Does CVS accept EBT/SNAP? What You Need To Know

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, is an important government assistance program for millions of people in the U.S. The program provides qualifying individuals with Electronics Benefits Cards (EBT) that can be used to purchase groceries in many stores around the nation.

CVS is one of the most popular convenience stores in the nation, with over 9,900 stores throughout the country. You can find everything from snacks to shampoo at your local CVS.

But does CVS accept EBT/SNAP? We’ll tell you everything you need to know.

What is EBT and how does it work?
Does CVS take EBT?
Using your EBT card for online CVS purchases
Returning food items bought with EBT cards at CVS
Final word

What is EBT and how does it work?

EBT, or Electronic Benefits Transfer, cards are plastic cards that look similar to debit cards and are used to access SNAP benefits. The EBT system was created in the 1990s as a way to reduce fraud and help ensure that benefits were going to those who needed them.

To use the card, the holder inserts it into a point-of-sale (POS) terminal at a grocery store or other retailer and enters their personal identification number (PIN). The funds are then transferred from the government’s account to the retailer’s account, and the purchase is complete.

Does CVS take EBT?

Yes, most CVS stores accept EBT cards as payments for food-related products, however not all CVS stores accept EBT.

Currently, over 6,660 of the 9,900+ CVS stores accept EBT. The company has been accepting EBT cards since 2013.

Food items such as fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, bread, cereals, snack foods, and non-alcoholic beverages can be bought with an EBT card. Other items such as cigarettes, alcohol, and hot foods are not allowed. If there is a doubt about whether or not an item can be bought with an EBT card, it is best to ask the cashier before completing the purchase.

If you want to know ahead of time if your local CVS accepts EBT, the best thing to do is give them a call. Most CVS stores have signs in their windows letting you know if they accept EBT cards as payment, but it’s always a good idea to call ahead just to be sure.

Alternatively, you can visit the CVS website and search for your local store. Once you’ve found it, scroll down to the bottom of the page and look for the “EBT Accepted” section. If it’s listed as being accepted, you’ll be able to use your EBT card at that store. If it’s not listed, then you’ll need to find a different store that accepts EBT.

Using your EBT card for online CVS purchases

If you’re an EBT cardholder and you’re wondering if you can use your card to make online purchases from CVS — the answer is no. At this time, CVS doesn’t accept EBT cards for online payments or home delivery of purchases.

If you want to use your EBT card to make purchases at CVS you’ll need to head to the physical store.

Returning food items bought with EBT cards at CVS

If you’ve purchased an item with your EBT card at a CVS, you have 60 days to return it for a refund or exchange. You’ll need to bring your receipt and the item back to the CVS store to receive a refund or exchange.

Final word

There are tons of CVS stores around the nation and they’re a convenient place to stop by and pick up something in a hurry. Just remember that while most CVS’s accept EBT cards, not all of them do, so double check with your local store if you’re planning on using your SNAP benefits there.