SNAP

Does Sam’s Club take EBT?

Image of Julianna Lai
Image of Julianna Lai
Table of contents
Table of contents

Yes, Sam's Club takes EBT cards for SNAP-eligible items at all club locations and through the Scan & Go app for in-store shopping.

While Sam's Club requires a membership to shop there, people who get government benefits like SNAP can get a 60 percent discount on a Club membership (which starts at $50 per year) or $50 off a Plus membership (starting at $110 per year) when joining online as new members.

Tips for shopping at Sam's Club with an EBT card:

Can you use EBT at Sam’s Club self-checkout?

Yes, you can use your EBT card at regular self-checkout lanes at Sam’s Club, and through Scan & Go in the Sam's Club app. With Scan & Go, you simply scan each product's barcode as you shop, pay in the app, and show your digital receipt when you leave the store.

Whenever you’re shopping with your EBT card, watch for potential skimming devices on card readers. Give the card reader a gentle tug before inserting your EBT card to check for any loose parts that might indicate tampering.

Can you use EBT at Sam’s Club online?

No, Sam's Club doesn't accept EBT online though the Sam’s Club website. That means you can’t use SNAP benefits for curbside pickup orders at Sam’s Club either since they're processed as online purchases.

What can I buy with EBT at Sam’s Club?

A selection of EBT-eligible grocery items like vegetables, canned fish, soda, and eggs

You can buy any SNAP-eligible food items at Sam's Club with your EBT card. Here are common EBT-eligible items available in bulk:

  • 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 nuts
  • Non-alcoholic beverages like juice and bottled water

Some surprising things you can buy with EBT at Sam's Club include:

  • Bulk packages of raw or frozen meats
  • Large bags of frozen seafood
  • Multi-packs of sealed ice cream
  • Bulk coffee beans and tea bags with "Nutrition Facts" labels
  • Plants that produce food for your household, like fruit trees

Can you buy Sam’s Club prepared foods with EBT?

No, you can't use SNAP benefits to buy hot foods or ready-to-eat prepared items from Sam's Club cafés or food courts. That means that the $4.98 rotisserie chickens at Sam’s Club are not SNAP-eligible.

However, you can use your EBT card to buy packaged frozen meals and ingredients like frozen chicken tenders and Totino's Frozen Pizza Rolls to prepare at home.

What isn't EBT-eligible at Sam’s Club?

A selection of grocery items that are not EBT-eligible, including rotisserie chicken, soft serve ice cream, pet food, and paper towels

Things that aren’t SNAP-eligible can't be purchased with EBT at Sam's Club:

  • Prepared foods from the Sam’s Club café like hot dogs, pizza, and ice cream sundaes
  • Vitamins and supplements
  • Household items like toilet paper and laundry detergent
  • Pet food and supplies
  • Member’s Mark (Sam’s Club store brand) liquor and other alcoholic beverages
  • Non-food items like electronics and furniture
  • Sam’s Club membership and delivery fees

The main exception to these rules is the Restaurant Meals Program, which allows some 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 people who are unhoused.

Saving money at Sam’s Club

Can you get discounts with EBT at Sam’s Club?

No, Sam’s Club doesn't offer specific EBT discounts, but it provides a 60 percent discount on Club memberships ($30 off) or 45 percent discount on Plus memberships ($50 off) for qualifying government assistance recipients who join as new members online.

While you can’t use your EBT card to pay for the Sam’s Club membership fee itself, this discount makes membership more accessible for SNAP participants who want to take advantage of bulk pricing and Instant Savings offers.

Even smaller households can benefit from bulk shopping:

  • Make fewer trips to the store
  • Focus on staple ingredients like proteins, frozen foods, and pantry items
  • Only replenish fresh produce as needed
  • Have more meal preparation options on hand

Additional money-saving strategies:

  • Compare unit prices to ensure bulk pricing offers real savings
  • Share bulk purchases with family or friends if you don’t have storage space
  • Watch for Instant Savings offers
  • Try Member's Mark (Sam’s Club store brand) items
  • Use the Sam's Club app to check prices and deals
  • Check clearance items, especially in perishable departments

The Sam’s Club Instant Savings program

Sam's Club's Instant Savings program offers rotating monthly deals on select products, including pantry staples like peanut butter and snack favorites like Go Gurt yogurt. These offers focus on top-selling brands, popular items, and new products, with new deals added throughout the year.

Here’s what you need to know:

  • Discounts are automatically applied at checkout—no coupons needed
  • Plan in advance by viewing monthly deals through SamsClub.com or the Sam’s Club mobile app
  • Instant Savings are available to primary or household cardholders over age 18
  • It may take 24 hours to activate Instant Savings for new members
  • Some offers are in-store only or have purchase limits

TIP

While Sam's Club doesn't accept coupons or price match competitors, you can bring in items to get better prices seen at other clubs.

Sam’s Club membership options

Sam's Club offers two yearly membership options:

  • Club ($50 per year)
  • Plus ($110 per year)

Remember that benefits-recipients can save 60 percent on a Sam’s Club membership, meaning that if you have an EBT card, you may be able to get a Sam’s Club membership for $20 per year.

Both Sam’s Club membership tiers include:

  • Curbside pickup (with a $4 fee, curbside purchases are not EBT-eligible)
  • Instant Savings
  • Gas savings
  • Free shipping (Sam’s Club delivery purchases are not EBT-eligible)
  • Additional pharmacy and optical discounts
  • Early-bird store access (starting at 8:00 a.m.)

Plus members receive additional benefits:

  • Plus Rewards (2% Sam's Cash back on qualifying purchases, up to $500 per year)
  • Free shipping for large items like TVs

Special Sam’s Club membership discounts are available for:

  • Public benefits recipients
  • Students
  • Military servicemembers
  • First responders
  • Nurses
  • Medical providers
  • Hospital employees
  • Teachers
  • Government employees
  • Seniors

Does Sam’s Club take WIC?

No, Sam’s Club does not currently accept WIC benefits. If you receive WIC (which is a separate benefit program for pregnant people and people caring for young children), you'll need to shop at WIC-authorized retailers for those specific items.

Protecting your EBT card while shopping at Sam’s Club

No matter where you’re swiping your EBT card, it’s important to protect your information. Here’s how to keep your EBT card safe while shopping at Sam’s Club:

  • Never share your PIN with anyone, including Sam’s Club employees
  • Keep your EBT card in a secure place
  • Change your PIN every month before your deposit lands
  • Check your EBT balance regularly to spot any unusual activity (the Propel app makes it easy to check your balance)
  • Report a lost or stolen card immediately by calling your state EBT number