Does Costco take EBT in 2026? Yes, every Costco warehouse in the United States accepts EBT cards for SNAP-eligible food. Costco Same-Day and participating Costco stores on Instacart also support online EBT payments.
However, SNAP benefits cover only qualifying groceries. They do not cover membership fees, delivery charges, hot prepared food, or household products. This guide explains where you can use your card, what you can buy, and how Costco processes a mixed order.
1. Does Costco Take EBT?
Yes, Costco accepts EBT cards at all its U.S. warehouse locations. Customers can use SNAP benefits at staffed checkout lanes and self-checkout registers.
The answer to does Costco accept EBT online requires more explanation. Costco Same-Day, which Instacart powers, accepts SNAP EBT for eligible products. Participating Costco locations also accept EBT through the Instacart website and app.
However, standard shipped orders on Costco.com do not support EBT payments. Customers must use Costco Same-Day or Instacart when they want to order eligible groceries online.
2. Where Can You Use SNAP Benefits at Costco?
The following table explains does Costco take EBT across different departments and purchasing methods.
| Costco location or service | EBT acceptance | Important condition |
|---|---|---|
| Staffed warehouse checkout | Yes | SNAP covers eligible food products only. |
| Warehouse self-checkout | Yes | The register separates eligible and ineligible items. |
| Costco Same-Day | Yes | Customers need an additional debit or credit card. |
| Instacart | Yes | The local Costco store must participate on the platform. |
| Standard Costco.com orders | No | Costco.com does not accept EBT for regular shipped orders. |
| Food court | Generally no | SNAP normally excludes hot food prepared for immediate consumption. |
| Gas station | No | SNAP benefits cannot purchase fuel. |
| Pharmacy | No | SNAP does not cover medicine or health products. |
| Membership counter | No | SNAP benefits cannot pay membership fees. |
3. Step-by-Step Guide to Pay with EBT at Costco
The payment process resembles a regular debit card transaction. However, customers should check their SNAP balance before shopping because Costco often sells food in large packages.
Using a Staffed Checkout Lane
You can follow these steps when a cashier processes your order:
- Present your Costco membership card to the cashier
- Place eligible and ineligible products on the conveyor belt
- The register will identify which products qualify for SNAP
- Swipe or insert your EBT card in the payment terminal
- Select the food-benefit option and enter your PIN
- Use another payment method for the remaining balance.
- Review the receipt for your purchase and available balance.
Using the Card at Self-Checkout
Costco self-checkout machines also accept EBT cards. You should scan your products, select the payment option, and follow the terminal’s instructions.
The system will apply your available SNAP benefits to qualifying products. Afterward, the system will request another payment method for all remaining charges.
Employees may verify your membership at self-checkout. Therefore, you should keep your membership card and EBT card ready throughout the transaction.
4. Which Costco Products Qualify for SNAP?
You can use your EBT card to buy any SNAP-eligible food at Costco, including bulk packages and multipacks. Common qualifying products include:
- Fresh, frozen, and canned fruits and vegetables
- Raw or frozen meat, poultry, fish, and seafood
- Milk, cheese, yogurt, eggs, and other dairy products
- Bread, cereal, rice, pasta, oatmeal, and other grains
- Chips, cookies, candy, ice cream, and other snacks
- Bottled water, fruit juice, soda, and other nonalcoholic beverages
- Seeds and plants that produce food for your household
EBT Tip: You can use the product label as a quick guide. Items with a “Nutrition Facts” label generally qualify for SNAP, while products with a “Supplement Facts” label do not.
>>> Read more: Does Sam’s Club Take EBT? What to Know Before You Shop
5. Which Products and Charges Are Not Covered?
Although the answer to does Costco take EBT is yes, SNAP benefits cover eligible groceries only. You cannot use the SNAP portion of your EBT card to buy:
- Food that is hot when sold, including hot coffee, tea, soup, and pizza
- Hot rotisserie chicken and other heated deli products
- Food-court meals and soft-serve ice cream
- Vitamins, medicines, and dietary supplements
- Toilet paper, paper towels, and other household supplies
- Pet food and other animal products
- Alcohol, cigarettes, tobacco, and nicotine products
- Clothing, furniture, electronics, and other nonfood merchandise
- Costco membership fees, delivery charges, service fees, and tips
Eligibility for cold prepared foods can depend on how Costco classifies the product. Some refrigerated salads, sandwiches, fruit cups, and deli items may qualify when Costco sells them for home consumption. The checkout system will determine whether SNAP covers a specific item.
If your EBT card also contains TANF cash benefits, you may use the cash portion to buy permitted nonfood products, such as clothing and household supplies. However, SNAP and TANF balances remain separate.
The Restaurant Meals Program provides a limited exception to the prepared-food rules. It allows certain older adults, people with disabilities, unhoused individuals, and other qualifying recipients to buy prepared food at approved restaurants.
EBT Tip: Food that requires cooking or preparation at home generally qualifies for SNAP. Food that Costco sells hot for immediate consumption generally does not qualify.
6. Tips for Saving Money on Costco Groceries
Smart planning can help you get more value from your SNAP benefits while avoiding unnecessary bulk purchases.
- Plan your trip: Check your EBT balance, review your pantry, and prepare a shopping list before visiting Costco.
- Use the Costco app: Review current warehouse promotions and compare prices before your trip.
- Explore the entire warehouse: Costco places products and promotions throughout the store, so you should compare options instead of assuming every display offers the lowest price.
- Check unit prices: A bulk package does not always cost less per ounce or item than a smaller package elsewhere.
- Plan your storage: Buy large packages only when you can refrigerate, freeze, or store the products safely.
- Consider Kirkland Signature products: Costco’s private-label products often cost less than comparable national brands.
- Watch for seasonal promotions: Discounts on pantry staples can help you stock up on food that your household regularly uses.
- Split appropriate purchases: You can divide bulk groceries with someone in your household, but Costco requires the member to complete the purchase.
7. FAQs
Still wondering does Costco take EBT? Below, you’ll find quick answers about EBT eligibility, Costco memberships, eligible products, and using SNAP benefits in stores and online.
Can I buy rotisserie chicken at Costco with EBT?
SNAP does not cover hot rotisserie chicken. However, it may cover refrigerated rotisserie chicken that Costco classifies as eligible.
What is the slowest day at Costco?
Tuesday and Wednesday mornings are often quieter. However, customer traffic varies by warehouse.
Do all Costco warehouse locations accept food benefits?
Yes. All U.S. Costco warehouses accept EBT cards for eligible food products.
Can nonmembers shop with food benefits?
No. An EBT card does not replace a Costco membership. Nonmembers may shop with a Costco Shop Card, but only members can purchase or reload one.
8. Conclusion
So, does Costco take EBT? Every U.S. Costco warehouse accepts SNAP EBT for eligible groceries, while Costco Same-Day and participating Instacart locations support online SNAP purchases.
However, standard Costco.com orders, membership fees, delivery charges, hot prepared food, and nonfood products remain ineligible.
