Target is one of the leading retail stores in the US. The company takes pride in selling various goods, which range from affordable utility products to high-end, global items.
As an EBT user, you may wonder if you can use your EBT card at your nearest Target store.
Does Target accept EBT?
I can answer this question for you.
I wrote this article to explain if Target accepts SNAP benefits and what you can buy with them.
Let’s begin.
What Is EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer)?
EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) is a system that uses cards to deliver government benefits like food stamps to those struggling financially.
These individuals participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which allows them to spend SNAP benefits on essential food items.
EBT provides financial relief and temporary aid to low-income individuals and their families.
You can use your EBT card to purchase from a SNAP-approved retailer. When customers use their SNAP benefits to pay for food from these stores, the store charges their EBT accounts to cover the cost of the goods.
An EBT card is a plastic payment card with a magnetic strip and security PIN. The government will load money and food stamps onto the EBT card.
Your EBT card can buy things at authorized retailers like Walmart. It is also acceptable in several fast-food establishments.
However, not all retailers will take SNAP benefits.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Since EBT plastic card significantly lowers the cost of groceries, SNAP has been a massive help to low-income individuals.
This support program has been operating since 2004, and the government continues to examine and improve its services.
Groceries are a recurring monthly expense. You can save a sizable amount of cash by requesting an EBT card and purchasing reasonably priced and eligible food items.
This program makes healthy food accessible to low-income households, ultimately enhancing public healthcare. SNAP benefits only cover food products.
The program is essential in lessening the severity and difficulties of poverty.
Does Target Accept EBT?
Yes, all of Target’s locations accept EBT. You can use your EBT card to buy EBT-eligible products at your local Target store.
Target’s EBT Policy
There are over 1900 Target locations in the US, and each one allows Target customers to spend their EBT benefits.
Most merchants use WIC labels to help you recognize what you can and can’t buy with your EBT card.
You must use an alternative payment method (your own money) to purchase items the SNAP program doesn’t cover.
Target offers a regular 90-day return period for products you buy using an EBT card. However, because it is against federal law, you won’t receive cash refunds for returning EBT products.
If you return an item, Target may offer you store credit, a gift card, or a similar item in addition to crediting your EBT card.
What Can You Buy at Target With an EBT Card?
Although authorized stores like Target accept EBT cards, not all products qualify. You can only use your SNAP benefits to buy EBT items.
As part of its mission to give people below the poverty line access to nutritious food, EBT cards primarily cover foods with high nutritional value.
Here are EBT-eligible items.
- Veggies and fruits
- Cheese
- Poultry, fish, and meat
- Milk and other dairy products
- Cereals and bread
- Supplementary foods, such as snack foods
- Alcohol-free beverages
- Food-producing seeds and plants for the household
What Can’t You Buy at Target With an EBT Card?
You cannot use your card on all products.
Here are items ineligible for EBT purchase.
- Beer, wine, alcohol, tobacco, or cigarette
- Supplements, medications, and vitamins
- Live animals (except shellfish, fish removed from the water, and animals slaughtered before pick-up from the store)
- Hot foods at the time of sale
- Non-food items
- Cleaning products
- Paper products
- Pet foods
- Hygiene products
- Cosmetics
How To Use EBT at Target Stores
Check your most recent receipt to ensure you have sufficient balance in your account before shopping. You can use your card if you have enough funds.
Here’s how to do it.
During Self-Checkout
- After choosing the products you need, proceed to the self-checkout lane. You don’t need to keep the eligible items separately because the computer automatically applies the EBT discount once you scan your items.
- Use the checkout machine to scan your products.
- Use the point-of-sale terminal to swipe your card.
- Type in your Personal Identification Number (PIN) on the keypad and hit Enter.
- Press OK after entering the exact purchase amount.
- After you complete the purchase, the machine will give you a printed receipt. The receipt lists your transaction details, including the purchase total, the store’s name, address, and updated food stamp benefit balance.
In the Cashier’s Checkout
- As you approach the checkout counter, separate the qualified and standard items.
- A cashier will scan your card at the point-of-sale terminal.
- Enter your PIN as instructed by the machine.
- The cashier will give you the amount due.
- The cashier will then provide you with a receipt with the information about the transaction.
The cashier’s register shows your card type, meaning the Target associate will know you are using an EBT card and are getting benefits.
Does Target Accept EBT Cards Online?
Target offers online shopping and lets you access Target Instacart services via the Instacart mobile app. However, you can’t use EBT online to purchase from the Target website or Target app.
Target doesn’t allow online purchases with EBT benefits.
Some US states participate in the Online Purchasing Pilot, allowing you to use your EBT cards for online purchases. Although Target isn’t a part of this effort, they may be in the future.
If you have it, you can use a Target gift card online to purchase from the Target website.
Do Target-Based Starbucks Stores Accept EBT?
Starbucks is not a recognized SNAP merchant since it is a luxury, non-essential product, meaning Starbucks company-owned locations don’t accept EBT cards.
However, some of Starbucks’ authorized outlets in supermarkets and retail stores let you use your EBT card.
There are more than 6,300 licensed locations of Starbucks in the United States. You can use your EBT card when you go to a Starbucks within a grocery store that accepts EBT, such as Target. There may be goods you can buy with your EBT card that is SNAP-eligible.
You can buy these SNAP-eligible items in Starbucks-licensed stores with your EBT card.
- Instant coffee
- Creamer
- Coffee beans
- Ground coffee
- Pumpkin bread
- Cold beverages
- Sandwiches
- Soft drinks
- Sweets
- Energy drinks
- Snacks
Besides hot foods and beverages, most items with nutritional labels are EBT-eligible. However, you can’t use your EBT card for warm and prepared products.
The Bottom Line
Target accepts EBT cards, letting you use SNAP benefits to shop for necessary food products at low costs.
EBT cards are a terrific way to save money when buying groceries with nutritional value.
I hope my article has helped you understand what you can get at any Target Store with your EBT card and how to do so.
The good news is that you can use your EBT card at other stores. For example, Whole Foods accepts EBT cards.
