Does Costco take EBT?

Can you use EBT at Costco self-checkout?

Yes, you can use your EBT card at Costco's self-checkout lanes. The process works the same as regular checkout—just swipe your EBT card and enter your PIN when prompted.

A good safety tip no matter where you’re using your EBT card: If you notice that the buttons on the keypad are off-center or hard to push, there might be an illegal card-skimming device on the payment terminal. Before you put your card into the machine, wiggle it to see if anything is loose. Ask for assistance if something feels off to protect yourself from EBT theft.

Can you use EBT at Costco online?

No—currently, Costco does not accept EBT payments for online orders or delivery. SNAP benefits can only be used for in-warehouse purchases (warehouses are just what Costco calls its regular stores). This includes both Costco.com and Costco orders through Instacart.

What can I buy with EBT at Costco?

If you get SNAP benefits (also called food stamps) you can buy any SNAP-eligible food items at Costco with your EBT card. Here are some common EBT-eligible items you can buy at Costco:

• Fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables
• Meat, poultry, and fish
• Dairy products and eggs
• Bread, cereals, pasta, and other grains
• Snack foods like chips and cookies
• Non-alcoholic beverages like bottled water, fruit juice, and soda
• Seeds and plants that produce food

Some surprising things you can buy with EBT at Costco include:

• Packaged cold or frozen pizza that you'll cook at home
• Raw or frozen chicken to cook at home
• Raw, frozen, or live seafood to prepare at home
• Sealed containers of ice cream
• Unprepared meats and seafood (meaning not ready to eat)
• Uncooked, unprepared foods meant for home preparation

Can you buy rotisserie chicken with EBT?

No, you can’t use EBT on hot prepared foods like Costco's famous rotisserie chicken. You also can’t use your EBT card at the Costco food court, so no hot pizza, hot dogs, or chicken bakes.

You can, however, buy raw chicken (whether refrigerated or frozen) and frozen cooked chicken with your SNAP benefits.

What isn't EBT eligible at Costco?

There are some items that are never SNAP-eligible, so you can’t use your SNAP EBT at Costco to buy:

• Any food that's hot when you buy it, including hot coffee, hot tea, soup, or hot pizza
• Ready-to-eat prepared foods from the deli or food court section, including premade salads, sandwiches, fruit cups, deli platters, and soft-serve ice cream
• Vitamins and medicines
• Household supplies like toilet paper and paper towels
• Pet food
• Alcohol and tobacco products
• Non-food items like clothing, furniture, or electronics

If you receive cash benefits (TANF) in addition to SNAP on your EBT card, you can use the cash portion to buy non-food items like household supplies and clothing.

The main exception to these rules is the Restaurant Meals Program, which allows certain SNAP recipients to buy prepared foods at approved restaurants. This program helps people who might have trouble cooking, including older adults, people with disabilities, and unhoused individuals.

Can you get discounts with EBT at Costco?

You need to have a Costco membership to shop there, even when using EBT. While Costco doesn't offer specific EBT discounts, it maintains the same low prices for all members. The annual membership fee cannot be paid with EBT funds.

• As of January 2025, a “Gold Star” membership at Costco, which includes memberships for two people in a household, is $65 a year.
• An “Executive” membership, which includes 2% back on up to $1,250 a year in Costco purchases and additional exclusive discounts, is $130 a year.

Does Costco take WIC?

No, Costco does not currently accept WIC benefits. If you receive WIC, you'll need to shop at WIC-authorized retailers for those specific items.

Protecting your EBT card while shopping at Costco

No matter where you’re shopping, it’s important to protect your EBT card. Here are some tips for keeping your EBT card safe while shopping at Costco:

• Never share your PIN with anyone, including grocery store and restaurant employees
• Keep your card in a secure place
• Change your EBT PIN every month before your deposit lands
• Check your EBT balance regularly to spot any unusual activity
• Report a lost or stolen EBT card immediately by calling your state EBT number

How to save money when shopping with EBT at Costco

Smart shopping strategies can help you get the most value from your SNAP benefits at Costco.

Here are practical ways to maximize your Costco savings:

• Plan your shopping before you go: Make a list and check your EBT balance before shopping
• Shop at the back of the store first: That's where Costco often places the best deals
• Use the Costco app: Check current sales before your trip
• Buy eligible items in bulk: Make sure you can freeze or store bulk items safely, but check unit prices to make sure bulk purchases actually save money
• Shop with a friend: Split bulk items and share the annual membership cost
• Know Costco's price codes: Understanding Costco's pricing system helps you spot the best deals:
  • Regular prices end in .99—these are standard Costco prices
  • Prices ending in .97 are clearance items or manager markdowns specific to your store
  • Prices ending in .88 or .00 indicate special manager markdowns, often for returned items, items with minor damage, products with missing parts, or low inventory items
  • Prices ending in .79, .59, or other .9 numbers (except .99) are manufacturer promotions that will return to regular price
  • Look for an asterisk (*) on price tags—these items won't be restocked
  • Check the date under the price—it shows when the price last changed and can help you predict future markdowns
• Consider Kirkland Signature products: They often match name-brand quality at lower prices
• Watch for seasonal sales: Stock up on pantry staples when they go on sale
• If you shop at Costco frequently, consider the Executive membership for 2% back on purchases