How Costco Self-Checkout Works with EBT
Yes, you can use EBT at Costco self-checkout. The process feels just like a regular checkout. You simply scan your items, select EBT as your payment, and follow the prompts. Costco makes shopping with electronic benefits transfer easy. Many people choose costco self-checkout for a quick and smooth experience.
Key Takeaways
You can use your EBT card at Costco self-checkout by scanning your items, selecting EBT as payment, and entering your PIN to pay for eligible food items.
Separate EBT-eligible items from non-eligible ones during checkout because you must pay for non-eligible items with another method like a debit or credit card.
If you face issues like a declined card or confusion, ask Costco staff for help to make your shopping experience smooth and stress-free.
Costco Self-Checkout Process
EBT Payment Steps
Using your EBT card at costco self-checkout is simple, but you need to pay close attention to your items. Here’s how you can do it:
Scan all your groceries at the self-checkout registers. Make sure you know which items are EBT-eligible and which are not.
When you finish scanning, check your screen. The system will show you the total for EBT-eligible food items and any non-eligible items.
Select EBT as your payment method. The screen will prompt you to swipe your EBT card.
Pay for the eligible items with your EBT card.
If you have non-eligible items, the system will ask you to pay for those with another payment method, like a debit or credit card.
Tip: At costco self-checkout, you need to separate EBT-eligible items from non-eligible ones yourself. This step is different from regular costco checkout, where a cashier can help you split the payment. You have more control at self-checkout, but you also need to double-check your items.
The process at self-checkout feels a lot like regular checkout, but you handle the details. You scan, select EBT, and pay for eligible items. If you have anything that EBT does not cover, you pay for those separately.
PIN and Card Entry
After you select EBT as your payment method, the screen will ask you to swipe your card. You will see a prompt to enter your PIN. This step keeps your transaction safe.
Swipe your EBT card when the screen tells you.
Enter your four-digit PIN using the keypad.
Wait for the system to approve your payment.
If you enter the wrong PIN, the system will ask you to try again. Make sure you remember your PIN before you start your costco self-checkout trip. If you have trouble, you can always ask a costco employee for help.
Note: Self-checkout registers at costco require you to manage your own payment steps. You need to pay attention to the prompts and follow each step carefully. This helps you avoid mistakes and makes your checkout faster.
Costco makes it easy to use EBT at self-checkout, but you need to stay alert. You handle the scanning, payment selection, and PIN entry. With a little practice, you will find the process quick and smooth.
Costco Accept EBT Rules
Eligible Food Items
When you shop at Costco with your EBT card, you can buy a wide range of groceries. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) covers many staple foods. You can use your EBT card for these snap-eligible products:
Fresh fruits and vegetables
Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt
Breads, cereals, and grains
Meat, poultry, and fish
Snack foods and desserts
Spices, condiments, and seasonings
Bottled water and non-alcoholic drinks
Seeds and plants that help you grow food at home
Costco accept ebt for these eligible products at self-checkout. You just need to make sure you only pay for snap-eligible items with your EBT card. SNAP benefits help you get the food you need for your family.
Tip: If you are not sure whether an item is eligible, check the label or ask a Costco employee. The system will only let you pay for approved items with your EBT card.
Ineligible Purchases
Some things at Costco are not covered by SNAP. You cannot use your EBT card for these items:
Tobacco products, including cigarettes and e-cigarettes
Pet food and supplies
Prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicine, vitamins, and supplements
Personal care items such as soap, deodorant, toothpaste, diapers, and makeup
Household cleaners and paper products
Hot prepared foods or ready-to-drink coffee and tea
Live animals (except certain seafood and animals prepared before pick-up)
Energy drinks labeled as supplements
If you try to buy these items at self-checkout, the system will ask for another payment method. Only eligible food items can be paid for with EBT at self-checkout. Costco follows USDA and state rules to make sure you use your SNAP benefits the right way.
Payment Limitations at Self-Checkout
No Split Payments
When you use self-checkout at Costco, you need to know how the payment system works. You cannot combine your EBT card with another payment method in a single transaction at the self-checkout. If you want to use both EBT and another card, you must make two separate payments. This means you pay for all EBT-eligible items first, then use a different payment method for the rest.
Scan all your items and check which ones are covered by snap benefits.
The self-checkout will process your EBT payment for eligible groceries.
For non-eligible items, you must pay with a debit card, Visa credit card, or another accepted method.
If you find this process tricky, you can always use the regular checkout lane. There, a Costco employee can help you split your payment between EBT and another card.
Tip: If you separate your snap and non-snap items before you start, you can finish your checkout faster.
Other Payment Options
Costco gives you several ways to pay for items that EBT does not cover. Here is a quick look at what you can use at self-checkout:
Payment Method | Accepted at Costco Self-Checkout | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Visa Credit Cards | Yes | Only Visa credit cards accepted in-store |
Debit Cards | Yes | Major networks including Visa, Mastercard, and Discover accepted |
Yes | Accepted at most warehouse locations | |
Yes | Gift cards usable in-store and online | |
Checks | Yes | Personal and traveler's checks accepted; business checks require active business membership |
Mobile Payments | Yes | Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay accepted when linked to a Visa card |
EBT Cards | Yes (limited) | Only for eligible food purchases; not accepted for prepared foods, non-food items, or membership fees |
You can also use your EBT card at the Costco food court for snap-eligible foods. Some locations let you use Scan & Go, but you might need a debit card to pay for taxes. Always check with your local warehouse if you have questions about payment options.
Troubleshooting EBT at Costco
Card Declined
You might see your EBT card get declined at self-checkout. This can feel stressful, but it happens for a few reasons. Maybe your EBT balance is too low. Sometimes, you try to buy something that EBT does not cover. The machine will not let you pay for ineligible items with your EBT card.
Here are some steps you can take if your card gets declined:
Check your EBT balance before you shop. You can do this online or by phone.
Look at your items. Make sure you only use EBT for approved foods.
Try your card again. Sometimes, the machine just needs another swipe.
Tip: If you keep having trouble, do not worry. You can always ask for help.
Getting Help
Costco staff can help you if you run into problems with your EBT card. You will see employees near the self-checkout area. They know how to fix most issues. If your card keeps getting declined or you cannot pay for certain items, just wave to a staff member.
You can also ask questions about which foods EBT covers. Costco employees want you to have a smooth shopping trip. They can show you how to use the self-checkout or help you move to a regular checkout lane if needed.
Note: Never feel embarrassed to ask for help. Many people use EBT at Costco every day.
Tips for Smooth Checkout
Prepare Items
Getting ready before you start scanning can make your trip to costco much easier. You want to make sure you pay for all your snap-eligible foods without any trouble. Here are some steps you can follow:
Place your items on the self-checkout area so you can see everything.
Scan each item one by one. The system will let you know if something is not approved for snap.
Always pay with your EBT card first. This helps the transaction go smoothly.
If you see a message about a non-eligible item, do not worry. The machine will ask you to use another payment method for that product.
If you feel stuck or confused, ask the self-checkout attendant for help. They know how to fix most problems.
Tip: You do not have to separate snap and non-snap items before you scan. The costco system will sort it out for you.
Review Receipt
After you finish paying, take a moment to look at your receipt. This step helps you make sure everything went as planned.
Check that all your snap items show up as paid with your EBT card.
Look for any items that needed a different payment method.
If you spot a mistake, talk to a costco employee right away. They can help you fix it.
Reviewing your receipt keeps you in control of your shopping. You can leave costco knowing your snap benefits covered the right foods.
You now know how to use EBT at self-checkout. Just scan your items, pay for approved foods, and check your receipt. If you ever feel unsure, ask for help. Shopping with EBT feels easy and stress-free. You can shop with confidence every time you visit.
FAQ
Can you use EBT at every Costco self-checkout?
Yes, you can use your EBT card at most Costco self-checkout lanes. If you have trouble, ask a staff member for help.
What if you accidentally scan a non-EBT item?
The system will ask you to use another payment method for that item. You can pay with cash, debit, or a Visa card.
Tip: Double-check your items before you pay. This helps you avoid surprises at checkout.
Do you need to show ID when using EBT at Costco?
No, you do not need to show ID for EBT purchases at self-checkout. You only need your EBT card and your PIN.
See Also
Benefits Of Walmart+ Membership With Self-Checkout Features
Common Issues Encountered During Walmart Self-Checkout Process
How Self-Checkout Technology Has Changed Over Time
Upcoming Changes To Walmart Self-Checkout Access In 2025
Walgreens Self-Checkout Review: Convenience Versus Retail Challenges
