Survivalist Pro
Photo by Anete Lusina Pexels Logo Photo: Anete Lusina

Can I use my Oregon Trail card at Costco?

No. Unfortunately, EBT Cards are NOT an accepted payment method on the Costco website.

rather-be-shopping.com - Does Costco Take EBT or Snap? Yes, But Read This First to Know the Rules
Is fridge water better than tap water?
Is fridge water better than tap water?

At the end of the day, neither type of filter is a hands-down better choice than the other. Both are effective, convenient, and affordable. Which...

Read More »
Last updated Apr 22, 2018
What do preppers believe in?
What do preppers believe in?

Preppers believe in self-reliance Prepping is about self-reliance first and foremost. It's about having what you need for situations that may make...

Read More »
Last updated Nov 4, 2021

Whether you’re new to EBT, or a longtime Costco member, you’re probably wondering if Costco will take your EBT card. Also, does EBT at Costco work just like it does at the grocery store? I’ll breakdown all of your questions, and also talk about the EBT product exclusions at Costco so you can shop smart and not have any surprises when you get to the checkout aisle.

Does Costco Take EBT Cards and SNAP?

Yes.

All Costco warehouses are obligated to accept both and they make it pretty easy to do so.

What Exactly is the Difference Between SNAP and EBT?

Think of SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) as an upgraded version of food stamps. But now, instead of carrying around the physical “stamps”, you’ll get your food benefits in the form of an EBT Card (Electronic Benefit Transfer), which you essentially use like a debit card at Costco.

See Also: Does Sam’s Club Take EBT? We Break It ALL Down

Can I Use My EBT Benefits Online at Costco.com?

No.

Unfortunately, EBT Cards are NOT an accepted payment method on the Costco website.

Do I Have to be a Costco Member to Use my EBT Card?

Yes, but here’s a clever workaround…

If you have a friend who’s a Costco member, ask them to buy you a Costco cash card for a agreed upon amount, then repay them. A seamless way to repay them is by withdrawing cash from your EBT card’s “Cash Account” at any ATM. See Also: Not a Member? 8 Cool Things You Can Still Do at Costco

Can I Shop With a Member, But Use My EBT Card?

Yes.

You can definitely shop with a family member or friend, use their Costco card for entry, but pay with your EBT card. The cashier will scan the Costco membership card, then you simply pay with your EBT card, grab your receipt, and head out the door. Costco does NOT ask cashiers to match the name on the membership to the name on the card being used to pay.

What CAN I Buy at Costco with EBT?

According to the USDA, here are the main things you CAN buy with your EBT card at Costco.

– Meat, Fish, Chicken

– Fruits and Vegetables

– Dairy Products

– Breads and Cereals

– Non-Alcoholic Drinks

– Snack Foods

– Seeds and Plants for your Garden

See Also: Here’s Exactly How Costco Grocery Delivery Works

What CAN’T I Buy at Costco with EBT?

Can a tiny home be 500 square feet?
Can a tiny home be 500 square feet?

There's no hard-and-fast rule for what qualifies as a "tiny" home, but they are usually under 500 square feet. Oct 2, 2019

Read More »
Last updated Jul 12, 2021
What sniper does Navy SEAL use?
What sniper does Navy SEAL use?

The SEAL Recon Rifle (also known as the "Sniper M4" and "Recce") is a heavily modified M16-series rifle intended to provide US Navy SEAL snipers...

Read More »
Last updated Apr 26, 2021

And of course there are some regulations that don’t allow you to buy the following items with your EBT card at Costco.

– Alcohol – Beer, wine, and hard liquor.

– Tobacco Products – Cigarettes and chewing tobacco.

– Health Products – Vitamins, medicines, and supplements.

– Live animals – Except shellfish, fish removed from water, and animals slaughtered prior to pick-up from the store – Hot Foods – This includes prepared foods from the Costco Food Court that are hot at the point of sale.

– Pet Foods – Includes fish food and hamster food.

– Household Items – Includes cleaning supplies and paper products.

– Hygiene Items – This includes diapers, feminine hygiene products, and cosmetics.

– Electronics

– Jewelry

How Do I Buy Items From Both Lists?

If your Costco purchase includes approved and non-approved EBT items it’s totally doable but you need to be organized.

I suggest separating items in your cart and making 2 separate purchases.

UPDATE: Thanks to a commenter, I’m told there is NO need to separate your purchases. Specifically, they said, “You can use your EBT card first, and then pay the balance in whatever method you want. A cashier might tell you what the balance is after EBT, but they might say nothing at all if you see it and start paying the balance first.”

Thanks for the great tip.

See Also: Does Costco Accept MasterCard? Here’s the Real Dealio

Is It Worth Joining Costco in Terms of Savings?

Depends.

A Costco membership currently costs $60 and if you know the best items to buy, in terms of savings, a membership is totally worth it. But if you walk into Costco without a plan, it becomes very easy to overspend. Costco is the king of tricking your brain into thinking you’re getting a good deal so be sure to compare prices with your local grocery store.

See Also: 7 Ways to Essentially Get a Costco Membership for Free

Is Costco an Approved WIC Retailer?

Short answer…it depends.

From doing a little bit of research, it appears to depend on your specific city and state as to whether Costco is a WIC approved retailer. I found a great resource HERE that let’s you do a town search so you can see all the WIC approved stores in your area.

Can I Use EBT Funds at the Food Court?

No.

As mentioned earlier, the food court at Costco serves mainly hot food and that is a no-no when using your EBT card.

What appliances use the most electricity when turned off?
What appliances use the most electricity when turned off?

Many modern appliances continue to draw electricity for as long as they're plugged in—even when the power is turned off. ... These six appliances...

Read More »
Last updated May 23, 2021
Did Russia have female snipers in ww2?
Did Russia have female snipers in ww2?

After proving her skills by taking out two Romanian collaborators from a Soviet-defended hill, Pavlichenko was enrolled into the Red Army's 25th...

Read More »
Last updated May 16, 2019

But I’m not sure about the soft-serve ice cream, does anyone know if that is allowed?

Can I Buy Gas at Costco with my EBT Card?

No.

But you can make an ATM withdrawal with your EBT card and take cash out of your “Cash Account” and use that to buy gas at Costco. Be sure you understand the cash withdrawal limits on your EBT account before doing this as it might not be worth the savings.

See Also: 7 Things You Gotta Know About Buying Costco Gas

Can I Use My EBT Card at Costco’s Self-Checkout?

Yes.

Essentially your EBT card works like any credit card or debit card, so you can definitely use it in the self-checkout aisle at Costco. It’s worth noting that if you try to buy something that isn’t allowed (see section above), you’ll get a message on the checkout screen informing you that it’s not an approved item.

Will Everyone in Line Know I’m Using an EBT Card?

No.

It makes sense that some EBT card users would rather not announce to the entire store that they’re using government assistance to buy their groceries. Fortunately the way Costco checkout aisles are setup you really can’t see what payment method the customer in front of you is using, so it’s my opinion you have NOTHING to worry about.

Is the Return Policy Different for EBT Purchases?

No.

The same great Costco return policy exists on all EBT purchases.

This policy even extends to food and grocery items.

So if you’re not completely satisfied with an item, you can bring it back to Costco at ANY time for a full refund or exchange.

Can I Use the Business Center with my EBT Card?

Yes.

As long as you’re buying EBT eligible items from the Costco Business Center you’re good to go.

Thanks to commenter Joanne for setting me straight on this one.

EBT eligible items that the Business Center sells includes snack foods, non-alcoholic beverages, and meats.

Can I Use My EBT Card for Costco Grocery Delivery?

No.

Costco recently unveiled their new at-home Grocery Delivery service but because you have to utilize the Costco website to place your order, you CANNOT use your EBT card to make your grocery delivery order.

By Kyle James

rather-be-shopping.com - Does Costco Take EBT or Snap? Yes, But Read This First to Know the Rules
What does the PS5 have that Xbox doesn t?
What does the PS5 have that Xbox doesn t?

The only big advantage the PS5 has over the Xbox Series X is the presence of a USB-C port — which is a big deal, especially as more accessories get...

Read More »
Last updated Jun 26, 2018
How strong is Godzilla's bite?
How strong is Godzilla's bite?

Rigorous bite force tests haven't been done on Godzilla, but he could generate forces tens or hundreds of times greater than those calculated for...

Read More »
Last updated Apr 24, 2021
Can you drink lake water with a LifeStraw?
Can you drink lake water with a LifeStraw?

With the LifeStraw, you can drink directly from a water source (such as a stream, mud puddle, or lake), but keep in mind the ground might be soggy....

Read More »
Last updated Oct 20, 2022
What rifle round travels the farthest?
What rifle round travels the farthest?

1. . 223 Remington or 5.56 NATO is more than capable of shooting over 500 yards with accuracy. . 223 Wylde chambered 20” barreled rifle. With the...

Read More »
Last updated Nov 22, 2020