Yes, Trader Joe's takes EBT as one of their six payment methods. So even though there's a lot you can’t do at Trader Joe’s (like use store coupons), paying with an EBT card is definitely a thing.
Here are all the details about how EBT works at Trader Joe's, including which products may or may not be eligible (watch out for the hot foods!), what it means for the return policy, and other places you’ll want to shop with your EBT card if you’re looking for curbside service.
Be sure to download The Krazy Coupon Lady app to stay on top of all the best offers and Trader Joe’s deals.
Does Trader Joe's take EBT? Yes, indeed.
Yes, Trader Joe’s accepts EBT! It’s one of the six methods of payment you can use. Here are all the ways you're allowed to pay at Trader Joe's:
Cash
Credit or debit cards
EBT Cards
Mobile payments (like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay)
Personal checks
Trader Joe’s gift cards
Just pay with your EBT card at Trader Joe's like you would with any other card.
If you’ve used your EBT card to make a purchase anywhere else, it’s the same process to get your EBT card to work at Trader Joe’s. At checkout, just swipe your benefits card instead of a credit card. You’ll enter your PIN, and your order will automatically get split into eligible items and non-eligible items. More about that in a second.
If you’re using SNAP, your food stamp balance will cover the eligible portion of your order.
Most Trader Joe's items are eligible for EBT, but definitely not their hot meals.
What you can and can’t buy on SNAP varies by state. For example, in some states, you might be able to purchase tea and energy drinks on SNAP, while in others you can’t.
As a general rule, the biggest no-no in all 50 states is hot, prepared foods. But Trader Joe’s Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups? They totally qualify for SNAP. Organic, tri-color spaghetti? That’s another big yes.
Most food items in the store will qualify. If you hit a weird state rule, that item will simply ring up as an additional total that has to be paid for with another method, like cash or debit.
If you’re using an EBT card with cash benefits loaded, you may be able to use the cash portion of your EBT allotment to make nonfood or other purchases restricted by your state’s SNAP program.
TIP: Here are the best Trader Joe’s food items to buy right now.
Trader Joe's won't take EBT on your curbside order — because they don't offer that service.
Major bummer, I know! Trader Joe’s doesn’t do curbside pickup or delivery, as mentioned in their online FAQ.
You may be able to use your EBT card on curbside orders at other grocery stores, though. Let me tell you — small business owners or franchisees aren’t always on top of the latest laws and regulations, even when they believe they are. So if a grocer tells you they can’t accept SNAP on curbside orders, see if you can find another grocer in your area who will.
Related: Yes, you can coupon with food stamps.
Know that Trader Joe's return policy covers your SNAP purchases.
Generally speaking, yes, you can make returns on SNAP purchases at Trader Joe’s. Technically, individual store policy can prohibit the practice, but the USDA has no issue with stores processing the returns.
Trader Joe’s has a pretty generous return policy, too. You can return items whenever — with or without a receipt. You can even return opened or half-eaten food items. They want to make sure their customers are 100% satisfied with the products they choose, so if you don’t like it for any reason, returning it is no problem.
Lots more grocers accept EBT cards, too.
EBT cards are accepted at many grocery stores and chains nationwide. You can also sometimes use them at convenience stores.
A lot of big retailers accept EBT now, too. For example, you can use EBT at Walmart, Target, Dollar Tree, and even Amazon.
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