Big Lots does not accept EBT cards for any purchases

Big Lots is a discount retailer that sells household goods, furniture, seasonal items, and some food products, but it does not participate in the SNAP program (the federal food benefit program that uses EBT cards). This means you cannot use your EBT card to pay for groceries or any other items at Big Lots locations, even if the store carries food.

The stores that accept EBT are limited to those that have registered with your state's SNAP program and meet federal requirements for the types of food they sell. Big Lots has not registered as an authorized SNAP retailer in any state. Registration requires retailers to maintain specific inventory standards, track purchases, and follow rules about which items may have access to for SNAP payment. Many discount retailers choose not to go through this process because their primary business is non-food merchandise.

Key Takeaways

  • Big Lots does not accept EBT cards because it is not an authorized SNAP retailer in any state.
  • You can use your EBT card only at stores that have registered with your state's SNAP program and sell may be able to access food items.
  • Grocery stores, supermarkets, farmers markets, and some pharmacies and online retailers accept EBT, but discount retailers like Big Lots typically do not.
  • Your state's SNAP office or the USDA's store locator tool at fns.usda.gov/snap/retailer-locator can show you which retailers near you accept EBT.
  • Even at stores that accept EBT, you can only purchase food items—household goods, cleaning supplies, and paper products are not covered by SNAP benefits.

Which stores do accept EBT cards

Authorized SNAP retailers include traditional grocery stores, supermarkets, farmers markets, some pharmacies, and a growing number of online retailers. Walmart and Target accept EBT at many locations, though not all of their stores participate. Whole Foods, Kroger, Safeway, Publix, and regional grocery chains in your area may also accept EBT. The specific stores near you depend on which retailers have completed registration with your state's SNAP program.

The key difference between Big Lots and these other retailers is that authorized stores have gone through the registration process with their state's SNAP program and have agreed to follow rules about which items can be purchased with benefits. They maintain records of SNAP transactions and stock may be able to access food items according to federal guidelines. Big Lots has not completed this registration process and does not meet the stocking requirements that SNAP retailers must follow.

What you can and cannot buy with EBT

SNAP benefits cover fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, breads, cereals, and snack foods like nuts and seeds. You can also buy plants and seeds that produce food. The program does not cover hot or prepared foods, alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, medicines, or household items like cleaning supplies or paper products.

Even at stores that do accept EBT, the cashier's register will reject any non-food items when you try to pay with your EBT card. This is why Big Lots—which sells mostly non-food items like furniture, home décor, and seasonal goods—would not be a useful place to use SNAP benefits even if it were registered. The store's inventory does not align with what SNAP is designed to cover.

How to find stores that accept EBT near you

The USDA maintains a store locator tool at fns.usda.gov/snap/retailer-locator. You can enter your address or zip code and see all authorized SNAP retailers within a certain distance. The tool shows which stores accept EBT, what types of food they carry, and whether they offer online ordering with EBT payment. This is the most current and reliable way to find retailers in your area.

You can also call your state's SNAP office directly. The phone number is on the back of your EBT card or on your state's benefits website. Staff can tell you which stores in your area accept EBT, answer questions about specific items, and help you understand what you can purchase with your benefits.

Online shopping with EBT

A growing number of online retailers now accept SNAP benefits. Amazon and Walmart both offer online ordering with EBT delivery in many states. Instacart also partners with certain stores to allow EBT payment for grocery delivery in select areas. These options vary by state and by which stores participate in your region, so you can check the USDA store locator to see what is available where you live.

Big Lots does not currently offer online EBT payment, and the company has not announced plans to register as a SNAP retailer. If you need groceries delivered, the online options through Amazon, Walmart, or Instacart may be worth exploring depending on what is available in your state.

Why Big Lots and similar retailers don't participate in SNAP

Discount retailers like Big Lots, Five Below, and HomeGoods focus primarily on non-food merchandise—furniture, home goods, seasonal items, and décor. SNAP is designed specifically for food purchases, so stores that sell mostly non-food items have little financial incentive to register. The registration process also requires meeting specific stocking requirements, maintaining separate payment systems, and keeping detailed records of SNAP transactions. Some retailers decide the cost and complexity of participation is not worth the benefit.

Additionally, SNAP retailers must stock a certain variety and quantity of may be able to access food items to remain authorized. A store that sells mostly household goods may not meet these minimum stocking requirements, which would disqualify it from the program even if the company wanted to participate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my EBT card at Big Lots if I buy only food items?

No. Even if you purchase only food, Big Lots is not registered as a SNAP retailer, so your EBT card will not work there. The store itself must be authorized by your state's SNAP program before any transaction can go through, regardless of what items you are buying.

Why don't discount stores like Big Lots accept EBT?

Discount retailers often focus on non-food items like furniture, home goods, and seasonal products. SNAP is designed for food purchases, so stores that sell mostly non-food items have little reason to register. The registration process also requires meeting specific stocking requirements and record-keeping rules that some retailers choose not to follow.

What if I need household items and groceries—can I use EBT for both at one store?

You can use EBT only for may be able to access food items at authorized retailers. Household items like cleaning supplies, paper products, and toiletries are not covered by SNAP. You would need to pay for those separately with cash or another payment method, even at stores that accept EBT.

Can I check if Big Lots will start accepting EBT in the future?

You can contact Big Lots customer service to ask about SNAP participation, but there is no public information suggesting the company plans to register. The USDA store locator is the most reliable way to find out which retailers in your area currently accept EBT.