Costco does not accept WIC benefits at most locations

Costco is not a WIC-authorized retailer in most states. This means you cannot use your WIC card or benefits to buy groceries there, even though Costco sells food. The WIC program only works at stores that have signed an agreement with your state's WIC agency and agreed to follow WIC rules about pricing, inventory, and customer service.

Costco has chosen not to participate in WIC in the vast majority of places. A few states may have limited Costco participation, but this is rare. Before making a trip, contact your state WIC program directly to ask whether any Costco locations near you accept WIC. The phone number is on your WIC card or in your program paperwork.

The reason Costco does not participate is largely about how it operates. Costco requires a membership fee, limits the brands it carries, and sets its own prices. WIC programs need to work with stores that will stock a wide range of approved products at prices the program can track and manage.

Key Takeaways

  • Costco does not accept WIC in most states, so you will need to shop at a WIC-authorized store instead.
  • Your state WIC program maintains a list of authorized retailers, which you can find by phone or online through your state agency.
  • Authorized WIC retailers include most supermarkets, many grocery chains, and some smaller stores, but warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam's Club are typically not included.
  • You can use your WIC benefits only at stores that have signed up with your state WIC program and display the WIC logo.

Where you can use WIC instead

Your state WIC program publishes a list of authorized retailers where you can spend your benefits. These stores have agreed to accept WIC and stock the foods the program covers. The list includes most major supermarket chains like Kroger, Safeway, Albertsons, Whole Foods, and Trader Joe's in many regions, as well as regional chains and independent grocers.

To find authorized stores near you, log into your WIC account online, call your state WIC office, or ask at the store itself. Many stores display a WIC logo at the entrance or customer service desk. When you shop, look for the WIC-approved foods in your benefits package — these are the only items you can buy with your WIC card.

Some smaller grocery stores, ethnic markets, and corner stores also participate in WIC. If a store you like is not on the list, you can ask the manager whether they plan to join the program. Stores can explore to become WIC retailers, though the process takes time.

How WIC works at authorized stores

At a WIC-authorized store, you bring your WIC card (also called an EBT card in some states) and buy only the foods listed in your benefits package. These typically include milk, cheese, eggs, beans, peanut butter, cereal, bread, fruits, and vegetables. The cashier swipes your card, and the system checks that each item is WIC-approved before you pay.

You cannot mix WIC purchases with other items on the same transaction in most states. If you want to buy WIC foods and other groceries, you will need to do two separate transactions — one with your WIC card for approved foods, and one with cash or another payment method for everything else.

Some stores have a separate WIC checkout lane or a cashier trained in WIC transactions. If you are unsure whether something is WIC-approved, ask the cashier or check your benefits paperwork before you get in line.

Why warehouse clubs do not participate in WIC

Warehouse clubs like Costco, Sam's Club, and BJ's Wholesale do not work with WIC for several reasons. First, they require membership fees, which creates a barrier for low-income families. Second, they sell items in bulk and limited varieties, which does not match how WIC programs are designed to work. WIC needs stores that stock multiple brands and package sizes so families can choose what works for their budget and household.

WIC also requires stores to accept the program's pricing rules and submit to monitoring. Warehouse clubs prefer to set their own terms and do not want the administrative overhead of WIC participation. The membership model and bulk-only approach make it impractical for both the stores and the program.

What to do if your authorized store is far away

If the nearest WIC-authorized store is inconvenient, you have a few options. First, check whether other authorized stores are closer than you think — your state's online store locator may show options you have not considered. Second, ask your WIC caseworker whether the program can add a store near you to the authorized list. Some states allow this if you request it and the store is willing to participate.

Third, some states allow online ordering and pickup or delivery from authorized retailers. This option is growing but is not available everywhere. Contact your state WIC program to learn whether this is an option in your area.

If you move or your circumstances change, you can update your WIC account to reflect a different authorized store. Call your WIC office or update your account online.

Checking whether a store accepts WIC

Before you go to a store, confirm it is WIC-authorized. The easiest way is to search your state's WIC program website, which usually has a store locator tool. You enter your zip code or city, and the tool shows all nearby authorized retailers. Some states also let you filter by store type or brand.

You can also call your state WIC office directly. The number is on your WIC card. A staff member can tell you which stores near you accept WIC and may be able to answer questions about specific items or brands.

When you arrive at a store, look for the WIC logo or ask a manager. If a store says it accepts WIC but is not on your state's list, do not assume it is authorized. Use only stores that appear on your state's official list to avoid problems at checkout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use WIC at Costco online?

No. Costco does not accept WIC online or in stores in most states. Even if you have a Costco membership, your WIC card will not work there. You must shop at a store on your state's WIC-authorized retailer list.

What if I have a Costco membership but want to use WIC?

You can have a Costco membership and still use WIC — you just use them at different stores. Use your WIC card at authorized retailers for WIC-covered foods, and use your Costco membership for other shopping. Some families do both depending on what they need to buy.

Do Sam's Club or BJ's Wholesale accept WIC?

No. Like Costco, Sam's Club and BJ's Wholesale do not participate in WIC in most states. You will need to shop at a traditional supermarket or grocery store that is on your state's authorized list.

Can my state add Costco to the WIC list?

Costco would have to agree to participate, and it has not done so in most places. If you think Costco should accept WIC, you can contact your state WIC program and share your feedback. However, the decision is ultimately up to Costco and your state agency to negotiate.

What if my authorized store does not have the foods I need?

Contact your WIC caseworker. If a store consistently does not stock approved foods, your program may be able to help you switch to a different authorized retailer or work with the store to improve its inventory. You should not have to travel far or go without the foods your benefits cover.