Costco is a famous wholesale retail business in the United States that uses a membership-based model. Customers must buy an annual membership to shop at Costco stores.
If you rely on government assistance, you may wonder: Does Costco accept EBT? This blog post will explore how EBT works at Costco, what you can buy with your benefits, and helpful tips to make the most of your SNAP benefits while shopping at the warehouse giant.
Overview of the EBT
First, it is worth looking at what EBT is and some outstanding EBT benefits California.
What is EBT? How does it work?
The Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) system enables participants of government assistance programs to obtain their benefits using a debit card.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), often known as CalFresh in California, is the most commonly used EBT program. This government program allows low-income people and households to purchase critical food supplies from designated stores.
Furthermore, benefits are electronically transferred into the recipient’s EBT account every month, guaranteeing a secure and efficient distribution of assistance.
You may swipe the EBT card at approved food stores, local corner stores, large chains, and farmers’ markets.
What can I buy with EBT?
Generally, you can use SNAP benefits to purchase snacks, groceries, and food-producing seeds or plants.
However, you cannot use them to purchase vitamins, alcohol, tobacco goods, live animals, hot meals, or other non-food home items.
Does Costco Accept EBT in California?
Costco is a warehouse behemoth with over 129 million cardholders globally. So, if you wonder, “Can I use my benefits card at Costco?” The answer is yes. Costco takes EBT at all of its warehouse sites.
However, Costco abides by all state rules governing what customers may buy with EBT cards. Therefore, you must contact your state agency for a comprehensive list of items you can purchase with the card.
In California, you may use your CalFresh EBT card at Costco if you meet the following requirements:
- To buy items at Costco, all customers must have a membership card.
- Your SNAP EBT card is valid only for purchasing SNAP-approved products. Non-eligible products, such as prepared foods, home supplies, and medicine, must be paid for with another method.
What can you buy with EBT at Costco? The following items are eligible for purchase at Costco with your EBT card.
- Dairy products
- Fruits and vegetables
- Bread and cereals
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Seeds and plants that produce food
- Snack foods and nonalcoholic beverages
In contrast, the following items are not suitable for purchase with SNAP benefits at Costco:
- Tobacco
- Alcoholic beverages
- Vitamins and medicines
- Ready-to-eat hot foods
- Nonfood items like cleaning supplies, pet foods, paper products, and other household supplies
- Food that will be eaten in the store
- Live animals (except shellfish, fish removed from the water, and animals slaughtered before pickup from the store)
>>> Also read: Does Wendy’s Accept EBT In California? Tips To Maximize Benefits
Does Costco Accept EBT Online?
Please note that your EBT card is only acceptable for purchases at Costco warehouses and will not work online. This applies to both Costco.com and Instacart orders (which have different membership and service costs).
Unlike Costco, a few other retailers still accept EBT online. For example, Walmart and Amazon have launched services enabling online EBT payments.
Walmart, for instance, permits EBT cardholders to shop online for pick-up or home delivery. On the other hand, customers who use SNAP EBT must pay the delivery cost themselves.
On the contrary, Amazon enables EBT cardholders to purchase bargains and SNAP-eligible groceries online without requiring a Prime subscription.
Tips to Maximize EBT Benefits in California with Lifeline
Now you know does Costco accept EBT. But surprisingly, you can receive more benefits with EBT. SNAP recipients may be eligible for the Lifeline Assistance program, which offers monthly phone and internet service reductions.
Notably, eligible participants may save up to $9.25 per month on phone and internet expenses. In some situations, users can also get a free phone from one provider as part of their special benefits.
For example, AirTalk Wireless is among the most acknowledged California Lifeline providers. It enables you to apply online in several easy clicks.
Simply go to the AirTalk website, submit your information, and provide evidence of identification, address, and eligibility to get started. Here is a step-by-step tutorial:
- Step 1: Go to the AirTalk Wireless website and enter your ZIP code to explore the Lifeline plans available in your area.
- Step 2: Select a plan with device discounts (Lifeline Standard to Unlimited plans) to receive a complimentary device. Otherwise, choose the Lifeline Data Boost plan (Bring Your Own Device)
- Step 3: When applying for Lifeline through AirTalk Wireless, you can select from various discounted and free phones and tablets from reputable brands like Apple, Samsung, Motorola, etc. Choose the model that best fits your needs.
(Note: Device availability and pricing may vary depending on location and current stock.)
- Step 4: If your state cannot automatically verify your eligibility, you may need to submit documentation to prove your income level or enrollment in an approved government assistance program.
- Step 5: The California Lifeline Program Administrator will assess your application. If it meets the requirements, you will receive a confirmation of approval.
>>> Also read: Where To Get Free Government iPhone California? Top Picks
Conclusion
To sum up, if you have been asking, “Does Costco accept EBT?”, the answer is yes. Costco allows EBT cardholders to purchase eligible food items at all warehouse locations.
While restrictions exist on what you can buy, Costco remains an excellent option for SNAP recipients looking to stretch their benefits with bulk purchases. Also, don’t forget to maximize your benefits by applying for the Lifeline program!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use EBT at Costco self-checkout?
You may use your SNAP EBT card at Costco self-checkout lanes in most stores. Select “EBT” as your payment option and follow the instructions on the screen.
Can you use your EBT card at Costco Business Center Locations?
If your purchases follow USDA requirements, you may use your EBT card at Costco Business Center locations. Still, you cannot utilize your perks card to pay for online Costco Business Center transactions.
What is the Costco EBT membership price?
Costco memberships cost between $65 and $130 per year, based on your chosen plan. There are two $65 plans, one personal and one business, along with a $130 executive level.
