Energy is needed to such as saving $10,000 in a year or retiring with seven-figure savings. That’s why everyone, including low-income families and other disadvantaged groups, needs a way to afford a balanced meal and save money by buying in bulk.
USDA administers SNAP by distributing food stamps to low-income families with EBT cards
But no one needs to go to the bank to eat, including SNAP recipients. One of the top tips for frugal living with a big impact on savings is to take your budget shopping list to a discount store and buy in bulk to reduce the unit cost per item
This is where wholesale stores like or Sam’s Club. For the millions of Americans who use SNAP EBT cards to supplement their food budget, finding a Costco store that accepts food stamps is a big win.
About Costco
Costco wholesale is a large retail chain with about 560 stores in . It sells everyday items such as groceries, household items, electronics, fashion at discount prices, deep cycle batteries, new tires and ink cartridge refills.
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Does Costco accept EBT?
Short answer The good news is that Costco accepts food stamps at all of its wholesale stores in the US for in-store purchases. SNAP rules apply to Costco, like any other retailer. Costco sells many wholesale essentials at great prices. You can only use your EBT card to purchase SNAP-eligible items, such as discounted meats, dairy products, fruits and vegetables, poultry, beverages, and other staples that you can carry and prepare at home.
But Costco does not accept SNAP as an online payment method. Therefore, you will not be able to use your EBT card for online purchases or to pick up orders at Costco. You also cannot use your EBT card at Costco stores outside the United States.
Costco is not an authorized business and you will not be able to use your WIC benefits in their stores because all of their products are not eligible.
To access EBT card discounts at Costco, you must be a member. For example, Gold Star membership costs $60 per year and Gold Star Executive membership costs $120 per year.
You cannot purchase an annual membership at Costco with an EBT card.
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Does Costco accept EBT food vouchers?
Yes, Costco accepts EBT cards at all of its US department stores for in-store purchases. However, you can only purchase SNAP-approved items at Costco.
The only catch is that you have to be a member to take advantage of discount offers and other Costco perks. You can start with the . On the plus side, the savings are huge and the annual membership fee should pay for itself.
You can’t use your EBT benefits at Costco.com because it doesn’t participate in the federal EBT pilot program. The program is designed to allow SNAP recipients to purchase food online with EBT cards. You will not be able to order food at home or place orders for pickup in the store. Additionally, Costco does not accept SNAP at grocery stores or gas stations.
If you want to order online from Costco, consider paying with another payment method, such as cash or an unexpired debit card. You can also have your food picked up at grocery stores, such as who accept EBT for food delivery or pickup.
Also check out our guide on gas stations that accept EBT.
What payment methods does Costco accept?
Costco accepts EBT cards and many other payment methods if your stuff doesn’t qualify for SNAP.
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Payment methods accepted by Costco in its stores include cash, all Visa cards, traveler’s checks, current members’ personal and corporate checks, Costco Shop Card, EBT cards, PIN debit cards, and Visa card Costco Anywhere by Citi.
It also accepts mobile payment methods such as Apple Pay, Pay and Pay for in-store methods.
Costco gas stations accept limited payment methods, including Costco purchasing cards, most PIN-based debit and ATM cards, Reliacard, Citi’s Costco Anywhere Visa Card, and all Visa cards.
Costco payment methods accepted at Costco.com They are MasterCard, all Visa cards, Costco Shop cards, debit/ATM cards with PIN, Citi’s Costco Anywhere Visa card, and Discover cards, including JCB and Diners Club.
Stores do not accept American Express gift cards, money orders or third-party checks.
Tip for a frugal reality It is always good to have an alternative payment method when purchasing. In case you want to purchase items restricted by SNAP, such as pizza, or in case you need to purchase an amount that exceeds your balance.
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Check out our guide on pizzerias that accept EBT.
How to use the EBT card at Costco?
Using your EBT card at Costco is like using your debit and credit card with a chip. The card is a type of debit card that the government uses to distribute food stamps and other government benefits to low-income families.
Once you are approved to receive SNAP food stamps, it opens an account in your name into which SNAP funds are reloaded each month. To make it easier for you to spend and access your SNAP benefits, you are provided with a locked EBT card with a secure 4-digit PIN to prevent the use of a stolen credit card.
Once you’re done shopping at Costco, go to the cashier and swipe your card like you would a regular debit card. You will be asked to choose your preferred payment method. Select EBT and enter your 4-digit PIN to authorize your purchase. You cannot use your EBT debit card without the PIN.
If your order contains items prohibited by SNAP, the transaction will be rejected. In this case, ask the cashier to divide the order into different payment methods. For example, use your SNAP card first to pay for SNAP-allowed items, and then use other accepted payment methods, such as cash or personal checks, to cover the rest of the order.
Can EBT be used in the Costco food court?
Under SNAP rules, EBT cannot be used in the Costco food court. SNAP restricts the use of SNAP funds for hot and prepared foods at the point of sale. This is not acceptable because that is what the Costco food court sells. Additionally, you cannot use your SNAP card to get returns at Costco stores. However, you can get up to $60 back at Costco if you use a debit card at checkout.
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However, there are exceptions to this rule. For example, SNAP allows each state to expand SNAP with the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP). This program is not for everyone, but is used for seniors, homeless people, and people with disabilities who cannot cook or do not have the means to take and prepare meals at home. To date, only about six states have approved the program.
You can only use an EBT card in the Costco food court if you live in a state that participates in the Restaurant Dining Program and if you qualify for the RMP based on your state’s requirements.
You can use your EBT card to eat at Costco even if you receive other government subsidies, such as EBT (TANF), through your EBT card. In this case, you can withdraw benefits from any QUEST ATM that dispenses 5, 1, 50 or 100 dollars, get cash at Costco, the stores that offer the most cash back, and pay for food at the food court of Costco. Otherwise, avoid the food court.
The frugal reality You can only use EBT at the Costco food court if you and your state participate in the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) or receive other government subsidies, such as TANF.
What can I buy at Costco with EBT?
Costco offers a wide variety of products: home essentials, discount shoes, groceries, cheap and trendy clothing, online college student laptop vouchers at reduced prices, and savings on diapers. But don’t think you can walk into a Costco store and go shopping with your EBT card. That would defeat the purpose of SNAP.
Although Costco accepts EBT for in-store purchases at all of its wholesale stores in the United States, it is limited by SNAP rules. You can only use your EBT card to purchase SNAP-approved products at Costco. They are basic foods that you can take with you and cook at home as part of a balanced meal.
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Here is a list of SNAP-approved products you can purchase at Costco with your EBT:
- Fresh, frozen and preserved fruit and vegetables
- Seafood such as fish, shrimp, crustaceans, lobsters and others
- Seeds and plants to grow at home and produce food for the
- Pork products such as sausages, chops, bacon, and tenderloin
- Dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt
- Bread and cereals
- Cooking oils such as olive, coconut, and vegetable oils
- Poultry products such as chicken meat and eggs
- Refreshing and energy drinks such as Red Bull, Pepsi, Sprite, etc.
- Red meat such as steaks, chops, ground beef and more
- Sweets such as brownies, cookies, ice cream, etc.
- Candy
- Cookies and chips as an appetizer
You can also use your EBT card to purchase protein powders and shakes or bagged ice.
What you can’t buy at Costco with food stamps
It’s equally important to know what you can’t buy with your EBT card at Costco. Everything that tends to luxury cannot be purchased with your EBT card. When shopping at Costco, avoid the following items and departments:
- Alcoholic beverages
- tobacco products
- Vitamins and medications
- Cleaning articles
- Products for women
- Cleaning products
- Home’s products
- Pet food
- Hot food or prepared food
No one wants to suffer the embarrassment of having to return something. So when you shop with your EBT card at Costco, limit yourself to SNAP-allowed items.
Always check your EBT card balance before purchasing and make sure you have sufficient funds to cover your purchases. You can easily do this by calling your service office or visiting the $10 Quest ATMs nearby. Otherwise, carry an alternative payment method if you want to purchase a product subject to SNAP restrictions.
Does Costco know that I am paying with the EBT card?
Unfortunately, Costco needs to know if you pay with an EBT card. However, this doesn’t mean that everyone in the store knows you’re using it.
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