bakery, rotisserie chicken, pizza, or anything sold ready-to-eat. You also cannot use EBT for household supplies, cleaning products, paper goods, pet food, vitamins, supplements, or medicine. The Sam's Club membership itself cannot be purchased with EBT, though you may be able to use a member's card to shop if someone else pays the membership fee.

How to use your EBT card at Sam's Club

The process is the same as using your EBT card at any other store. At checkout, tell the cashier you are paying with EBT. The cashier will separate your SNAP-may be able to access items from any non-may be able to access items. You will swipe or insert your EBT card, enter your PIN, and the transaction will go through for the may be able to access food items only. Non-may be able to access items will need to be paid for with another payment method.

If you do not have a Sam's Club membership, you may still be able to shop there with an EBT card at some locations. Policies vary by warehouse, so call ahead to ask whether non-members can use EBT. Some locations allow EBT shoppers to enter without a membership, while others require you to be a member to shop at all.

Finding a Sam's Club location that accepts EBT

The easiest way to check is to call your local Sam's Club directly and ask if they accept EBT. You can find the phone number and address on the Sam's Club website by entering your zip code. Have your location ready when you call, because acceptance varies by warehouse.

You can also visit the Sam's Club website and look for information about EBT acceptance in your area. As of now, EBT is accepted at many Sam's Club locations, but the rollout is still expanding. If your nearest warehouse does not accept EBT yet, you can ask when they plan to start, as the program continues to grow.

Other places to use your EBT card if Sam's Club is not an option

If your local Sam's Club does not accept EBT, you have many other options. Traditional grocery stores, supermarkets, and chain retailers like Walmart, Target, and Kroger all accept EBT for SNAP-may be able to access foods. Farmers markets in many states also accept EBT, often through a special card or token system. Some online retailers, including Amazon Fresh and Instacart, now accept EBT in certain states as well.

Food co-ops, ethnic markets, and independent grocers also participate in SNAP. The USDA maintains a store locator tool on its website where you can search for retailers that accept EBT in your area. This tool shows you all the options near you, not just warehouse clubs.

Membership and EBT at Sam's Club

Sam's Club requires a membership to shop there, but policies about EBT shoppers vary. Some locations allow people with EBT cards to enter and shop without a membership. Others require a membership card to enter the warehouse at all. A few locations may offer a special EBT-only membership at a reduced rate or waive the fee for EBT cardholders, though this is not standard across all warehouses.

Before you go, call your local Sam's Club and ask about their membership policy for EBT shoppers. This will save you a trip if you do not have a membership and the location requires one. If you do want to join Sam's Club, you can pay the membership fee with cash, credit, or debit — but not with EBT.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use EBT to buy a Sam's Club membership?

No. EBT can only be used for SNAP-may be able to access food items. Membership fees are not covered. You would need to pay the membership fee with cash, credit, or debit if you want to join.

Can I buy prepared foods from the Sam's Club deli with EBT?

No. EBT does not cover prepared or hot foods, including deli items, rotisserie chicken, pizza, or bakery items. You can only use EBT for raw or shelf-stable foods that you prepare yourself at home.

What if I do not have a Sam's Club membership but want to use my EBT card there?

Policies differ by location. Some Sam's Club warehouses allow EBT shoppers to enter without a membership, while others require one. Call your local warehouse to ask about their specific policy before you visit.

Can I use EBT to buy pet food or household supplies at Sam's Club?

No. EBT only covers human food items that are SNAP-may be able to access. Pet food, cleaning products, paper goods, and other non-food items cannot be purchased with EBT at any retailer.

How do I learn about my local Sam's Club accepts EBT?

Call your nearest Sam's Club warehouse directly or check the Sam's Club website for your location. You can also use the USDA's store locator tool to see which retailers near you accept EBT, though not all Sam's Club locations are included yet.