If you rely on government food assistance benefits, one of the most important questions you might ask before heading out to shop is: Does Costco take food stamps?
The short answer is yes, Costco does accept food stamps, now officially known as SNAP benefits (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). However, there are specific rules, restrictions, and details you should understand before using your Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card at Costco.
This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about using SNAP at Costco — from eligible items and payment methods to membership requirements, limitations, and tips for maximizing your benefits.
What Are Food Stamps (SNAP Benefits)?
Before diving into Costco’s policy, it helps to understand what “food stamps” actually are today.
The traditional paper food stamp program was replaced by the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Instead of paper coupons, recipients receive funds loaded monthly onto an EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) card, which works much like a debit card.
SNAP benefits are designed to help low-income individuals and families purchase eligible food items necessary for maintaining a healthy diet.
Each state administers its own SNAP program within federal guidelines set by the USDA.
Does Costco Accept SNAP/EBT?
Yes, Costco accepts SNAP benefits at all of its U.S. warehouse locations.
Costco is an authorized SNAP retailer approved by the USDA, meaning customers can use their EBT cards to purchase eligible food items inside Costco warehouses.
However, there are some important points to keep in mind:
- SNAP benefits are accepted in-store only
- EBT cannot be used for Costco online purchases
- You must have a valid Costco membership
- Only approved food items qualify
Understanding these conditions can save you time and avoid checkout frustration.
Can You Use EBT at All Costco Locations?
Costco operates hundreds of warehouse clubs across the United States. All U.S. Costco locations are authorized to accept SNAP benefits.
However:
- EBT acceptance applies only in the United States
- Costco locations outside the U.S. do not accept SNAP
- Availability of eligible items may vary by location
If you’re unsure, you can always call your local Costco warehouse to confirm.
Do You Need a Costco Membership to Use EBT?
Yes. You still need a Costco membership to shop at Costco, even if you’re using SNAP benefits.
Costco operates as a membership-based warehouse club. That means:
- You must purchase a membership to enter and shop
- EBT cannot be used to pay for membership fees
- Membership must be paid separately using cash, debit, or credit
Costco Membership Cost
As of recent pricing:
- Gold Star Membership: Around $60 per year
- Executive Membership: Around $120 per year
Keep in mind that membership fees are not SNAP-eligible because they are not considered food purchases.
What Can You Buy at Costco With Food Stamps?
SNAP benefits can only be used for eligible food items intended for home preparation and consumption. The USDA defines what qualifies.
Here’s what you can buy at Costco using EBT:
Eligible SNAP Items at Costco
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Frozen fruits and vegetables
- Meat (beef, chicken, pork, turkey)
- Seafood
- Dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt)
- Bread and bakery items (non-hot)
- Cereal and grains
- Rice and pasta
- Snack foods
- Non-alcoholic beverages
- Seeds and plants that produce food
If it’s a grocery item meant for home consumption, it usually qualifies.
What You Cannot Buy With SNAP at Costco
Just as important as knowing what you can buy is understanding what’s not eligible.
Ineligible Items Include:
- Alcohol (beer, wine, liquor)
- Tobacco products
- Hot prepared foods
- Food court items (pizza, hot dogs, etc.)
- Vitamins and supplements
- Pet food
- Cleaning supplies
- Paper products
- Household goods
- Electronics
- Clothing
Costco sells many bulk non-food items, and SNAP benefits cannot be used for these purchases.
Can You Use EBT at Costco’s Food Court?
No, you cannot use SNAP benefits at Costco’s food court.
The reason is simple: SNAP does not cover hot, ready-to-eat meals in most states. Since food court items like pizza slices, hot dogs, and churros are considered prepared food for immediate consumption, they are not eligible.
There are rare exceptions in certain states participating in the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP), but Costco food courts generally do not fall under that program.
Can You Use EBT for Costco Online Orders?
No. Costco does not accept EBT for:
- Costco.com purchases
- Same-day delivery
- Instacart orders
- Curbside pickup
SNAP benefits at Costco are limited strictly to in-store purchases.
If online grocery shopping with EBT is important to you, some retailers like Walmart and Amazon do accept SNAP online, but Costco currently does not.
How to Use Your EBT Card at Costco
Using your EBT card at Costco is straightforward.
Here’s how it works:
- Shop as usual and place eligible items in your cart.
- Head to the checkout lane.
- Inform the cashier you will be paying with EBT.
- Swipe your EBT card at the card reader.
- Enter your PIN.
- If you have non-eligible items, you must pay for those separately.
If your purchase includes both eligible and non-eligible items, the system will automatically separate them at checkout.
Can You Split Payments at Costco?
Yes, Costco allows split payments.
For example:
- Use EBT for eligible groceries.
- Use debit, credit, or cash for non-eligible items.
- Pay membership fees separately.
This flexibility makes it easier to shop for everything you need in one trip.
Are Bulk Items SNAP-Eligible?
Yes. One of Costco’s biggest advantages is bulk buying — and bulk food items are SNAP-eligible if they qualify as food products.
For example:
- Large bags of rice
- Bulk packs of chicken
- Multi-packs of canned vegetables
- Family-sized cereal boxes
These can often provide better value per unit, helping SNAP recipients stretch their monthly benefits.
However, always compare pricing and ensure you can store perishable items properly.
Is Shopping at Costco With SNAP Worth It?
Whether Costco is a good option for SNAP shoppers depends on your household size and budget strategy.
Advantages
- Lower cost per unit for bulk items
- High-quality fresh produce and meats
- Good selection of organic options
- Large family packs
Potential Downsides
- Membership fee required
- Large quantities may not suit small households
- No online EBT ordering
For larger families, Costco can be a smart way to maximize SNAP benefits. For smaller households, bulk sizes may lead to food waste if not managed properly.
Does Costco Accept WIC?
Costco generally does not accept WIC (Women, Infants, and Children benefits).
WIC programs are state-specific and require specially approved items and labeling. Most Costco warehouses are not authorized WIC retailers.
You should check with your local store to confirm, but in most cases, Costco does not accept WIC.
Tips for Using SNAP at Costco
If you plan to shop at Costco using EBT, here are some practical tips:
Plan Your Purchases
Bulk buying only saves money if you:
- Use everything before it expires
- Have proper storage space
- Stick to your budget
Focus on Staples
Buy high-value staples like:
- Rice
- Beans
- Oats
- Frozen vegetables
- Meat for freezing
These items stretch further over time.
Watch for Sales
Costco frequently offers:
- Monthly discounts
- Instant savings
- Seasonal promotions
While SNAP cannot be used for membership fees, savings on groceries can offset that cost over time.
Bring Reusable Storage
Since Costco sells large quantities, consider:
- Freezer bags
- Airtight containers
Proper storage reduces waste.
What Happens If Your EBT Card Is Declined?
If your EBT transaction doesn’t go through, possible reasons include:
- Insufficient funds
- Incorrect PIN
- System error
- Attempting to purchase ineligible items
You can:
- Check your balance before shopping
- Separate eligible and non-eligible items
- Ask a cashier for assistance
Costco employees are generally familiar with EBT transactions.
How to Check Your SNAP Balance Before Shopping
You can check your SNAP balance by:
- Calling the number on the back of your EBT card
- Logging into your state’s SNAP portal
- Checking your last receipt
Knowing your balance helps prevent checkout surprises.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Costco accept food stamps in every state?
Yes, all U.S. Costco warehouses accept SNAP benefits.
Can I use EBT for organic food at Costco?
Yes. Organic food is eligible if it qualifies under SNAP guidelines.
Can I buy protein powder with EBT?
It depends. If the label has a “Nutrition Facts” panel, it may qualify. If it has a “Supplement Facts” label, it usually does not.
Can I use EBT at self-checkout?
Most Costco locations now allow EBT at self-checkout, but policies may vary slightly by store.
Final Answer: Does Costco Take Food Stamps?
Yes, Costco accepts food stamps (SNAP benefits) at all of its U.S. warehouse locations for eligible food items purchased in-store.
However:
- You must have a Costco membership
- SNAP cannot be used online
- Only eligible grocery items qualify
- Hot food and non-food items are excluded
For families who can benefit from bulk purchases, Costco can be a cost-effective way to stretch SNAP dollars further. Just be sure to plan carefully and understand the restrictions before heading to the checkout.
If you rely on SNAP benefits, Costco remains a viable and widely accepted option for stocking up on groceries — as long as you follow the program’s guidelines.