Target accepts EBT cards and food stamps in authorized store locations. But, unfortunately, you can’t use your card to purchase products on the Target website.
Customers can only use EBT cards to buy nutritious groceries or SNAP-approved products in Target stores.
Read more to learn how to use your EBT and food stamps at Target.
What Is Target’s Official EBT Policy?
Target’s EBT policy does allow for the use of EBT and food stamps as payment.
However, unlike other stores where only a limited number of branches take this mode of payment, you can use your Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in all of its 1,900 stores across the U.S.
However, you can only use your EBT card on approved SNAP products, and if you purchase any additional items, you must pay them with a different payment method.
But, it won’t be challenging to look for the approved products because many Target stores use WIC labels to distinguish items.
This allows you to identify grocery items you can buy with your food stamps.
EBT products are covered by Target’s standard 90-day return policy unless otherwise stated.
However, it is against federal law to provide cash refunds for EBT purchases.
So, if you need to return a product at Target, you need to show a receipt to get your refund back to your card.
If you don’t have a receipt, you will be given store credit or an identical item in exchange.
Which Items Can You Buy From Target Using EBT?
EBT benefits typically cover almost all essential groceries, especially those with nutritious value.
At the same time, many beneficiaries follow the recommended nutrition plan of their advisors, and all of the products indicated in the program can be purchased by food stamps.
But, remember, you can only use your SNAP benefits on staple foods you can prepare at home.
Here’s a list of products that you can purchase at Target:
- Cooking oils like coconut oil, olive oil, and avocado oil
- Dairy products including milk, yogurt, and cheese
- Filtered water
- Food producing seeds and plants
- Frozen, canned, and fresh foods
- Frozen canned and fresh fruits and vegetables
- Poultry, pork products, and discount meat
- Snacks and non-alcoholic soft drinks
- Tofu and soy products
If you are enrolled in the WIC program, you can also purchase the supplementary baby formula, cereals, and meat specializing in infant development.
In addition, breastfeeding mothers will also receive additional iron supplements. However, these added products are not for free.
They’re just eligible for purchase using the funds in your EBT.
Which Items Can’t You Buy From Target Using EBT?
SNAP controls what you can and can’t buy with your EBT card.
So, even though target accepts this mode of payment, there are certain products that you can’t purchase from the store or other groceries.
Below are the items that aren’t covered by your food stamps:
- Hot food: Any food that is hot on the point of sale can’t be purchased with your EBT card. This means that prepared food is not part of the approved list. However, some restaurants and fast food accept EBT as a payment method.
- Alcoholic beverages and tobacco: Cigarettes, beer, wine, liquor, and other alcoholic drinks are prohibited from buying using your food stamps. These products are not essential food items, so don’t purchase them using your food stamps. However, you can still purchase non-alcoholic drinks.
- Medicines, vitamins, or health supplements: Only WIC beneficiaries can purchase specific vitamins and supplements. However, those who aren’t part of this program won’t be able to buy them using an EBT card.
- Live animals and pet foods: Unfortunately, buying a pet and food for it isn’t allowed with your food stamps, unless shellfish, fish that are removed from the water, or animals slaughtered prior to pick-up from the store.
- Home supplies including cleaning materials, paper products, makeup, and other household products: You’re not allowed to buy products for your home unless they fall under the food benefit.
Similar Stores That Accept EBT
EBT cards are acce[ted in many stores. Here are some of the groceries and retails stores that accept food stamps as payment:
- ALDI
- BJ’s Wholesale Club
- Dillons Food Stores
- Dollar General
- Food City
- Harris Teeter
- Kmart
- Kroger
- Payless Supermarkets
- Piggly Wiggly
- Pick ‘n Save
- Safeway
- Sam’s Club
- Walmart
- Walgreens
Tip: You can ask your local SNAP agency for the list of stores that accept EBT cards.
Are There Any Restrictions On Who Can Use EBT In Target?
Yes, there are restrictions on who can use EBT cards in Target. Only the card owner and authorized users are allowed to swipe their cards in the store.
Authorized users include members of the household, including your spouse, roommate, older children, and even your caregiver, to use the card.
This ensures that your benefits are protected from theft and fraud.
How To Use Your EBT Card At Target
EBT cards work similarly to credit and debit cards. However, you need to input your PIN to authorize a transaction.
The PIN is an added security implemented by SNAP to ensure that only beneficiaries can use their food stamps.
If you’re not familiar with credit or debit cards, here’s an instruction on how you can use your EBT card at Target:
- Visit your local Target store and make sure that theta accepts food stamps before you start shopping.
- When shopping at Target, only purchase SNAP-approved products. Otherwise, you’ll end up paying with your own money.
- Go to the checkout as you would normally. Then, for the payment, swipe your card through the POS (Point-of-Sale) terminal.
- After swiping, you’ll be asked to input your PIN. Instead of showing your password, the terminal will only show ****. Once you’re done, press Enter or OK key.
- The cashier will enter the total amount of your purchase. If the amount is correct, press the OK or Yes key. Then, grab your receipt, and you’re all done.
Tip: To keep yourself from overspending, keep all your receipts with you. You can tally all your purchases weekly or monthly, so you can track where you spend most of your benefits.
Can You Use Your EBT Card At Target Mini Stores?
Yes, but only some mini-stores in Target accept EBT cards and food stamps as payment.
Mini stores include Starbucks, CVS Health center, opticians, and an Apple stand.
However, only SNAP-eligible products can be purchased using your card, and you can’t pay for optical support, pharmaceuticals, or electronics using it.
But some SNAP benefits include access to coffee and cakes at Starbucks found in Target.
Can I Use EBT To Buy From The Target Website?
No, you can’t use your EBT card to buy items from the Target website.
While some stores accept food stamps in their online stores, Target isn’t part of it and hasn’t announced any plans on accepting EBT as a payment method online.
Does Target Accept Food Stamps?
Yes, Target accepts food stamps as payment.
However, you can only use SNAP-approved products, and buying foods that aren’t deemed essential isn’t allowed.
So make sure to purchase approved products, or else you’ll end up paying for them with your own money.
Conclusion
Target accepts EBT cards such as WIC and SNAP benefits.
However, only certain products are available for purchase, such as fresh food, canned goods, milk, bread, juice, and more.
In addition, those who are part of the WIC program are allowed to buy formula and infant specialized items.
Target mini-stores also accept food stamps, but you need to ensure that you’re purchasing SNAP-approved items only.
