Yes, many Big Lots locations accept EBT card payments for in-store purchases of SNAP-eligible food items. However, acceptance is not universal, and online payments are not supported. It is always best to confirm with your local store before shopping to ensure it can process EBT transactions.

How To Use EBT At Big Lots

You can use your EBT card at participating Big Lots stores for eligible food items. Since not all locations are equipped to process EBT, you should call ahead to confirm. You can find your nearest store using the Big Lots store locator.

Big Lots does not currently accept EBT for any online purchases made through its website. This policy also extends to third-party delivery services like Instacart or Uber Eats, which cannot process EBT payments for Big Lots orders.

While you can place a curbside pickup order for eligible items, you cannot pay for it online with EBT. You must go inside the store to complete the payment with your EBT card when you collect your order.

How To Pay With EBT At Big Lots

When paying with your EBT card in-store, you will need to separate your items and may need a second payment method. Here is what you need to know for a smooth checkout.

• Separate your items: To simplify checkout, separate SNAP-eligible food from other merchandise. You will need another form of payment, like a debit or credit card, for any non-food items in your cart.

• Authorize your payment: When you are ready to pay, tell the cashier you are using an EBT card. You will need to enter your Personal Identification Number (PIN) on the keypad to authorize the purchase.

• Verify eligible products: Only items with a "Nutrition Facts" label are typically SNAP-eligible. If you are unsure about an item, ask the cashier to scan it to confirm if your EBT benefits will cover it.

What Can You Buy With an EBT Card at Big Lots?

At Big Lots, you can use your EBT card to purchase a wide range of SNAP-eligible food items. The selection focuses on pantry staples, snacks, and other packaged goods available in the store.

• Pantry staples and snacks: You can find bread, cereal, rice, and pasta. Big Lots is also known for its selection of discounted, name-brand packaged foods like chips, cookies, and crackers.

• Fruits and vegetables: Your benefits cover fresh, frozen, or canned fruits and vegetables. This also includes dried fruit products available in the store.

• Proteins and dairy: Look for fresh, frozen, or canned meat, poultry, and fish. Eligible dairy products include milk, cheese, yogurt, and butter.

• Beverages: You can purchase non-alcoholic drinks like juice, soda, and bottled water.

• Baking supplies: Your card can be used for items like flour, sugar, cooking oils, and spices if you prefer to cook from scratch.

• Seeds and plants: You can also buy seeds and plants that produce food for you to grow at home.

Keep in mind that the eligibility of specific items can vary by location. An item might not scan as SNAP-eligible if it is not coded correctly in that particular store’s payment system.

Why Isn’t EBT Accepted At More Big Lots Locations?

Becoming an authorized SNAP retailer requires each store to apply with the USDA's Food and Nutrition Service, which involves administrative steps. A more significant challenge is the technical setup. Point-of-sale systems must be programmed to distinguish SNAP-eligible items from general merchandise and process EBT payments correctly. This logistical requirement can be a considerable hurdle, preventing some locations from adopting the system.

Additionally, since Big Lots is not a dedicated grocery store, the sales volume of eligible food items may not be high enough at every location to justify the effort. For franchise-owned stores, the decision often falls to the individual franchisee. Without a company-wide mandate, some owners may opt out due to the perceived costs and complexities, which contributes to inconsistent EBT acceptance nationwide.