Yes, Sam’s Club does accept EBT cards, also known as food stamps or SNAP benefits, for eligible purchases at all of their club locations. This payment option extends to in-store shopping and through their convenient Scan & Go app.
For individuals relying on government assistance programs like SNAP, Sam’s Club offers a significant incentive: a discount on their annual membership. New members who are SNAP recipients can receive a 60 percent discount on a Club membership, reducing the price to $20 per year from the standard $50. Alternatively, they can get $50 off a Plus membership, lowering the cost to $60 per year from $110. This discount is available for online sign-ups, making bulk shopping more accessible for those using EBT.
Here are some helpful tips to optimize your shopping experience at Sam’s Club when using your EBT card:
- Ensure you are purchasing SNAP-eligible items, adhering to the guidelines set by the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) in your state.
- Separate your EBT-eligible items from non-eligible purchases during checkout to streamline the payment process.
- Utilize apps like Propel to keep track of your monthly EBT balance. Effective budgeting is crucial for managing essential expenses.
- Buying in bulk at Sam’s Club can lead to significant savings and reduce the frequency of grocery trips. Consider splitting bulk purchases with family or friends to minimize food waste and maximize benefits.
- Remember that Sam’s Club is part of the Walmart family, and Walmart gift cards are accepted at Sam’s Club locations, providing additional payment flexibility.
Using EBT at Sam’s Club Checkout Options
Sam’s Club provides multiple checkout options that accommodate EBT payments. You can confidently use your EBT card at both regular self-checkout lanes and through the Scan & Go feature within the Sam’s Club mobile app. Scan & Go enhances your shopping efficiency by allowing you to scan product barcodes as you shop, pay directly through the app, and simply show your digital receipt upon exiting the store.
When using your EBT card at any point of sale, it’s crucial to be vigilant about potential card skimming devices. Before inserting your EBT card into a card reader, gently check for any loose or unusual parts that might indicate tampering. This simple precaution can help protect your benefits from theft.
Online EBT Purchases at Sam’s Club: What to Know
Currently, Sam’s Club does not facilitate online EBT payments through their website. This policy means that SNAP benefits cannot be used for online purchases, including curbside pickup orders, as these orders are processed as online transactions. Therefore, to use your EBT card, you must shop in person at a Sam’s Club location.
SNAP-Eligible Food Items at Sam’s Club
With your EBT card at Sam’s Club, you can purchase a wide array of SNAP-eligible food items. These generally include essential grocery categories that support nutritional needs. Here are some common SNAP-approved items you can find in bulk at Sam’s Club:
- Fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables, providing essential vitamins and minerals.
- Meat, poultry, and fish, which are important sources of protein.
- Dairy products and eggs, offering calcium and protein.
- Bread, cereals, pasta, and other grains, supplying necessary carbohydrates and fiber.
- Snack foods like chips and nuts, for occasional treats and energy boosts.
- Non-alcoholic beverages such as juice and bottled water, for hydration.
Beyond these typical grocery items, Sam’s Club also offers some surprising SNAP-eligible products in bulk, maximizing your benefits:
- Bulk packages of raw or frozen meats, ideal for stocking up on protein sources.
- Large bags of frozen seafood, offering variety and nutrition.
- Multi-packs of sealed ice cream, a treat for families.
- Bulk coffee beans and tea bags labeled with “Nutrition Facts,” for your daily beverages.
- Plants that produce food for your household, such as fruit trees, supporting home gardening and fresh produce.
Non-Eligible Prepared Foods
While you can purchase many food items with EBT, hot or prepared foods ready for immediate consumption from Sam’s Club cafes or food courts are not SNAP-eligible. This means items like the popular $4.98 rotisserie chickens cannot be bought with SNAP benefits. However, you can use your EBT card to buy packaged frozen meals and ingredients like frozen chicken tenders and frozen pizzas to prepare at home, offering a cost-effective way to feed your family.
Items Not Eligible for EBT Purchase at Sam’s Club
Certain categories of items are not SNAP-eligible and therefore cannot be purchased with your EBT card at Sam’s Club. These restrictions include:
- Prepared foods from the Sam’s Club café, such as hot dogs, pizza slices, and ice cream sundaes.
- Vitamins and supplements, as these are considered non-essential food items under SNAP guidelines.
- Household items like toilet paper, diapers, and laundry detergent, which fall outside the scope of food assistance.
- Pet food and supplies, as SNAP benefits are strictly for human food consumption.
- Member’s Mark liquor and other alcoholic beverages, which are explicitly excluded by SNAP regulations.
- Non-food items like electronics, clothing, and furniture, which are not covered by food benefits.
- Sam’s Club membership fees and delivery charges, as these are service fees rather than food purchases.
An exception to these rules is the Restaurant Meals Program, available in some locations. This program allows specific SNAP recipients, such as the elderly, disabled, or homeless, to purchase prepared meals at participating restaurants. However, this program is not universally available and may not apply at Sam’s Club cafes.
Maximizing Savings at Sam’s Club
EBT Discounts and Membership Benefits
Sam’s Club does not offer direct discounts specifically for EBT cardholders on products. However, the significant discount on membership for SNAP recipients effectively makes bulk buying more affordable. Qualifying individuals can receive a 60% discount on a Club membership or a 45% discount on a Plus membership when joining online as new members.
Although the Sam’s Club membership fee itself cannot be paid with an EBT card, the reduced membership cost opens the door for SNAP participants to access bulk pricing and exclusive Instant Savings deals.
Benefits of Bulk Shopping for Smaller Households:
- Reduced trips to the store, saving time and transportation costs.
- Focus on purchasing staple ingredients, frozen foods, and pantry essentials in larger quantities.
- Manage fresh produce purchases more efficiently by buying only what is needed in the short term.
- Increased meal preparation flexibility with a wider variety of ingredients on hand.
Additional Money-Saving Tips:
- Always compare unit prices to confirm that bulk purchases offer genuine savings.
- Consider sharing bulk items with family or friends if storage space is limited or to prevent waste.
- Keep an eye out for Instant Savings promotions for extra discounts.
- Explore Member’s Mark, Sam’s Club’s store brand, for quality products at lower prices.
- Use the Sam’s Club app to monitor prices and discover deals.
- Check clearance sections, especially in perishable departments, for significant markdowns.
Leveraging Sam’s Club Instant Savings
The Sam’s Club Instant Savings program presents monthly, limited-time offers on a rotating selection of products, from pantry staples to popular snacks. These discounts are applied automatically at checkout, eliminating the need for coupons.
Key points about Instant Savings:
- Discounts are applied automatically at the register.
- Preview monthly deals on the Sam’s Club website or mobile app to plan your shopping.
- Instant Savings are accessible to primary and household cardholders over 18.
- New members might need to wait 24 hours for Instant Savings to activate.
- Some offers are exclusive to in-store purchases or have purchase limits.
Tip for Price Adjustments
While Sam’s Club does not honor competitor price matching or accept coupons, they do allow price adjustments. If you find a lower price at another club after purchasing an item at Sam’s Club, you can often bring the item back for a price adjustment, ensuring you always get the best possible deal.
Sam’s Club Membership Options Explained
Sam’s Club offers two primary annual membership tiers:
- Club Membership: $50 per year
- Plus Membership: $110 per year
Remember, eligible benefits recipients can significantly reduce the cost of membership. With the 60% discount, an EBT cardholder could potentially obtain a Sam’s Club membership for just $20 annually.
Both membership levels include valuable benefits:
- Curbside pickup (note: a $4 fee applies, and curbside purchases are not EBT-eligible).
- Access to Instant Savings.
- Savings on fuel at Sam’s Club gas stations.
- Free shipping on select online items (Sam’s Club delivery purchases are not EBT-eligible).
- Additional discounts at the pharmacy and optical center.
- Early shopping hours, starting at 8:00 a.m.
The Plus membership offers enhanced benefits:
- Plus Rewards: Earn 2% Sam’s Cash back on qualifying purchases, up to $500 per year.
- Free shipping on large items, such as TVs.
Special membership discounts are also available for various groups, including public benefits recipients, students, military personnel, first responders, nurses, medical providers, hospital employees, teachers, government employees, and seniors, making membership more accessible to a wide range of individuals.
WIC Benefits at Sam’s Club: Current Policy
Sam’s Club does not currently accept WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) benefits. WIC is a separate program providing assistance to pregnant women and families with young children. For WIC-specific purchases, you will need to shop at retailers authorized to accept WIC benefits.
Protecting Your EBT Card at Sam’s Club
Regardless of where you use your EBT card, security is paramount. Follow these guidelines to protect your EBT card information while shopping at Sam’s Club:
- Never disclose your PIN to anyone, including Sam’s Club employees.
- Keep your EBT card in a safe and secure location.
- Change your PIN regularly, ideally each month before your benefits are deposited.
- Monitor your EBT balance frequently to detect any unauthorized activity. The Propel app is a useful tool for balance checks.
- In case of a lost or stolen card, report it immediately by contacting your state’s EBT hotline. Prompt reporting is crucial to prevent misuse and secure benefit replacement.
