Where Can You Use Your EBT Card? The Complete Guide to Accepted Stores and Online Options

If you recently signed up for SNAP benefits or are thinking about applying, one of the first questions on your mind is probably: where can you use your EBT card? The good news is that your EBT card is accepted at thousands of grocery stores, supermarkets, farmers markets, and even online retailers across the country. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about using your benefits with confidence.

Where to Use Your EBT Card: Major Grocery Stores and Retailers

Your EBT card works just like a debit card at checkout. The vast majority of major grocery chains participate in SNAP, so you likely already shop at stores that accept it. Here are some of the most popular retailers where your card is welcome:

• Walmart — One of the largest SNAP retailers in the country, with both in-store and online grocery options.
• Kroger — Accepted at Kroger-family stores including Fred Meyer, King Soopers, Ralphs, and others.
• Albertsons and Safeway — Both chains and their affiliate banners accept EBT cards at checkout.
• Publix — A popular choice in the Southeast, fully SNAP-authorized.
• Aldi — Budget-friendly and EBT-friendly, with locations in most states.
• Costco — Accepts EBT in-store at all warehouse locations (note: not for online orders).
• Target — EBT is accepted on eligible food items at Target stores.
• Trader Joe's — All locations accept SNAP EBT cards.

Beyond these big names, thousands of independent grocery stores, ethnic markets, co-ops, and discount food retailers are also authorized SNAP retailers. To find a store near you, the USDA maintains an official SNAP retailer locator tool online where you can search by zip code.

Online Grocery Delivery: Use Your EBT Card From Home

One of the biggest improvements to the SNAP program in recent years is the ability to shop online and pay with your EBT card. This is especially helpful for older adults who may have difficulty getting to a store, or anyone who simply prefers the convenience of home delivery.

Here are the major online retailers currently authorized to accept EBT payments:

• Amazon Fresh and Amazon Pantry — Amazon accepts EBT for grocery purchases online. Prime membership is not required to use EBT, and Amazon even offers a discounted Prime rate for SNAP recipients.
• Walmart.com — You can order groceries online and pay with EBT for pickup or delivery, depending on your location.
• Instacart — Several stores available on Instacart now accept EBT payment, including Aldi, Publix, and others. Availability depends on your area.
• Kroger.com — Kroger allows EBT payment for online pickup orders in many states.
• FreshDirect — Available in select metro areas and accepts EBT for online orders.

Tip: When shopping online with EBT, keep in mind that delivery fees and tips cannot be paid with your SNAP benefits. You will need a separate payment method for those charges.

The list of approved online retailers continues to grow. Check with your state SNAP office or the USDA website for the most current list of approved online vendors in your area.

Farmers Markets and Specialty Retailers

Many people do not realize that EBT cards can also be used at participating farmers markets. In fact, some states and local programs even offer bonus incentives that double your purchasing power when you spend SNAP benefits on fresh fruits and vegetables at a farmers market. Programs like Double Up Food Bucks operate in many states and can stretch your grocery dollars significantly.

To find a SNAP-authorized farmers market near you, look for signs at local markets or ask a vendor. You can also search the USDA retailer locator for markets in your zip code.

Where to Use Your EBT Card: What You CAN Buy

SNAP benefits are designed to help you buy food for your household. Here is a general list of what is covered:

• Fresh, frozen, and canned fruits and vegetables
• Meat, poultry, and fish
• Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt
• Bread, cereals, and grains
• Snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages
• Seeds and plants that produce food for your household to eat

What You CANNOT Buy With SNAP Benefits

There are some items that SNAP benefits do not cover. Knowing this ahead of time saves you from surprises at the register:

• Alcohol and tobacco products
• Hot prepared foods ready to eat (like a rotisserie chicken at a deli counter)
• Vitamins and supplements
• Non-food household items such as cleaning supplies, paper products, and toiletries
• Pet food
• Delivery fees, tips, or service charges when ordering online

There is one exception worth knowing: some states have received special approval to allow SNAP benefits to be used at certain restaurants through the SNAP Restaurant Meals Program. This program is designed for elderly, disabled, or homeless individuals who may not have access to a kitchen. Check with your state SNAP office to see if this option is available where you live.

Tips for Using Your EBT Card Smoothly

Here are a few practical tips to make shopping with your EBT card as easy as possible:

• Know your balance before you shop. You can usually check your balance on your state EBT card website, through a mobile app, or by calling the number on the back of your card.
• Keep your PIN private. Treat your EBT card like a bank card and never share your PIN with anyone.
• Report a lost or stolen card immediately by calling the number on the back of your card or contacting your state SNAP office.
• Separate your items at checkout if you have both SNAP-eligible and non-eligible items. The cashier or self-checkout system will apply your EBT balance only to covered food items.

Ready to Get Started With SNAP?

If you are not yet enrolled in SNAP but think you might qualify, the application process is simpler than many people expect. Most states allow you to apply online in about 15 to 20 minutes, and applications are typically processed within 30 days. If you are in a financial emergency, you may be eligible to receive benefits in as little as 7 days.

To check your eligibility, find your state SNAP office, or start an application, visit the official USDA SNAP website at fns.usda.gov/snap. You can also call the SNAP information line at 1-800-221-5689 for assistance in multiple languages.

Millions of Americans use their EBT card every day to put healthy food on the table. If you qualify, there is no reason to wait. Find out where to use your EBT card at a store near you and take advantage of the support that is available to you.