Does Target Accept EBT Cards? (Online & In-Store Explained)
Everyone loves shopping at Target. You can buy everything from home goods to baby food to electronics. If you’re a SNAP recipient who is curious if you can use EBT card at Target, we’ve got you covered. In this article will discuss how you can (and can’t) use your EBT card at Target, plus everything else you need to know.
Table of Contents
- What is an EBT card and how do I qualify?
- Does Target Accept EBT?
- What are the Things You Can Buy With an EBT Card at Target?
- What are the Things You Can’t Buy with an EBT Card at Target?
- Does Target take EBT online?
- How to Use Your EBT Card at Target
- Does Target accept EBT at self-checkout?
- What is the Target EBT return policy?
- Closing Thoughts
What is an EBT card and how do I qualify?
Low-income families who qualify for government assistance programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), receive an EBT card to help pay for food and other nutritional needs.
The EBT card was introduced in the 90s as an alternative to the paper vouchers known as food stamps.
In order to qualify for SNAP and receive an EBT card, you must be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen and meet specific income guidelines. The SNAP guidelines and benefits vary from state to state.
Does Target Accept EBT?
Yes, Target, like most major retailers, accepts EBT cards as a form of payment for qualifying food items at all 1,900+ stores.
Unlike traditional grocery stores, however, Target also sells many non-food items which won’t you won’t be able to pay for with an EBT card.
What are the Things You Can Buy With an EBT Card at Target?
SNAP recipients can use their EBT cards to purchase qualifying food products at Target. Here are some, but not all, of the items that you can purchase with an EBT card.
- Fresh produce (fruits and vegetables)
- Fresh meat, poultry, and fish products
- Baked goods (including cakes, cookies, and cupcakes)
- Formula
- Dairy products
- Bread and cereals
- Other foods such as snack foods
- Non-alcoholic beverages
- Plants and seeds that, when grown, will provide the family with food to eat
What are the Things You Can’t Buy with an EBT Card at Target?
Non-food products, as well as hot food, are not allowed to be purchased with an EBT card. Here are some of the items that are prohibited from being purchased with an EBT card.
- Foods that are sold hot
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tobacco products
- Lottery tickets
- Vitamins, medicines, and supplements.
- Cleaning supplies
- Paper products
- Pet foods
- Hygiene items
- Cosmetics
- Pets
Does Target take EBT online?
No, Target does not currently accept EBT online. In order to use your EBT card at Target you must shop at a physical store. You can check the Target store locator to find the nearest stores near you.
How to Use Your EBT Card at Target
Before proceeding to pay, you should separate the EBT and non-EBT items so the cashier can ring them up separately. Simply swipe your EBT card at the terminal in order to pay for your qualifying SNAP items. Any non-SNAP items will need to be paid for with another payment method.
Does Target accept EBT at self-checkout?
Yes. You can use your EBT card at self-checkout to make purchases, just like any other debit or credit card. The process is the same as using an EBT card with a cashier. The self-checkout system will automatically apply your EBT payment to qualifying items in your purchase. You’ll need to swipe another form of payment in order to pay for the balance of your order if you have non-qualifying items.
What is the Target EBT return policy?
You can return any purchase made with an EBT card within 90 days of purchase for a full refund. You will be refunded to the same EBT card that was initially used for the purchase. Stores are not allowed to offer cash refunds for EBT purchases.
Closing Thoughts
If you’re hoping to use your EBT card in Target, the good news is that you’ll have no problems doing so. Just remember that you’ll have to follow SNAP guidelines and can only pay for qualifying groceries with your EBT card. If you have questions on whether an item qualifies for payment with an EBT card, a Target employee should be able to help you.
