If you rely on SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) or EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) to help cover grocery expenses, you may be wondering whether wholesale clubs like Costco, Sam’s Club, or BJ’s Wholesale Club accept these payment methods. The good news: yes, they do—but with important limitations and guidelines.
Here’s everything you need to know about using SNAP/EBT at warehouse clubs, including how it works, what you can buy, and which clubs offer the most accessible programs.
Do Warehouse Clubs Accept SNAP/EBT?
Yes. All three major warehouse clubs accept SNAP/EBT for eligible food purchases:
- Costco accepts EBT at all warehouse locations, including for eligible food and beverage items.
- Sam’s Club accepts EBT in-store but not for online orders, including pickup and delivery. You must be a member to use EBT.
- BJ’s Wholesale Club accepts EBT for in-store purchases and supports SNAP payments through same-day delivery via Instacart in select states.
Do You Need a Membership to Use EBT?
Yes. While SNAP benefits are federally funded, warehouse clubs still require a paid membership to access in-store shopping and checkout services. Some clubs may offer promotional membership discounts to SNAP recipients, but this varies by location.
If you’re not yet a member, check with your local club to see if a trial or discounted rate is available.
What Can You Buy with EBT at Warehouse Clubs?
SNAP funds can only be used on eligible food items, such as:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Dairy products
- Bread and cereals
- Snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages
- Seeds and plants that produce food
EBT cannot be used for:
- Membership fees
- Alcohol or tobacco
- Vitamins, supplements, or non-food items
- Hot or prepared foods meant for immediate consumption
Even if you’re buying in bulk, EBT eligibility is determined by item type, not quantity.
How to Use EBT In-Store
Using EBT at warehouse clubs is similar to using it at a traditional grocery store:
- Fill your cart with eligible items.
- At checkout, inform the cashier you’ll be using EBT.
- Insert your EBT card and enter your PIN.
- If your order includes both eligible and non-eligible items, you can split the payment between your EBT balance and another payment method (credit card, cash, gift card).
Online and Delivery Options with EBT
Of the three clubs, BJ’s offers the most flexibility for SNAP/EBT online shopping. Through a partnership with Instacart, eligible BJ’s members in participating states can use EBT to pay for same-day delivery orders. You must add your EBT card to your Instacart account and choose a valid delivery ZIP code.
Costco and Sam’s Club currently do not accept EBT for any online, pickup, or delivery orders.
Final Thoughts
Yes, you can use SNAP or EBT at Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s—but only in-store and only for eligible food items. BJ’s offers a slight edge with Instacart-enabled EBT delivery, while Costco provides broad in-store acceptance and consistent policy nationwide. Just remember that a paid membership is still required to access these benefits.
While EBT cannot be used to purchase gift cards, shoppers who use additional payment methods alongside EBT may benefit from rewards programs like Fluz. If you’re paying for part of your purchase out of pocket, you can earn cashback with a BJ’s gift card, get rewards with a Sam’s Club gift card, or get rewards with a Costco gift card by purchasing through Fluz, giving you an extra layer of savings.
