Does Cash and Carry Take EBT?

Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) is a system government agencies use to deliver benefits electronically to eligible individuals and families. These benefits, primarily from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), help supplement household food budgets for purchasing food. “Cash & Carry” stores are wholesale or warehouse retailers that sell goods in bulk, often at discounted prices, to both businesses and individual consumers. They operate on a self-service model where customers pay for and transport their own purchases.

EBT Acceptance at Cash & Carry Stores

EBT acceptance, specifically for SNAP benefits, is not uniform across all “Cash & Carry” stores. Many wholesale clubs and warehouse stores do accept EBT for eligible food purchases. However, acceptance can vary by specific store brand or even individual locations.

Some wholesale retailers, such as major warehouse clubs, have broadly adopted EBT acceptance across their locations, recognizing the value in catering to a wider customer base. Conversely, other “Cash & Carry” operations might not accept EBT, possibly due to their primary focus on business-to-business transactions or differing operational models and licensing. Retailers authorized to accept SNAP benefits must meet specific federal requirements, such as maintaining a certain inventory of staple foods or having more than half of their sales derived from staple foods.

Understanding EBT-Eligible Purchases

EBT benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are specifically designated for purchasing eligible food items for household consumption. This includes a broad range of products such as fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, breads, and cereals. Non-alcoholic beverages, snack foods, and even seeds and plants that produce food for the household are also typically eligible for purchase. The general guideline is that if an item has a “Nutrition Facts” label and is intended for human consumption, it is usually eligible.

Items not eligible for purchase with EBT benefits include hot foods prepared for immediate consumption, alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, and vitamins or supplements. Non-food items such as pet food, cleaning supplies, paper products, and hygiene items are also excluded.

Using Your EBT Card at Checkout

Using an EBT card at checkout is similar to using a standard debit card. Before shopping, check your available balance by reviewing a recent receipt, checking an online SNAP account, or calling the customer service number on the back of the card.

At the point of sale, swipe or insert your EBT card into the terminal. Then, enter your confidential four-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN). The transaction amount for eligible items is deducted from your EBT account.

If your purchase includes both eligible and non-eligible items, or if the total exceeds your EBT funds, you can split the payment. The EBT card covers the eligible portion, and another form of payment covers the remainder. Keep your receipt to monitor the remaining balance.

Finding EBT-Accepting Retailers

You can find retailers that accept EBT, including “Cash & Carry” stores, through several methods. Many stores display signage with the EBT or Quest card logo near entrances or checkout lanes.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides an online SNAP Retailer Locator tool. This tool allows you to search for authorized retailers by entering an address, city, state, or ZIP code.

Some third-party applications and state-specific EBT websites or hotlines also offer similar search functions. You can also directly contact a specific “Cash & Carry” store or check its website to confirm EBT acceptance before shopping.