If you’re a recipient of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and a fan of Costco, you might be interested to know that you can use your Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card at Costco warehouses.
However, there are some important details to consider before deciding to utilize your SNAP benefits at Costco.
The EBT card, loaded with SNAP benefits, operates as a debit card and can be used in various stores, including Costco. However, it’s essential to note that your EBT card is only valid for transactions within Costco warehouses, and it won’t work online, at the food court, or at Costco gas stations.
While the option to use SNAP benefits at Costco can be convenient, there are limitations. The EBT card can only be used for SNAP-approved items, which include essential grocery items like dairy products, meat, fish, fruits, vegetables, and non-alcoholic beverages. Items such as alcohol, pet food, tobacco, or other non-SNAP products cannot be purchased with SNAP benefits.
New SNAP Benefits eligibility criteria: Changes and updates
What to consider before using your food stamps at Costco
It’s worth considering the potential savings before deciding to use your SNAP benefits at Costco, as there’s an annual membership fee of $60. If you’re contemplating paying the fee, you need to ensure that the potential savings on your grocery expenses will offset the membership cost. This involves analyzing your monthly spending to determine if the $60 annual fee is justified.
Additionally, it’s essential to be aware that not all families receive the maximum SNAP benefits, and there are restrictions on how long one can receive benefits. While Costco offers the option of an executive membership with a 2 percent cashback on purchases, you should evaluate whether the benefits outweigh the costs, especially considering the lump sum payment of $120 for the executive membership.
If the annual membership fee poses a challenge, there are alternative ways to shop at Costco without a membership. For instance, you can ask a member to take you, and they can use their membership card while you pay with your EBT card.
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