Target accepts EBT at every U.S. store location and on its website for eligible pickup and delivery orders. If you receive SNAP benefits, you can use your EBT card at Target's checkout lanes, through the Target app, or at Target.com. There are rules about what you can and cannot buy, and some states added new restrictions in 2026 that affect what counts as SNAP-eligible. Here is everything you need to know before your next shopping trip.
The Short Answer
Yes, Target takes EBT. This applies to:
- All physical Target store locations in the United States
- Target.com orders for eligible grocery pickup
- Target same-day delivery in participating areas (delivery fees must be paid separately)
You can only use your SNAP benefits for SNAP-eligible food items. Any non-food items, fees, or ineligible groceries must be paid with a separate card.
What You Can Buy With EBT at Target
SNAP benefits cover food intended for home preparation. At Target, that means most standard grocery items qualify. Items that do not qualify fall into categories set by federal law.
SNAP-Eligible Items at Target
| Category | Examples |
|---|
| Produce | Fresh fruits, vegetables, bagged salads |
| Meat and seafood | Chicken, beef, pork, fish, shrimp |
| Dairy | Milk, cheese, eggs, butter, yogurt |
| Bread and cereals | Sandwich bread, pasta, rice, oatmeal |
| Frozen foods | Frozen meals, frozen vegetables, ice cream |
| Snacks and beverages | Chips, crackers, juice, soda (see 2026 exceptions below) |
| Baby food | Formula, baby food pouches |
| Seeds and plants | Garden seeds that produce food |
Items You Cannot Buy With EBT at Target
| Category | Examples |
|---|
| Hot prepared foods | Rotisserie chicken, hot soup from the deli |
| Alcohol | Beer, wine, spirits |
| Tobacco | Cigarettes, vapes |
| Household supplies | Cleaning products, paper towels, soap |
| Pet food | Dog food, cat food, treats |
| Vitamins and supplements | Any product with a "Supplement Facts" label |
| Medicines | Over-the-counter drugs |
| Non-food items | Clothing, electronics, toys |
A practical way to check online: Target's website labels items as "SNAP EBT eligible" below the product description. You can also filter search results on Target.com by "SNAP EBT eligible" to see qualifying items before adding them to your cart.
2026 State Restrictions on SNAP Purchases
This is important news for shoppers in several states. Starting in early 2026, the USDA began granting waivers allowing states to ban certain foods from SNAP, primarily soda, candy, and energy drinks. If you live in one of these states, you may not be able to buy those items with EBT at Target even if they were allowed before.
States With Active or Upcoming SNAP Restrictions in 2026
| State | Restricted Items | Effective Date |
|---|
| Indiana | Soda, candy | January 1, 2026 |
| Iowa | Soda, candy | January 1, 2026 |
| Nebraska | Soda, candy | January 1, 2026 |
| Utah | Soda, candy | January 1, 2026 |
| West Virginia | Soda, candy | January 1, 2026 (full compliance April 1) |
| Idaho | Soda, candy | Mid-February 2026 |
| Oklahoma | Soda, candy | Mid-February 2026 |
| Colorado | Soda and sweetened beverages | March 2026 |
| Texas | Candy, sweetened drinks with more than 5g added sugar or artificial sweeteners | April 2026 |
| Florida | Soda, energy drinks, candy, ultra-processed desserts | April 20, 2026 |
More states are expected to follow by the end of 2026. If your state is on this list, items like Coke, Pepsi, Red Bull, and candy bars will be declined at checkout when you pay with EBT, even at Target.
How to Use Your EBT Card at Target In-Store
Using EBT in a Target store is straightforward.
- Shop for your groceries and head to any checkout lane or self-checkout kiosk.
- When prompted for payment, select "EBT" or swipe your EBT card.
- Choose whether to use your SNAP balance (food items) or EBT cash balance if you have cash benefits.
- Enter your 4-digit PIN.
- If your cart has non-eligible items, you will be asked to pay the remaining balance with another method, such as a debit card, credit card, or cash.
Target allows split payments, so you do not need to separate your groceries into two separate transactions. The register handles it automatically.
How to Use EBT on Target.com for Pickup or Delivery
Target participates in the SNAP Online Purchasing Pilot, which means you can pay with EBT for grocery pickup and, in some areas, same-day delivery orders placed on Target.com or through the Target app.
Step-by-Step for Online EBT Orders
- Create a free Target account at Target.com if you do not already have one.
- Go to your account settings and add your EBT card as a payment method. You will need the card number on the front of your EBT card.
- Build your cart with SNAP-eligible items. The website filters can help you identify qualifying products.
- At checkout, select your EBT card as the payment method.
- Add a secondary payment method (debit or credit card) to cover any non-eligible items, delivery fees, or tips.
- When you confirm the order, you will be prompted to enter your EBT PIN.
- Refunds for EBT payments are returned directly to your EBT card.
A few things to know about online EBT at Target:
- EBT cash is not accepted for online orders, only SNAP food benefits.
- Delivery fees and service fees cannot be paid with SNAP.
- Availability for delivery varies by ZIP code. Pickup is more widely available.
- Target Plus marketplace items sold by third-party sellers require a separate payment method.
Does Target Accept EBT Cash?
Yes, but only in physical stores. EBT cash benefits (also called TANF cash or cash assistance) can be used in-store at Target just like a regular debit card. You can withdraw cash at the register or use the cash balance directly for purchases, including non-food items.
EBT cash is not accepted on Target.com or through the app.
Target Circle and EBT: Can You Stack Discounts?
Yes. You can use Target Circle offers and coupons on the same transaction as EBT. If a Target Circle deal applies to a SNAP-eligible item, the discount reduces the price before your SNAP balance is charged. This is a good way to stretch your food budget further.
To take advantage of this, download the Target Circle app and activate deals before checkout. The savings apply automatically at the register.
What If Your EBT Card Is Declined at Target?
If your EBT card is declined at Target, a few things could be happening:
- Your SNAP balance may be too low to cover the purchase. Check your balance through your state's EBT app or by calling the number on the back of your card.
- You entered the wrong PIN. You have a limited number of attempts before the card locks temporarily.
- The item you are trying to buy is not SNAP-eligible or is restricted in your state under the 2026 rules.
- There is a system issue with the payment terminal. Try another lane or contact Target guest services.
- Your card may need to be replaced. Contact your state's SNAP office if you suspect the card is damaged.
Comparing Major Retailers That Accept EBT
| Retailer | In-Store EBT | Online EBT | EBT Cash Online |
|---|
| Target | Yes | Yes (select states) | No |
| Walmart | Yes | Yes | No |
| Amazon | No stores | Yes | No |
| Kroger | Yes | Yes | No |
| Costco | Yes | No | No |
| Aldi | Yes | No | No |
Target's online EBT option puts it ahead of many grocery chains, though availability still depends on your location.
Not Sure If You Qualify for SNAP?
If you shop at Target with EBT, you are already benefiting from SNAP. But many families who qualify for SNAP have never applied, or qualify for higher benefits than they are currently receiving. Income limits for SNAP in 2026 reach up to 130% of the federal poverty level for most households, which is roughly $2,248 per month for a family of three.
Use our free eligibility screener at BenefitsUSA.org/screener to check what programs you may qualify for based on your household size, income, and state. The check takes about two minutes and covers SNAP, Medicaid, WIC, and several other programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Target accept EBT for self-checkout?
Yes. All Target self-checkout kiosks accept EBT cards. The process is the same as a staffed checkout lane. Select EBT as your payment, enter your PIN, and use a secondary payment for any non-eligible items.
Can I use EBT for Target Drive Up?
Yes. Target Drive Up is Target's curbside pickup service. You can use EBT to pay for SNAP-eligible items in a Drive Up order placed through the Target app. A secondary payment method is required for fees and ineligible items.
Does Target accept EBT for same-day delivery?
In some areas, yes. Target same-day delivery through Shipt accepts EBT in participating locations. However, delivery fees and tips cannot be paid with EBT. Check the Target app or Target.com to see if EBT delivery is available for your address.
Can I buy hot food at Target with EBT?
No. Hot prepared foods, including items from Target's deli section and rotisserie chickens, are not SNAP-eligible. EBT only covers food that is not hot at the time of purchase.
Does Target accept WIC in addition to EBT?
Most Target stores accept WIC, but this is handled separately from EBT. WIC covers a specific list of approved items, and you will need to check which items are WIC-approved for your state. Not all Target locations accept WIC, so call ahead or check with your local store.
What is the difference between SNAP EBT and EBT cash?
SNAP EBT covers food purchases only. EBT cash (also called cash assistance or TANF) works like a regular debit card and can be used for almost any purchase, including non-food items. Both are loaded onto the same EBT card. At Target, SNAP covers groceries, and EBT cash can be used in-store for anything.
Can I use EBT at Target.com without a Target account?
No. You need a Target account to shop online. Creating one is free and only takes a few minutes. Once you have an account, you can add your EBT card in the payment settings.
How do I check my SNAP balance before shopping at Target?
Check your balance by logging into your state's EBT portal, using your state's EBT app, calling the number printed on the back of your EBT card, or checking the receipt from your last transaction, which typically shows your remaining balance.
