Can You Buy a Costco Membership with EBT/Food Stamps? (2025)

Understanding what can and cannot be bought with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps recipients spend their benefits wisely. A common question is whether Costco membership qualifies as an approved purchase.

Can You Buy a Costco Membership with EBT/ Food Stamps?

No, you cannot buy Costco membership with Food Stamps or EBT.

SNAP benefits are intended to help low-income individuals and families purchase food and groceries. Since a Costco membership is a service fee and not a food item, it does not qualify for purchase under SNAP guidelines. The program strictly limits eligible purchases to food products and certain non-food items necessary for meal preparation.

How to Check If a Costco Membership Is SNAP-Eligible

To check if a Costco membership is SNAP-eligible, look for "EBT/SNAP eligible" shelf tags or icons on retailer websites. Most major grocers label qualifying items. Additionally, compare the product to USDA rules on eligible food items.

If still unsure, ask the cashier directly or call your state SNAP hotline before making a purchase. This ensures you are fully informed and can avoid any potential issues at checkout.

What Can You Buy with EBT/Food Stamps?

While Costco membership isn't eligible, you might be surprised to know that SNAP benefits cover many of these items:

• Plants: Vegetable seeds, fruit plants, and starters used to grow food at home.

• Farmers’ Markets: Eligible at many markets, often via tokens or electronic payments.

• Energy Drinks: Eligible if labeled with a "Nutrition Facts" panel (not "Supplement Facts").

• Bakery Items and Birthday Cakes: Decorated birthday cakes and baked goods.

• Seafood and Fresh Meat: Fresh, frozen, or canned seafood and meats.

What Can You Not Buy with EBT/Food Stamps?

While SNAP benefits cover a wide range of essential food items, there are products like Costco membership that cannot be purchased with these benefits, including:

• Alcoholic Beverages: Beer, wine, and liquor are not eligible for purchase.

• Household Supplies: Items like cleaning products, paper goods, and pet food are excluded.

• Vitamins and Supplements: Products labeled with "Supplement Facts" are not covered.

• Prepared Foods: Hot foods and foods meant for immediate consumption are ineligible.

What Happens If You Try to Buy an Ineligible Item with an EBT Card?

If you try to buy an ineligible item with your EBT card, the transaction will be declined at checkout. The cashier or the payment system will notify you that the item cannot be purchased with SNAP benefits. You will need to use another form of payment or remove the item from your purchase. This ensures that SNAP funds are used only for approved items.

Manage Your SNAP Benefits and Get Cashback with Benny

Managing your SNAP benefits can be easier with Benny. Our app allows you to check your EBT balance and transactions instantly, eliminating the need for phone calls or receipts.

Additionally, Benny offers cash back on groceries and other purchases at stores like Walmart, Target, and 7-Eleven. This can help you stretch your benefits further. Learn more about Benny today.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are there any states where Costco membership is eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits?

No, Costco membership is not eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits in any state. SNAP guidelines uniformly classify membership fees as ineligible expenses.

2. Will my EBT benefits be halted if I attempt to buy a Costco membership with SNAP?

No, your EBT benefits will not be halted if you attempt to buy a Costco membership. The transaction will simply be declined, and you will need to use another form of payment.

3. Can I purchase a basket of items that includes a Costco membership with my SNAP benefits?

No, you cannot purchase a basket of items that includes a Costco membership with your SNAP benefits. The membership fee must be paid separately using a different payment method.

4. Are there any exceptions to the rule that Costco membership cannot be bought with SNAP benefits?

No, there are no exceptions. The rule is consistent across all states and applies to all membership fees, including those for Costco.