Does Target Accept EBT Cards for Food Stamps – The Details

Yes, Target accepts EBT cards for food stamps. Usually, Target accepts EBT on all items that meet the SNAP requirements to purchase grocery items.

Key Takeaways

• People with EBT cards have to use the card in a SNAP-authorized store to buy products
• EBT cardholders receive various government assistance during financial difficulties
• You should keep in mind that SNAP Benefits are only limited to food items
• Target accepts EBT cards in all their 1900 stores in the United States
• With an EBT card, you will be able to buy food items like meats and poultry, milk, cheese, yogurt, canned legumes and fish, etc.

What is EBT?

EBT is a small form of Electronic Benefit transfer. Basically, EBT is a card-based electronic system that allows the EBT cardholder to receive various government assistance such as food stamps during financial difficulties. Usually, people under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) receive food stamps and use these SNAP Benefits to purchase various food items. To utilize the EBT benefits the customer has to use the card to purchase from a SNAP-authorized store. When you buy foods from these authorized stores using an EBT card, your EBT account is debited to pay for the purchases. This assistance program from the USA government has been around since 2004 and many stores around the USA support EBT card for food stamps.

An EBT card is quite similar to a credit card. It’s a plastic card with a security PIN and a magnetic strip. Food Stamps and money are credited to the EBT card and all the funds are protected by a PIN. When you are out shopping, you can use the EBT card, at point-of-sale terminals of an authorized store under the SNAP program. The SNAP program is very helpful for families who are suffering from financial problems. These families can use the EBT card to reduce their cost of grocery items and save some money. You should know that SNAP Benefits are only limited to food items and the main purpose of this program is to reduce the severity and hardships of poverty.

Does Target Accept EBT Card for Food Stamps?

Target is USA’s one of the leading department store chains and you will be happy to know that it accepts EBT cards. In fact, target accepts EBT cards in all their stores in the United States. It means you will be able to enjoy the SNAP benefits while buying the foodstuffs that are approved for benefits under the SNAP program at any Target store. But, you won’t be able to use the EBT card to make any online payments at Target. The EBT card can only be used at Target stores. 

Target’s Policy on EBT           

Target has a firm policy about the EBT card. Target has more than 1900 stores in the United States and all these stores allow its customers to use the EBT card. Moreover, target stores use WIC labels to help you easily differentiate the food items that you can buy using an EBT card. If you pick food items that do not fall under the SNAP program then you have to use another payment method than the EBT card. You will be happy to know that Target also has an excellent return policy for items that are bought using the EBT card. You can return an item that is bought using the EBT card within 90 days from the purchase date. But you won’t get a cash return because it is against the law. Target will credit your EBT card with the amount that you have spent on the returned items.

How to Use EBT Card for Food Stamps at Target

If you are at the Target store for shopping and if you are planning to use the EBT card then while shopping makes sure you separate the EBT eligible products from non-eligible products. Then go to the nearest counter. Here the cashier will use the EBT card just like a regular credit card by swiping it to the machine or entering the 4-digit pin. However, you must choose products that are eligible to benefit from Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). When you are at the counter, the computer automatically applies the EBT discount to all the products. This system has a self-checkout process and after scanning the product it automatically calculates the total amount after the discount. On the other hand, if you are eligible for WV Works/ Child Support Incentive benefits then you can easily withdraw money from ATMs using your EBT card which is very convenient. Don’t try to buy non-eligible products with your EBT card because the system will detect it and you might face a penalty for doing this!      

What Products can you Buy with EBT Card at Target?

The SNAP program covers the cost of essential groceries that have nutritious value. Below are the food types that you can buy with an EBT card at Target – 

• Breakfast cereal
• Meats and poultry
• Milk
• Fruit and vegetables
• Pasta, rice, and tortillas
• Yogurt
• Cheese
• Canned legumes and fish
• Whole wheat bread and other whole grains
• Juice (shelf-stable, non-carbonated)
• Tofu and soy products
• Peanut butter

The infant development program allows the mothers to buy supplementary baby formula, cereals, foods, fruit, vegetables, etc. Moreover, if you are a breastfeeding mother then you can also receive additional iron supplements. While shopping with an EBT card, you have to ensure that the card has a sufficient balance on it.

What Products Cannot Be Bought With EBT At Target?

You cannot buy products with an EBT card that are not allowed by the SNAP program. If you are supported by SNAP and WIC benefits then you won’t be able to buy non-grocery products at Target. Non-grocery products include cleaning supplies, paper products, diapers, household supplies, OTC medicines, etc. Moreover, you won’t be able to buy any kind of energy drinks with the EBT card at Target. Apart from that, tobacco products, cigarettes, and all kinds of alcohol are not allowed for EBT cardholders.

Does Starbucks in Target take EBT?

Starbucks is a non-essential, luxury brand. Therefore, Starbucks is not authorized by SNAP Program. So, it means Starbucks won’t accept EBT cards at any of its authorized stores. But that being said, some Starbucks authorized stores that are located in grocery stores and retail stores can accept EBT cards if you buy grocery products. It means you will be able to use your tour EBT card to buy SNAP-eligible items at some Starbucks stores. Below is a list of items that you will be able to buy at Starbucks-licensed stores:

• Instant coffee
• Creamer
• Coffee beans
• Ground coffee
• Pumpkin bread
• Cold beverages
• Sandwiches
• Soft drinks
• Sweets
• Energy drinks
• Snacks             

FAQs about Does Target Accept EBT Card for Food Stamps

Can I Use My EBT Card At Target’s Mini-Stores?

No, you won’t be able to use your EBT card at Target’s mini-stores. This is because EBT card is not allowed to pay for optical support, pharmaceuticals, or electronics.

Can I Use My EBT Card at Target.com?

Unfortunately, you are not allowed to use your EBT card at target.Com. Target only allows its customers to use the EBT card at stores. You can’t make any online payment at a target using the EBT card.

What Can’t I Buy With My EBT Card at Target?

At target, you are not allowed to buy non-grocery items, energy drinks, medicine, etc. using your EBT card. You are only allowed to buy grocery/food items that are allowed by the SNAP program.

Does Target accept EBT at self-checkout?

Yes, Target accepts EBT at self-checkout. So, going to a self-checkout will be much easier for you than going to a regular checkout. Every computer at target automatically applies the EBT discount on the eligible items so it doesn’t matter whether you go to a self-checkout or a regular checkout!  

References:

https://www.gobankingrates.com/saving-money/food/does-target-accept-ebt-food-stamps/
https://www.yahoo.com/video/does-target-accept-ebt-food-155006812.html

Last Updated on November 2, 2022 by Magalie D.