Yes, Sam's Club accepts EBT cards at all warehouse locations across the United States. You can use your SNAP benefits to purchase eligible food items in-store, and Sam's Club even supports EBT payments through its Scan & Go app for a faster checkout experience. There are some limitations to know about, including what you can and cannot buy, and whether you can use EBT for online orders or delivery. This guide covers everything SNAP recipients need to know before shopping at Sam's Club in 2026.
How Sam's Club EBT Works
Sam's Club became an authorized SNAP retailer and has expanded its EBT acceptance over the years. Here is how payment works in practice:
In-store checkout: At any register inside a Sam's Club warehouse, you can pay with your EBT card for SNAP-eligible food items. Hand the card to the cashier or swipe it yourself at the pin pad, enter your PIN, and the SNAP-eligible total will be deducted from your balance.
Scan & Go app: Sam's Club allows EBT payments through its Scan & Go mobile feature. You scan items as you shop, then pay at a self-checkout kiosk or through the app before you leave. EBT is a supported payment method in this flow. This is one of the few warehouse clubs that has implemented EBT through a mobile scan-and-pay system.
Online orders and delivery: EBT is not accepted for SamsClub.com purchases, curbside pickup, or home delivery orders. If you want to use SNAP benefits, you must shop in person at a physical location.
Do You Need a Sam's Club Membership to Use EBT?
Yes. Sam's Club is a membership-based warehouse store, and you do need an active membership to shop there. The standard Club membership costs $50 per year, and the Plus membership costs $110 per year.
However, Sam's Club offers a significant discount for people receiving government assistance. Through a partnership with ID.me, qualifying SNAP and other benefit recipients can get 60% off a Club membership, bringing the cost down to $20 per year. Plus memberships are discounted by $50.
To claim this discount:
- Go to the Sam's Club membership page and select the government assistance option
- Verify your benefit status through ID.me (takes a few minutes)
- Purchase your discounted membership with a credit, debit, or prepaid card
Note that the membership fee itself cannot be paid with your EBT card. The discount applies to the price, but payment for the membership must come from another source.
This membership discount is available to new members only, or those who have not had an active membership in the past six months.
What You Can Buy With EBT at Sam's Club
SNAP benefits follow federal USDA rules, so the eligibility rules at Sam's Club are the same as at any other SNAP-authorized retailer. The general rule is that SNAP covers food products intended for home preparation and consumption.
SNAP-Eligible Items at Sam's Club
| Category | Examples |
|---|
| Fresh produce | Apples, bananas, broccoli, salad mix, carrots |
| Frozen fruits and vegetables | Frozen berries, frozen corn, frozen peas |
| Canned goods | Canned beans, canned tomatoes, canned tuna |
| Meat and poultry | Chicken, ground beef, pork, steak |
| Seafood | Salmon, shrimp, tilapia, cod |
| Dairy products | Milk, cheese, butter, yogurt, eggs |
| Bread and grains | Bread, pasta, rice, oats, cereal |
| Snack foods | Chips, crackers, cookies, granola bars |
| Non-alcoholic beverages | Juice, soda, water, sports drinks |
| Seeds and plants | Seeds or plants that produce food you will eat |
Sam's Club sells many items in bulk, which can stretch SNAP benefits further than buying smaller quantities at a traditional grocery store. Buying a large bag of rice, a multipack of canned beans, or a bulk package of chicken breasts can all be paid for with EBT.
Items You Cannot Buy With EBT at Sam's Club
| Category | Examples |
|---|
| Alcohol | Beer, wine, liquor, hard seltzers |
| Tobacco and vaping | Cigarettes, cigars, vape products |
| Hot prepared foods | Rotisserie chicken from the deli, hot pizza |
| Vitamins and supplements | Multivitamins, protein powder (if labeled as supplement) |
| Medications | OTC drugs, cold medicine, pain relievers |
| Household supplies | Cleaning products, paper towels, laundry detergent |
| Personal care products | Shampoo, toothpaste, soap |
| Pet food | Dog food, cat food, treats |
| Non-food items | Electronics, clothing, toys |
The key distinction on prepared foods: if an item is sold hot at the point of sale, it is not SNAP-eligible. A pre-packaged rotisserie chicken that has cooled down may be eligible in some cases, but this varies by store. When in doubt, ask a team member.
2026 SNAP Food Restriction Updates
Starting in 2026, some states are implementing restrictions on what SNAP benefits can buy. These changes are not universal, but they affect shoppers in certain states.
Indiana and Florida have passed laws restricting SNAP purchases of items like soda, candy, and energy drinks. Other states may follow. If you live in a state with new restrictions, your EBT card will automatically decline for those items at checkout, whether you are shopping at Sam's Club or anywhere else.
Check with your state's SNAP agency for the current rules where you live.
How to Use EBT at Sam's Club: Step by Step
Option 1: Standard Checkout
- Shop the store and fill your cart with SNAP-eligible items
- Bring your cart to any staffed checkout lane
- Place items on the belt and let the cashier ring everything up
- When prompted for payment, select "EBT" on the payment terminal
- Swipe or insert your EBT card
- Enter your PIN
- The terminal will show how much was charged to your SNAP balance
- Pay any remaining non-SNAP balance (like household items) with another payment method
Option 2: Scan & Go
- Download the Sam's Club app and log in to your account
- Tap Scan & Go from the home screen
- Scan each item's barcode as you shop
- When done, tap Pay and select EBT as your payment method
- Enter your card number and PIN when prompted
- Complete payment at a self-checkout station
- Show your receipt to the door attendant on the way out
The Scan & Go option requires an active Sam's Club membership linked to your app account.
Splitting Payments at Sam's Club
You can split your payment between EBT and another method. This is common when your cart includes both food items (eligible for SNAP) and non-food items like cleaning supplies or personal care products.
The system will automatically apply your EBT balance to eligible items only. Any ineligible items will be charged to your secondary payment method (cash, credit, or debit). You do not need to separate your cart into two transactions.
Sam's Club vs. Costco for EBT Users
Both Sam's Club and Costco are major warehouse retailers, but there is a notable difference when it comes to EBT.
| Feature | Sam's Club | Costco |
|---|
| Accepts EBT in-store | Yes | Yes |
| Accepts EBT via mobile app | Yes (Scan & Go) | No |
| EBT for online orders | No | No |
| Membership discount for benefit recipients | Yes (60% off, verified via ID.me) | No specific SNAP discount |
| Annual membership base price | $50 (Club) | $65 |
For SNAP recipients, Sam's Club has a meaningful advantage because of the membership discount program. If you can verify your benefit status through ID.me, you can get in for $20 per year, which is significantly cheaper than Costco's base membership.
How to Check Your EBT Balance Before You Shop
Before heading to Sam's Club, it helps to know your available balance so you can budget your cart accordingly. You can check your balance by:
- Calling the number on the back of your EBT card - Every state has a toll-free balance inquiry line
- Checking your last receipt - Most SNAP transactions print your remaining balance at the bottom
- Using your state's EBT app or portal - Many states have mobile apps or websites where you can view your balance and transaction history
- Using Propel (Fresh EBT app) - This free app lets you check your balance, view transaction history, and find SNAP-eligible stores nearby
Your SNAP balance resets monthly on your deposit date, which is assigned by your state.
Does Sam's Club Accept WIC?
WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) benefits are separate from SNAP and work differently. WIC benefits are typically issued for very specific approved items, and whether Sam's Club accepts WIC depends on your state and whether your local club is a WIC-authorized vendor.
Not all Sam's Club locations are WIC-authorized. Check the WIC website for your state or call your local club to find out if they participate in your state's WIC program before making a trip.
Not Sure If You Qualify for SNAP?
If you are shopping at Sam's Club with EBT, you are already enrolled. But if you are not sure whether you qualify for SNAP, or if you think you might be eligible for additional assistance programs, a free eligibility check can help.
Use the free Benefits Navigator screener at /screener to see which programs you may qualify for based on your income, household size, and state. The screener checks SNAP, Medicaid, WIC, LIHEAP, and other programs at once. It takes about two minutes and there is no obligation.
SNAP income limits for 2026 are based on the Federal Poverty Level (FPL):
| Household Size | Gross Monthly Income Limit | Net Monthly Income Limit |
|---|
| 1 | $2,005 | $1,542 |
| 2 | $2,707 | $2,082 |
| 3 | $3,408 | $2,622 |
| 4 | $4,111 | $3,161 |
| 5 | $4,812 | $3,701 |
| 6 | $5,514 | $4,241 |
| 7 | $6,216 | $4,781 |
| 8 | $6,918 | $5,321 |
These are federal limits. Some states set higher limits or have different rules. Many households also qualify for categorical eligibility, which can raise or remove the income cap depending on the state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my EBT card at Sam's Club without a membership?
No. Sam's Club requires an active membership to shop. However, SNAP recipients can get a significant discount on membership through ID.me verification, bringing the annual fee down to $20.
Does Sam's Club Scan & Go work with EBT?
Yes. Sam's Club supports EBT payments through the Scan & Go feature in its mobile app. You can scan items as you shop and pay with EBT at the end of your trip.
Can I use EBT for Sam's Club curbside pickup or delivery?
No. EBT is only accepted for in-person purchases inside Sam's Club warehouse locations. Online orders, curbside pickup, and delivery are not eligible for EBT payment.
What happens if my cart has both SNAP-eligible and ineligible items?
The register will automatically separate the totals. SNAP-eligible food items will be charged to your EBT card, and ineligible items (like cleaning supplies or alcohol) will need to be paid with another method. You do not need to make two separate transactions.
Can I pay for my Sam's Club membership with my EBT card?
No. The membership fee cannot be paid with EBT. However, qualifying SNAP and government assistance recipients can get 60% off the Club membership (down to $20) by verifying through ID.me. That discounted price must still be paid with cash, credit, or debit.
Is rotisserie chicken at Sam's Club EBT-eligible?
Hot prepared foods sold at the point of sale are not SNAP-eligible under federal rules. Rotisserie chicken sold hot from the deli counter is typically not covered by EBT. Pre-packaged cold items from the refrigerated section generally are eligible.
Does Sam's Club accept EBT for alcohol?
No. Alcohol cannot be purchased with SNAP benefits at any retailer, including Sam's Club. This is a federal rule that applies everywhere.
Can I use EBT at Sam's Club online?
No. EBT is not accepted on SamsClub.com for any orders, including same-day delivery or curbside pickup. You must be physically present at a warehouse location to use your EBT card.
How do I verify my government assistance status for the Sam's Club membership discount?
Visit the Sam's Club membership page and look for the government assistance discount option. The verification process runs through ID.me, a third-party identity verification service. You will need to provide documentation of your benefit enrollment (such as a SNAP approval letter or benefit card). The process typically takes a few minutes online.
Does Sam's Club accept SNAP in all states?
Yes. Sam's Club warehouse clubs throughout the United States accept SNAP EBT. The federal SNAP program is nationwide, and Sam's Club is an authorized retailer in all states where it operates.
