Stores that Accept EBT in California

What is Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT)?

EBT is an electronic system that allows a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participant to pay for food using SNAP benefits.

When a participant shops at a SNAP authorized EBT store, their SNAP EBT account is debited to reimburse the store for food that was purchased.

California EBT has been the sole method of SNAP issuance in all states since June of 2004.

Can I Use My EBT Card Online?

Yes. SNAP EBT cards can be used for online grocery purchases at participating retailers including Amazon, Walmart, and Instacart. The item must be an eligible food item — delivery fees and tips cannot be paid with EBT.

To shop online with EBT, add your EBT card as a payment method on the retailer's website. You will enter your EBT PIN at checkout to authorize the purchase.

EBT Store food categories:

  • 1. Vegetables or fruits
  • 2. Dairy products
  • 3. Meat, poultry, or fish
  • 4. Breads or cereals

EBT Store Eligibility Requirements

SNAP authorized stores must meet one of two staple food requirements:

Staple foods are the basic foods that make up a significant portion of a person’s diet. They are usually prepared at home and eaten as a meal. They do not include prepared foods, heated foods, or accessory foods.

Criterion A - Stocking Requirement

A store must have 3 stocking units of 3 different varieties for each staple food category on a continuous basis. For 2 staple food categories, there must be at least 1 perishable variety.

36 food stocking units are required to meet Criterian A. Most stores are authorized under Criterion A.

Criterion B - Sales

A store must have more than 50 percent of its total gross retail sales from the sale of staple foods. Specialty stores, like butcher shops, are often authorized under Criterion B.

Food You Can Buy With EBT Card

If you have the California Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, you can buy the food you need at any of the listed retailers in California Food Stamps Stores table

Each US state offers EBT benefits cards, including the California. The State EBT card can be used in the local food stamps authorized retailers.

Here is a list of the food you can buy for at the Food Stamps retail stores that accept the EBT card:

  • 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

Stores that accept EBT Card(SNAP)

There 248,000 stores that accept EBT Cards across the U.S. They range from small convenience stores to major grocery chains and superstores like Walmart.

SNAP has even expanded its benefits to farmers markets, where you can buy fresh, healthy produce that’s locally grown.

Nationwide, more than 80% of SNAP benefits are used at larger retailers.

SNAP benefits are widely accepted for eligible food items at various EBT stores:

Cities:

Click on the cities listed below that are currently participating in the SNAP Benefits program to see EBT-authorized stores:

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

R

S

T

U

V

W

Y

How to Check Your EBT Balance

You can check your SNAP EBT balance in California in several ways:

  • Receipt — Your remaining balance is printed at the bottom of every EBT transaction receipt.
  • Phone — Call the number on the back of your EBT card. Most states have a 24/7 automated balance line.
  • Online — Log in to your state's EBT account portal or the ConnectEBT app.
  • At the store — Swipe your card at any SNAP-authorized checkout to see your balance before purchasing.

Related Food Assistance Programs

FAQ(Frequently Asked Questions)

1. What is an EBT card?

An EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) card is a plastic card that works like a debit card and is used to distribute government benefits such as SNAP (food stamps) and cash assistance. Benefits are loaded onto the card each month and can be used at authorized EBT retailers California.

2. What can I buy with my EBT card?

SNAP EBT benefits can be used to buy most food items including bread, cereal, fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, poultry, dairy products, and seeds/plants that produce food. You cannot use EBT to buy alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, medicine, hot prepared foods, or non-food items.

3. Where can I use my EBT card?

Your EBT card can be used at any USDA-authorized retailer. This includes most grocery stores, supermarkets, and some farmers markets and convenience stores in California. Use our EBT store locator above to find authorized stores near you.

4. Can I use my EBT card in another state?

Yes. EBT cards work nationwide at any USDA-authorized retailer in all 50 states. Your benefits stay on your card when you travel or move to a different state.

5. How do I check my EBT balance?

You can check your EBT balance by calling the number on the back of your card, checking your receipt after a purchase, logging into your state's EBT website, or using your state's EBT mobile app.

6. What should I do if I lose my EBT card?

If you lose your EBT card, call the customer service number on the back of your card immediately to report it lost or stolen and request a replacement. Your remaining benefits will be transferred to the new card. Replacement cards are usually mailed within 5–7 business days.