Target accepts EBT cards at authorized store locations. Customers can use EBT to purchase nutritious groceries, including fruit, vegetables, meat, cereal, whole wheat bread, grains, canned fish, juice, and milk at Target.
Online SNAP options depend on your state, so check the USDA list of stores accepting SNAP online. Keep reading if you'd like to know more about the food items you can buy from Target with your EBT card.
Food Stamp Benefits
EBT cards are a form of government assistance that has been around since the early 2000s. They’ve had many different names, and they were a part of the supplemental nutrition assistance program.
The federal government provides food benefits through these.
1. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program/SNAP Benefits
SNAP is just the upgraded version of food stamps. Instead of physically carrying them around, people can now have their food stamps accepted using an EBT card.
2. Temporary Assistance For Needy Families/TANF Benefits
TANF is another use of EBT cards. The federal government allows flexible use of an EBT card for needy families so they can purchase essential household items in addition to food.
Plus, with TANF, you could withdraw money from an ATM, like you usually would, with visa cards or debit cards. Now you can use this cash to make additional purchases.
Is Target an Approved WIC Retailer?
WIC is available in all 50 States, 34 Indian Tribal Organizations, American Samoa, the District of Columbia, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.
Each State is responsible for authorizing stores to accept WIC benefits. At a minimum, the State will consider the prices of foods, the business integrity of the store’s owner including if the owner has been disqualified from the SNAP, and the variety and quantity of foods available in the store.
About 47,000 retailers are authorized to accept WIC benefits. It depends on your specific city and state as to whether Target is a WIC approved retailer.
Shopping at Target with EBT
Bring your EBT card and PIN. At checkout, your EBT card can pay only for eligible food at Target.
Pay for anything else with another payment method.
Not sure about your local store? Check with the store or search the USDA SNAP Retailer Locator before you go.
Target’s Policy on EBT
Target has many stores in the United States that allow their customers to use EBT benefits.
An alternate payment method must be used for items that do not fall under the SNAP program. Ask your store about its return policy for items bought with an EBT card.
However, you won’t be given cash refunds for your return of EBT items as it is against federal law.
Target may credit your EBT card in cases of product return, give you store benefits, gift card, or an identical item.
Does Target accept food stamps and EBT cards?
Target accepts SNAP EBT cards at SNAP-authorized stores. Check with your local store or search the USDA SNAP Retailer Locator to confirm before you go.
Items you can buy with food stamps at Target?
EBT cards typically cover the cost of essential groceries that have nutritious value. Here is a list of EBT eligible items available on EBT food packages 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
Things you can't buy at Target with Food Stamp
Some restrictions are placed on the items you can buy using your EBT card. Some of the products that are prohibited include:
- Beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes, or tobacco
- Vitamins, medicines, and supplements.
- Live animals (except shellfish and fish removed from water).
- Foods that are hot when sold.
- Cleaning supplies
- Paper products
- Pet foods
- Hygiene items
- Cosmetics
Using EBT Card for Unapproved Food Items
SNAP can only pay for eligible food. If an item isn’t eligible, the store will ask you to pay for it another way.
Intentionally misusing benefits, such as selling them, is different. It can count as an intentional program violation, with these federal penalties:
- A 12-month disqualification for the first violation
- A 24-month disqualification for the second violation
- Permanent disqualification for the third violation
How Do I Buy Items From Both Lists?
If your purchase includes approved and non-approved EBT items it’s totally doable but you need to be organized.
Separate your items at checkout, or ask the cashier to charge only the eligible food to your EBT card and pay for the rest another way.
How do you use EBT at Target?
Follow these steps to use your EBT card to pay at Target!
1. When you reach an operated register, you must first separate your EBT eligible products from regular items whenever you are loading the checkout.
2. When you want to pay for your purchases, your cashier usually rings up your food items.
3. You must then swipe or insert your card at the point-of-sale (POS) and enter your PIN.
4. You need to inform your cashier of the specific account, either SNAP or Cash, from which to charge your order.
5. You can re-enter your PIN on the POS keypad to confirm if the charges are correct.
6. Your PIN authorizes the purchase. If a store asks for more, ask the manager or contact your state SNAP office.
7. The purchase total will then be deducted from your SNAP or Cash account as per your directions.
It is always essential to keep your receipt during your shopping, and it will help prevent mischarges and show you the latest balance on your EBT card.
Can you use your food stamps for online purchases at Target?
It depends on your state. USDA lists Target as a SNAP online retailer in some states. Check the USDA list of stores accepting SNAP online and Target’s own checkout options.
Is the Return Policy Different for EBT Purchases?
Return policies are set by each store, so ask before you buy. Items bought with SNAP generally can’t be refunded in cash.
A store may exchange the item or credit your EBT account instead.
FAQs
1. Does Target accept EBT cards?
Yes, at SNAP-authorized Target stores. SNAP EBT cards can pay only for eligible food.
The SNAP retail locator can help you identify nearby grocery stores that will accept EBT cards. Fill in your address or zip code or tap on the map for details and directions to authorized retailers in that location.
SNAP online options vary by state. Check the USDA list of stores accepting SNAP online.
2. Does Target currently allows customers to use EBT cards during self-checkout?
It can vary by store, so ask an employee. There is no EBT discount. Your EBT card pays only for eligible items.
Be ready to pay for any other items another way.
3. Can I Buy Gas with my EBT Card?
No. SNAP benefits can’t pay for gas. If you also receive cash benefits on your EBT card, your state’s rules decide how you can use them.
Check your state’s cash withdrawal limits and fees first.
4. Can I Use My EBT Card for Grocery Delivery?
SNAP can pay for eligible food on orders from retailers approved for SNAP online purchasing, but not for delivery fees. Check the USDA list of stores accepting SNAP online for your state.
Conclusion
Target’s authorized stores currently allows customers to use their EBT cards to purchase groceries using EBT cards. WIC also approves formula and infant specialist items.
Confirm with your local store before you go, and check USDA’s list for online options in your state.
Remember that SNAP can’t pay for alcohol, medicine, or cigarettes at any store. Happy shopping!