Yes, you can use SNAP benefits at Costco, but only for certain items and only if you have a Costco membership

Costco accepts SNAP benefits (also called food stamps) at all of its warehouse locations in the United States. However, there are two important limits. First, you can only buy food items that are approved under SNAP rules — not household supplies, gas, or other non-food products. Second, you must have a Costco membership card to shop there, and membership fees are not covered by SNAP.

The items you can buy with SNAP at Costco are the same ones you can buy at any other grocery store: fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, bread, cereals, snacks, and beverages. You cannot use SNAP to pay for prepared foods from the Costco food court, rotisserie chickens, or deli items that are hot or ready-to-eat.

Key Takeaways

  • Costco accepts SNAP benefits at checkout for all food items that meet SNAP rules, just like any other grocery store.
  • You must have a paid Costco membership to shop there; SNAP cannot pay for the membership itself.
  • Hot or prepared foods from the Costco food court and deli counter are not covered by SNAP, even though shelf-stable deli items like packaged cheese are.
  • Your SNAP card works the same way at Costco as it does at supermarkets — swipe it at checkout and enter your PIN for food purchases only.
  • Costco membership costs vary by tier and location, ranging from roughly $60 to $130 per year depending on the membership level you choose.

What SNAP covers and what it doesn't at Costco

SNAP covers any food item you can take home and prepare yourself. At Costco, this means you can buy fresh produce, frozen vegetables, meat and poultry, eggs, milk, yogurt, cheese, bread, pasta, rice, canned goods, frozen meals you heat at home, and packaged snacks. You can also buy beverages like milk, juice, and water with SNAP.

SNAP does not cover hot foods, prepared foods, or anything meant to be eaten right away. At Costco, this means you cannot use SNAP for rotisserie chickens, items from the food court (pizza, hot dogs, sandwiches), deli counter items that are hot or ready-to-eat, or any food that comes from a heated display. Shelf-stable items from the deli section — like packaged cold cuts or pre-made salads in sealed containers — may be covered depending on how they are labeled and whether they are meant to be heated.

You also cannot use SNAP for non-food items, even if you are buying them at the same time as groceries. This includes paper products, cleaning supplies, vitamins, medicines, pet food, alcohol, and tobacco.

How to pay with SNAP at Costco checkout

When you reach the checkout register at Costco, tell the cashier you are paying with SNAP. They will separate your SNAP-may be able to access items from any non-food items. You will swipe your SNAP card (also called an EBT card) in the card reader, just as you would at any other store. The cashier will ask you to enter your PIN on the keypad.

If you are buying both SNAP-may be able to access food and items that SNAP does not cover — such as household supplies or a Costco membership renewal — the cashier will ring up the food items on your SNAP card and ask you to pay for the other items separately with a different payment method, such as a debit card or cash.

Your SNAP balance will be deducted only for the food items. The cashier will give you a receipt showing what was paid with SNAP and what was paid another way. Keep this receipt in case you need to check your balance later or dispute a charge.

Costco membership and SNAP: what you need to know

Costco requires all shoppers to have a membership card to enter the warehouse and make purchases. The membership is not free, and SNAP cannot pay for it. As of 2024, Costco membership costs roughly $60 per year for a basic Gold Star membership and $130 per year for an Executive membership, though prices vary slightly by location and may change.

Some states and local programs offer help paying for Costco memberships for people who receive SNAP or other benefits, but this varies widely. Contact your state's SNAP office or local food bank to ask whether membership information is available in your area. Many food banks also offer discounted or free memberships to their members.

Once you have a membership, you can use your SNAP card to pay for may be able to access food items at any Costco location. Your membership card and SNAP card are separate — you will need both to shop.

Other grocery stores that accept SNAP

If you do not have a Costco membership or prefer not to shop there, SNAP is accepted at most supermarkets, grocery stores, and farmers markets across the country. Stores like Walmart, Target, Kroger, Safeway, Whole Foods, and most local grocery chains all accept SNAP. You can find a complete list of stores near you that accept SNAP by visiting the USDA's store locator at fns.usda.gov or by calling your state's SNAP office.

Farmers markets also accept SNAP in most states. Some markets offer a matching program where your SNAP dollars are matched with additional tokens to spend on local produce, which can stretch your food budget further.

What to do if your SNAP card is declined at Costco

If your SNAP card is declined at checkout, it usually means one of a few things: your balance is too low to cover the purchase, your card has expired, there is a technical problem with the card reader, or you are trying to buy items that SNAP does not cover. Ask the cashier to check your current balance on the register. If the balance is low, you can pay for part of your purchase with SNAP and the rest with another payment method.

If your card has expired, you will need to contact your state's SNAP office to request a replacement card. This usually takes one to two weeks. If there is a technical problem, the cashier can try swiping your card again or using a different register. If the problem continues, ask to speak with a manager, who may be able to process the transaction manually or let you know when the system will be back online.

If you are unsure whether an item is covered by SNAP, ask the cashier before checkout. They can tell you whether the item will be approved or declined when you swipe your card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use SNAP to buy a Costco membership?

No. SNAP only covers food items, not membership fees. You must pay for your Costco membership with cash, a debit card, a credit card, or another payment method. Some states and local food banks offer membership information programs, so contact your local SNAP office or food bank to ask whether help is available in your area.

Can I buy hot food from the Costco food court with SNAP?

No. SNAP does not cover hot or prepared foods, including pizza, hot dogs, sandwiches, and rotisserie chickens from the Costco food court. You can only use SNAP for cold, shelf-stable, or frozen foods that you take home to prepare yourself.

What if I buy both SNAP-may be able to access food and other items at Costco?

The cashier will separate your purchases. SNAP-may be able to access food items will be paid for with your SNAP card, and other items (like paper products, vitamins, or membership renewals) will be paid for with a different payment method. You will receive one receipt showing both transactions.

Can I use SNAP at Costco online or for delivery?

Costco does not currently accept SNAP for online orders or delivery through its website. You must shop in person at a Costco warehouse location and pay with your SNAP card at the checkout register. Check Costco's website or call your local warehouse to confirm whether this policy has changed.

Do I need a different SNAP card to use it at Costco?

No. Your regular SNAP card (EBT card) works at Costco the same way it works at any other grocery store. You do not need a special card or to register your card with Costco. Just bring your SNAP card and your Costco membership card when you shop.