One of the first questions asked by all new EBT users is, “Where can I use my EBT card?!” The programs that put benefits on EBT cards can be very confusing and it can be really hard to understand where you can and can’t use those benefits, especially since there’s so much misinformation out there.
The Low Income Relief team has been researching low income topics for more than 10 years. Over the last decade, we’ve found some really interesting places where you can use your EBT card. When we first started working on this project, you could only use your EBT card in-person at specific retailers. Now, you can use your EBT card online and so much more!
Let’s talk about all the amazing places you can use that EBT card!
Where to Use EBT in Person
You can use your EBT card at most grocery store chains, major retailers, and even convenience stores in the United States. This includes locations in the US Virgin Islands and Guam as well.
Although each location has to be authorized to process EBT transactions, you can usually use your EBT card at major grocery store chains, major retailers like Walmart, local grocers, convenience stores, farmers markets, local food coops, farm stands and even salvage stores.
Grocery Stores
Most grocery stores in the United States are authorized to process EBT transactions. This includes grocery stores that only sell food as well as big box retailers that sell both food and non-food items.
Here is a partial list of grocery stores that accept EBT:
- Albertsons
- Aldi
- BJ’s Wholesale Club
- City Market
- Cub Foods
- Food 4 Less
- Food Lion
- Fred Meyer
- Fresh Thyme
- Giant Eagle
- H-E-B
- Harris Teeter
- Hy-Vee
- Jewel-Osco
- Kroger
- Meijer
- Piggly Wiggly
- Publix
- Safeway
- Sam’s Club
- Save A Lot
- ShopRite
- Stop & Shop
- Target
- Trader Joe’s
- Walmart
- Winco
- Winn-Dixie
Bulk Retailers
If you prefer to shop in bulk, you’re in luck! Both Costco and Sam’s Club accept SNAP EBT benefits at all of their warehouse locations.
However, even EBT shoppers are expected to have a membership to enter and shop at the venue. I recommend purchasing your membership with your tax returns each year or watching Groupon for special deals. Sam’s Club usually runs a Groupon promotion several times each year.
Convenience Stores
Most convenience store chains can accept EBT benefits as well! Of course, their prices tend to be a bit higher so this may not be the most efficient way to save money.
Here’s a list of convenience stores that accept EBT:
- 7-Eleven
- AMPM
- Circle K
- Corner Store
- Cumberland Farms
- Family Express
- Kwik Trip/Kwik Star
- Murphy USA
- Pilot Flying J
- QuikTrip
- RaceTrac/RaceWay
- Sheetz
- Speedway
- Wawa
- Yesway
Discount Stores
Discount grocery stores are a great way to stretch your food stamps dollars. In our area, we have a chain called Grocery Outlet that sells reduced-price groceries. We also have a small, local store that sells past-date foods for extreme discounts. Both of these vendors accept EBT.
There are hundreds of discount grocers nationwide. In fact, we have a list!
When shopping at discount grocers, it’s important to understand the difference between expiration dates and best-by dates because sometimes a lot of the food will be close to or past its date.
Farm-Fresh Retailers
You can shop directly from farm to table with your EBT benefits! Over the last several years, more and more farmers markets, farm stands and other agricultural programs have started accepting these benefits as payment.
Farmers Markets
Many farmers markets accept EBT as payment. To make things easier on the farmers, the market will usually require you to visit the Information Booth to swipe your card. They’ll give you tokens in exchange, which can be used to buy from the market’s vendors. That way, not every vendor has to be set up to process EBT payments.
You may even be able to double or triple your benefits at the market! We have found hundreds of farmers markets nationwide that participate in Double Up Food Bucks and similar programs.
Community Supported Agriculture
Your local CSA or food coop may be able to accept EBT as well! Many of these agriculture programs are subscription-based and allow you to purchase weekly farm boxes for a flat rate.
Some CSAs offer 50% discounts for low income shoppers! You can find more about that in our Double Up directory as well.
You-Pick Produce
Some you-pick produce stands accept EBT benefits as well! This is a great way to get fresh food at an affordable price while also making great memories with your family.
It’s always important to ask about their EBT policy before you start picking the produce! That way you don’t get surprised at checkout if they won’t accept your benefits.
Military Commissaries
Military commissaries are grocery stores found on military bases both in the United States and overseas. They usually offer goods at discounted prices. While there’s a 5% surcharge on purchases, this fee is waived if you use an EBT card to pay. Although SNAP benefits don’t cover this surcharge, using an EBT card means you won’t have to pay it.
Where to Use EBT Online
You can also use your EBT benefits to shop online, as long as your EBT benefits come from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program!
As of this publication, SNAP is the only EBT program that is authorized for online acceptance. A WIC online payment pilot has been announced but not implemented. I am not aware of any locations that currently accept EBT cash for online payment either.
Amazon
Amazon accepts EBT online! We’ve started organizing EBT-eligible products into our online Amazon store at buywithfoodstamps.com.
Amazon even offers a generous 50% discount for low income shoppers. You may be able to save a lot of money on your Prime membership if you receive SNAP, TANF, or benefits from another means-tested program. You just need to upload proof of participation. Start saving now!
Other Retailers
There are many other retailers that will allow you to spend your EBT benefits online. As the USDA continues to expand the online payment system, the list only continues to grow!
Here are some other online retailers that accept EBT online:
- Albertsons
- Aldi
- Amazon
- Brookshire’s Food and Pharmacy
- Food 4 Less
- FoodMaxx
- Fry’s Food
- Harps Food Stores
- Hay’s Supermarket
- Kroger
- IGA
- Piggly Wiggly
- Price Chopper
- Price Rite
- Publix
- Raley’s
- Safeway
- Sam’s Club
- Save Mart
- Smith’s Food and Drug
- Sprouts Farmers Market
- Stop & Shop
- Super 1 Foods
- Target
- Vons
- Walmart
- Wegmans
- Whole Foods
- Wrights Markets
Some of these retailers offer in-person pickup and others offer delivery services. It’s important to remember that the USDA says that you cannot use your SNAP EBT benefits to pay the tip or delivery fee. You’ll need to make sure to have a second payment method available if you want to have your items delivered.
Other Places to Use EBT
Depending on where you live, there may be other places that you can use EBT as well. These programs vary depending on your location, so it’s important that you read and understand all of the details of these programs.
Restaurants
If your state offers a Restaurant Meals Program, then you may be able to use your food stamps card to purchase restaurant meals. This program is specifically designed to allow seniors, people with disabilities, and people who don’t have homes to purchase hot meals with their SNAP food benefits.
This program is authorized under federal law but each state can decide whether or not to participate. There are a handful of states that offer this program, including Arizona and California.
Please read our Restaurant Meals Guide for more information on how this program works and who can use it.
Museums & Zoos
You can show your EBT card (but not swipe it) at museums, aquariums and zoos around the United States to receive discounts! There are over 1,000 destinations that offer EBT discounts. We’ve put together a full list!
It’s important to remember that when you use your EBT card at a zoo or aquarium, you’re not spending any of your benefits. You’re just showing the card so that you can get a discount on the regular admission price.
Where You CANNOT Use EBT
There are strict laws and regulations about where EBT cannot be used. No matter what program provides your EBT funds, it is important that you understand these rules and abide by them. The rules sometimes vary by state, so it’s always important to read your paperwork carefully.
However, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures, you typically cannot use your EBT card in the following locations:
- Adult venues
- Casinos and gambling establishments
- Gun stores
- Liquor stores
- Smoke shops
There are certain things that you are never allowed to buy with EBT under any circumstances. You cannot use EBT to buy alcohol, tobacco, cigarettes, pet food, soap, household supplies or vitamins.
Failure to follow the rules of your EBT program could result in the loss of benefits. You could even be prohibited from receiving those benefits in the future.
If you have questions about what is or isn’t allowed in your area, please contact your Social Services department. You may also want to talk to legal aid.
EBT Disclaimer
The answer to “Where can I use my EBT card?” will depend in on which program is providing your EBT benefits. In this article, we focused on where you can use your EBT card if you get SNAP benefits, since most EBT users receive benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
However, if you receive benefits from TANF, you may be able to use your EBT card in even more locations. For example, TANF is a cash benefit so you can usually use your card at an ATM to get cash. You can also use it to buy clothing, pay for transportation or even pay your bills.
On the other hand, WIC is more restrictive. This is a special nutrition supplemental program for women and children. WIC only allows you to purchase certain foods, but those benefits can typically be used in the same in-person places that SNAP can be used.
Summary
The answer to “Where can I use my EBT card?” might surprise you! We’ve found some incredible places that accept EBT, from bulk retailers like Costco and Sam’s Club to unexpected venues like museums. If you are an EBT card user, follow the tips in this article to unlock great saving and deals for your family!
Hector
Sunday 24th of April 2022
Can I use my NC EBT in Chicago? At rest, museums, games?
Isaac
Tuesday 26th of April 2022
Information on this should be in the article above. Chat with Lira, she might be able to help! https://lowincomerelief.com/chat/
Joey
Friday 25th of March 2022
Hi I’m new to this. Been trying to get help for years since I got on perm disability. Where in New York or New Jersey can I use my EBT besides for food in supermarkets? Any info will be appreciated. Thanks 😊
Isaac
Thursday 31st of March 2022
Information on this should be in the article above. Chat with Lira, she might be able to help! https://lowincomerelief.com/chat/
J Jilote
Saturday 12th of March 2022
@Mike B, Why not provide the like to EZEBT?
Donna
Wednesday 2nd of March 2022
Nicole: The first line of your bio needs to be corrected. It says “Have too much month at the end of your money?”
Brittany Corder
Friday 23rd of February 2024
@Donna, could I please get a little bit more food stamps
Isaac
Thursday 3rd of March 2022
This is just a pun, I hope that clears things up for you
D.iva Presley
Saturday 26th of February 2022
How about any of the grocery services, i.e. Hungry Root, Daily Harvest?
Isaac
Thursday 3rd of March 2022
Information on this should be in the article above. Chat with Lira, she might be able to help! https://lowincomerelief.com/chat/