Costco accepts EBT cards at all of its warehouse locations across the United States. If you receive SNAP benefits and want to stretch your grocery budget at a warehouse club, Costco is a solid option. That said, there are rules about what you can buy, a membership requirement you need to plan for, and some limitations around online orders. This guide covers everything you need to know before heading to Costco with your EBT card in 2026.
The Short Answer
Yes, Costco takes EBT. Every Costco warehouse location in the U.S. accepts EBT cards for SNAP-eligible purchases. Costco's official policy states: "All our warehouse locations accept EBT cards. Costco adheres to all state laws regarding what can be purchased with EBT cards."
There are two big caveats to know upfront:
- You need a Costco membership to shop there, and membership fees cannot be paid with EBT.
- Costco.com does not accept EBT for standard online orders, though Costco same-day delivery through Instacart does allow EBT in participating states.
Costco Membership and EBT: What You Need to Know
To shop at any Costco warehouse, you must be a member. As of 2026, a Gold Star membership costs $65 per year and covers two cardholders in one household. That membership fee is not a food purchase and cannot be charged to your EBT card. You will need a credit card, debit card, or cash to pay for the membership.
Once you have a membership, you can use your EBT card for eligible food items at any warehouse checkout lane. You do not need to do anything special to set up EBT at Costco. Just swipe or insert your EBT card at checkout and enter your PIN, the same way you would at any other grocery store.
If the cost of membership is a concern, it is worth doing the math. Costco typically sells many staples at lower per-unit prices than standard grocery stores. For families with larger households who regularly buy in bulk, the savings on food often exceed the $65 annual cost.
What You Can Buy With EBT at Costco
SNAP benefits can be used to buy food items intended for home consumption. At Costco, that covers a wide range of their grocery inventory. A quick rule of thumb: if the product has a "Nutrition Facts" label, it is generally EBT-eligible. If it says "Supplement Facts," it is not.
EBT-eligible items at Costco typically include:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Frozen fruits and vegetables
- Fresh and frozen meat, poultry, and fish
- Dairy products (milk, cheese, butter, yogurt)
- Eggs
- Bread, cereals, and grains
- Canned and packaged foods
- Snack foods and crackers
- Non-alcoholic beverages (juice, sparkling water, etc.)
- Seeds and plants that produce food for the household
Items you cannot buy with EBT at Costco:
- Hot prepared foods (including Costco's rotisserie chicken, as it is sold hot)
- Alcohol and tobacco
- Vitamins and supplements
- Pet food
- Household supplies (paper towels, cleaning products, etc.)
- Non-food items of any kind
- Costco membership fees
One important note on rotisserie chicken: this is one of Costco's most popular items, and it cannot be purchased with EBT because it is sold as a hot prepared food. If you want to buy a whole raw chicken with EBT, that is eligible. The rotisserie birds at the food court and deli counter are not.
2026 SNAP Restrictions: Candy, Soda, and "Junk Food"
Several states have received or are in the process of implementing SNAP food restriction waivers in 2026. These waivers, connected to the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) initiative, allow certain states to restrict EBT purchases of items like soda, energy drinks, candy, and some desserts.
If you live in a state that has implemented these restrictions, those items will be blocked at checkout even if they would otherwise carry a "Nutrition Facts" label. The restrictions vary by state. Costco's policy is to follow all state laws on EBT-eligible items, so the checkout system will apply your state's rules automatically.
States that have announced or implemented restrictions as of early 2026 include Indiana, Florida, and others. If you are unsure whether your state has new restrictions in place, contact your state SNAP agency or check the USDA Food and Nutrition Service website.
Can You Use EBT at Costco Online or for Delivery?
This is where things get more complicated.
Costco.com: Standard orders placed on Costco's main website do not accept EBT as a payment method. This applies to home delivery and any shipping orders.
Costco Same-Day Delivery via Instacart: EBT is accepted for same-day delivery orders placed through Costco's Instacart-powered same-day delivery service at sameday.costco.com. This option is available in participating states.
To use EBT for Costco same-day delivery through Instacart, you need to:
- Create an account on the Costco same-day delivery site or Instacart.
- Add your EBT card as a payment method in your account settings.
- At checkout, select your EBT card and specify how much of your benefit to apply to EBT-eligible items.
- Add a credit or debit card to cover delivery fees, service fees, tips, taxes, and any non-EBT items in your order.
Note that EBT only covers the food portion. Delivery and service fees must be paid separately. Not all states participate in online EBT, so availability depends on where you live.
How to Use EBT at Costco In-Store: Step by Step
Using EBT at a Costco warehouse is straightforward.
- Get a Costco membership if you do not already have one. You can sign up at the membership counter inside any warehouse or online at costco.com.
- Shop for EBT-eligible items. Stick to food items with Nutrition Facts labels and avoid hot prepared foods.
- Head to any checkout lane. There is no special EBT lane at Costco.
- Tell the cashier you are paying with EBT before they start ringing up your order, or simply have your EBT card ready.
- Swipe or insert your EBT card when prompted and enter your PIN.
- Pay for any non-EBT items separately. If your cart includes non-food items or ineligible products, you will need a second form of payment for those.
- Save your receipt. It will show the EBT amount applied and any remaining balance.
Comparing EBT Policies at Major Warehouse Clubs
| Store | Accepts EBT | Membership Required | EBT Online |
|---|
| Costco | Yes, all locations | Yes ($65/year) | Via Instacart same-day only |
| Sam's Club | Yes, all locations | Yes ($50/year) | Pickup only in select areas |
| BJ's Wholesale Club | Yes, all locations | Yes ($55/year) | Limited online EBT acceptance |
All three major warehouse clubs accept EBT in-store. Costco and Sam's Club are the most widely available. If membership cost is a barrier, Sam's Club's standard membership is slightly less expensive at $50 per year.
Tips for Maximizing Your EBT Budget at Costco
Costco can offer genuine value for SNAP recipients who shop strategically. Buying in bulk lowers the cost per unit on many staples. Here are a few items where Costco typically offers strong value for EBT shoppers:
- Dried beans and lentils: Large bags at low per-pound costs.
- Frozen vegetables: Large bags of frozen broccoli, peas, corn, and mixed vegetables.
- Canned goods: Tomatoes, tuna, salmon, and beans in bulk packs.
- Eggs: Large quantity packs at competitive per-egg prices.
- Chicken: Whole chickens or large packs of boneless chicken thighs and breasts.
- Cheese: Block cheese in larger quantities.
- Rice: Large bags of rice are a staple that holds well.
- Oats: Large containers of rolled oats for a low-cost, nutritious breakfast option.
The tradeoff is storage space and upfront cost. Buying a 25-pound bag of rice means having cash flow for that initial purchase even if the long-term price is better.
What If You Are Not Sure Whether You Qualify for SNAP?
SNAP (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) is available to households with incomes below a certain threshold based on household size and the federal poverty level. Many people who could benefit from SNAP have not applied, often because they are unsure whether they qualify or think the process is too complicated.
A quick eligibility check can tell you in a few minutes whether you are likely to qualify and what your estimated monthly benefit might be. You can use the free screening tool at benefitsusa.org/screener to check your eligibility for SNAP and other programs at the same time.
SNAP Income Limits for 2026
The following table shows the gross monthly income limits for SNAP eligibility in most states. Households with an elderly or disabled member may qualify with higher income.
| Household Size | Gross Monthly Income Limit | Annual Income Limit |
|---|
| 1 | $1,580 | $18,954 |
| 2 | $2,137 | $25,636 |
| 3 | $2,694 | $32,318 |
| 4 | $3,250 | $39,000 |
| 5 | $3,807 | $45,682 |
| 6 | $4,364 | $52,364 |
| 7 | $4,921 | $59,046 |
| 8 | $5,478 | $65,728 |
| Each add'l person | +$557 | +$6,682 |
These limits represent 130% of the federal poverty level. Net income limits (after allowable deductions) are set at 100% FPL. Some states have slightly different rules, and households with an elderly or disabled member only need to meet the net income test.
If your income is close to the limit, it is still worth applying. Deductions for housing, childcare, and dependent care can bring your net income below the threshold even if your gross income is above it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Costco accept EBT at all locations?
Yes. Costco accepts EBT cards at every warehouse location in the United States. The policy applies nationwide.
Do I need a Costco membership to use EBT there?
Yes. You need an active Costco membership to shop at any warehouse. The membership fee ($65 per year for a Gold Star membership as of 2026) cannot be paid with EBT funds. You will need a credit card, debit card, or cash for the membership.
Can I use EBT to buy rotisserie chicken at Costco?
No. Rotisserie chicken is sold as a hot prepared food, which is not eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits. You can use EBT to buy raw, uncooked chicken, which is an eligible food item.
Can I use EBT on Costco's website?
No. Costco.com does not accept EBT for standard online orders or home delivery. However, EBT is accepted for same-day delivery orders through the Instacart-powered Costco same-day delivery service at sameday.costco.com in participating states.
Can I use my EBT card to pay for a Costco membership?
No. Membership fees are not a food purchase and cannot be paid with SNAP EBT.
What happens at checkout if I have both EBT and non-EBT items?
The cashier can split your payment. EBT will cover the eligible food items, and you pay for the remaining items with another form of payment such as a debit card, credit card, or cash.
Are Costco's Kirkland Signature products EBT-eligible?
Many Kirkland Signature products are EBT-eligible because they are food items with Nutrition Facts labels. This includes Kirkland Signature olive oil, nuts, canned goods, frozen foods, and other grocery staples. Non-food Kirkland products like paper towels or cleaning supplies are not eligible.
Does Costco's food court accept EBT?
No. Costco food court items are hot prepared foods and are not eligible for SNAP purchase.
Can I check my EBT balance at Costco?
Yes. Most Costco checkout terminals will display your remaining SNAP balance after a transaction. You can also check your balance by calling the number on the back of your EBT card or through your state's EBT portal.
Are there states where Costco does not accept EBT?
No. Costco accepts EBT at all U.S. warehouse locations regardless of state. The items eligible for purchase may vary slightly by state due to state-specific SNAP restrictions, but the card itself is accepted everywhere.
If you are not currently enrolled in SNAP and want to find out whether you qualify, use the free screening tool at benefitsusa.org/screener. It checks your eligibility across multiple programs in a few minutes, with no obligation.
