Shopping with SNAP
Apr 24, 2025
Understanding what can and cannot be bought with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps recipients spend their benefits wisely. Many recipients may wonder whether gift cards qualify as an approved purchase.
Can You Buy Gift Cards with EBT/ Food Stamps?
No, you cannot buy gift cards with Food Stamps or EBT.
This restriction exists because SNAP benefits are intended to be used for purchasing eligible food items directly. Gift cards, which can be used to buy a variety of non-food items, do not align with the program's goal of ensuring recipients have access to nutritious food. Therefore, they are not considered an approved purchase under SNAP guidelines.
How to Check If Gift Cards Is SNAP-Eligible
To determine if an item is SNAP-eligible, check its label. If the item has a "Nutrition Facts" label, it is likely eligible. Conversely, if it has a "Supplement Facts" label, it is not eligible. Additionally, hot, prepared foods meant for immediate consumption are generally not SNAP-eligible. For example:
Packaged cheese: It has a "Nutrition Facts" label and is intended for home consumption. Therefore, it is SNAP-eligible.
Hot pizza: It’s hot, prepared, and meant for immediate consumption. Therefore, it is not SNAP-eligible.
If in doubt, compare the product to USDA rules to determine SNAP eligibility.
Additionally, large chain stores often use small shelf labels or icons that say "SNAP Eligible" or "EBT Accepted." Websites of large chains like Walmart, Amazon, or delivery platforms like Instacart often let you filter by SNAP-eligible items. If still unsure, ask the shop assistant before making a purchase.
What Else Can You Not Buy with EBT/Food Stamps?
While SNAP benefits cover a wide range of essential food items, there are products like gift cards that cannot be purchased with these benefits, including:
Alcoholic Beverages: Beer, wine, and other alcoholic drinks are not eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits.
Vitamins and Supplements: Items with a "Supplement Facts" label, such as vitamins and dietary supplements, are not covered.
Non-Food Items: Household supplies, pet food, and other non-food products are not eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits.
Prepared Foods: Hot foods and foods meant for immediate consumption, like deli meals, are not covered by SNAP.
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 self-checkout system will notify you that the item cannot be purchased with SNAP benefits. You will need to use another form of payment for the ineligible item or remove it from your purchase. This ensures that SNAP benefits are used only for approved items.
Manage Your SNAP Benefits and Get Cashback with Benny
Benny is a great option to manage your SNAP benefits effectively. With Benny, you can check your EBT balance and transactions in real-time, helping you stay on top of your EBT spending. Plus, you can earn cash back on groceries and other purchases at popular stores such as Walmart, Target, and 7-Eleven. Download Benny to start saving on your EBT benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any states where gift cards are eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits?
No, gift cards are not eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits in any state. The federal guidelines for SNAP are consistent across all states, and they prohibit the purchase of gift cards with EBT funds.
Can your EBT benefits be halted if you attempt to buy a gift card with SNAP?
No, your EBT benefits will not be halted if you attempt to buy a gift card with SNAP. However, the transaction will be declined, and you will need to use another form of payment or remove the gift card from your purchase.
Are baskets containing gift cards eligible for purchase with SNAP?
No, baskets containing gift cards are not eligible for purchase with SNAP. Since gift cards themselves are not approved items, any basket or package that includes a gift card cannot be bought with EBT benefits.
Why are gift cards not eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits?
Gift cards are not eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits because they can be used to buy a variety of non-food items. SNAP benefits are intended to ensure recipients have access to nutritious food, and gift cards do not align with this goal.
