If you receive SNAP benefits, one of the most common questions is what places accept EBT? The good news is that millions of Americans can use their EBT cards at grocery stores, supermarkets, convenience stores, farmers markets, and selected online retailers across the United States.
However, not every business accepts EBT, and even at participating stores, only eligible items can be purchased with SNAP benefits.
This guide explains where you can use your EBT card, which stores accept EBT in every state, what restaurants may participate, and how online EBT shopping works.
Quick Answer
EBT is accepted at hundreds of thousands of USDA-authorised retailers throughout the United States.
Common places that accept EBT include:
- Walmart
- Target (eligible grocery items only)
- Costco
- Sam’s Club
- ALDI
- Kroger
- Safeway
- Albertsons
- Publix
- Food Lion
- WinCo Foods
- Meijer
- H-E-B
- Hy-Vee
- Trader Joe’s
- Whole Foods Market
- Amazon Fresh
- Amazon Grocery
- Dollar General
- Family Dollar (many locations)
- Dollar Tree (selected stores)
- 7-Eleven (many locations)
- Circle K (participating stores)
- Walgreens (eligible food items)
- CVS Pharmacy (eligible grocery items)
- Local grocery stores
- Farmers markets approved by USDA
The exact stores available depend on your location.
Places That Accept EBT by Category
Grocery Stores
Most major grocery chains accept EBT for eligible food purchases.
Popular grocery stores include:
- Walmart
- Kroger
- Safeway
- Albertsons
- Publix
- Food Lion
- WinCo Foods
- H-E-B
- Meijer
- Hy-Vee
- Giant Food
- Stop & Shop
- ShopRite
- Food 4 Less
- Save Mart
- Ingles Markets
- Piggly Wiggly
- Price Chopper
Most regional grocery stores authorised by USDA also accept EBT.
Warehouse Clubs
Several membership warehouse clubs accept EBT.
Examples include:
- Costco
- Sam’s Club
- BJ’s Wholesale Club
Membership is still required where applicable.
Discount Stores
Many discount retailers accept EBT for eligible grocery items.
These include:
- Dollar General
- Family Dollar
- Dollar Tree (participating stores)
- Big Lots (selected locations)
Non-food items must be paid for separately.
Convenience Stores
Many convenience stores are approved SNAP retailers.
Examples include:
- 7-Eleven
- Circle K
- Speedway
- Casey’s
- ExtraMile
- Local convenience stores
Only SNAP-approved food items qualify.
Pharmacies
Some pharmacies accept EBT for grocery products.
These may include:
- Walgreens
- CVS Pharmacy
- Rite Aid (selected locations)
You can typically purchase items such as bottled water, cereal, milk, and snacks if they meet SNAP rules.
Online Stores That Accept EBT
Online SNAP shopping is now available in all 50 states and Washington, DC, although participating retailers vary by location.
Common online retailers include:
- Walmart
- Amazon Fresh
- Amazon Grocery
- Safeway
- Albertsons
- Kroger
- ALDI (through participating partners)
- ShopRite
- Food Lion
- Stop & Shop
- Giant Food
Most retailers allow customers to pay for eligible groceries with EBT while paying delivery fees, tips, or non-eligible items separately.
Farmers Markets
Thousands of farmers markets across the United States accept EBT.
Benefits include purchasing:
- Fresh fruits
- Vegetables
- Herbs
- Honey (where eligible)
- Fresh eggs
- Locally produced foods
Many markets also offer incentive programmes that match a portion of SNAP spending, allowing customers to buy even more fresh produce.
What Restaurants Accept EBT?
Most restaurants do not accept EBT.
However, nine states currently operate the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP), which allows eligible SNAP recipients to buy prepared meals from approved restaurants.
Participating states include:
- Arizona
- California
- Illinois (selected counties)
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- New York
- Rhode Island
- Virginia
Restaurants vary by location but may include chains such as:
- Subway
- Burger King
- Taco Bell
- Jack in the Box
- KFC
- Pizza Hut
- Denny’s
- Popeyes
- Carl’s Jr.
- El Pollo Loco
Participation depends on the individual restaurant location.
State-by-State EBT Availability
Although every state issues SNAP benefits through EBT, the stores available vary by region.
Northeast
Common retailers include:
- Stop & Shop
- ShopRite
- Wegmans
- Price Chopper
- Hannaford
- Market Basket
- Walmart
- Target
Southeast
Popular stores include:
- Publix
- Food Lion
- Winn-Dixie
- Piggly Wiggly
- Walmart
- Kroger
- ALDI
Midwest
Major retailers include:
- Meijer
- Hy-Vee
- Fareway
- Kroger
- Walmart
- Target
- ALDI
Southwest
Popular options include:
- H-E-B
- Fry’s Food Stores
- Safeway
- Albertsons
- Walmart
- Bashas’
- Food City
West
Common retailers include:
- Safeway
- Albertsons
- WinCo Foods
- Grocery Outlet
- Costco
- Walmart
- Trader Joe’s
- Whole Foods Market
No matter which state you live in, you can also use the USDA SNAP Retailer Locator to find authorised stores near you.
What Can You Buy With EBT?
SNAP benefits generally cover:
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Meat
- Poultry
- Fish
- Bread
- Rice
- Pasta
- Dairy products
- Eggs
- Frozen foods
- Canned foods
- Breakfast cereal
- Snacks
- Juice
- Bottled water
- Coffee
- Tea
- Baby food
- Infant formula
- Seeds and plants that grow food
What Can’t You Buy With EBT?
SNAP benefits generally cannot be used for:
- Alcohol
- Tobacco products
- Gasoline
- Household cleaners
- Soap
- Shampoo
- Pet food
- Vitamins and supplements labelled with “Supplement Facts”
- Medicines
- Hot prepared meals (unless eligible through the Restaurant Meals Program)
- Delivery fees
- Driver tips
How to Find Places That Accept EBT Near You
Finding nearby EBT retailers is easy.
You can:
- Use the USDA SNAP Retailer Locator.
- Check your state’s SNAP website.
- Look for an EBT or SNAP sign near the entrance.
- Ask customer service before shopping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Walmart accept EBT?
Yes. Walmart accepts EBT in stores nationwide and for eligible online grocery purchases in participating areas.
Does Costco accept EBT?
Yes. Costco warehouses accept EBT for eligible grocery purchases.
Can I use EBT online?
Yes. Online SNAP shopping is available in all 50 states and Washington, DC through participating retailers.
Does Target accept EBT?
Yes. Target accepts EBT for eligible grocery items at participating stores.
Can I buy hot food with EBT?
Generally, no. Hot prepared meals are only available through the Restaurant Meals Program for eligible participants in participating states.
Final Thoughts
If you’re wondering what places accept EBT, you’ll find that there are more options than ever before. From national grocery chains and warehouse clubs to convenience stores, pharmacies, farmers markets, and online retailers, EBT makes it easier for millions of households to access nutritious food.
Before shopping, remember that only SNAP-eligible food items can be purchased with your EBT card. If you’re looking for nearby participating retailers, use the USDA SNAP Retailer Locator or check with your state’s SNAP agency for the most up-to-date information.
