Does Target take EBT? Do they accept food stamps? How do I use my SNAP benefits at Target? This article will answer all your questions! (Have a question that isn’t here? Leave it in the comments!)
EBT, or the Electronic Benefits Transfer, is a program administered by the U.S. government that provides financial assistance to families and individuals who cannot afford food and other essentials.
Does Target take EBT?
To ensure all customers have access to healthy, affordable food, Target accepts EBT cards such as WIC and SNAP and allows customers to purchase groceries using EBT cards such as whole wheat bread, grains, meat, canned fish, fruit, vegetables, milk, and juice.
EBT at Target: How Do I Use It?
If you’re using an EBT card at Target, here’s how it works:
- Tell the cashier you would like to pay with your EBT card. (Cashiers may need to get a manager or supervisor to help if they don’t know how.)
- If your EBT card has PIN protection, you’ll be asked for it. If not, the cashier will swipe the card and then enter the amount of your purchase on a handheld device called a “register.”
- The cashier will ask you for the PIN on your benefits card. If you have one, enter it. If not, just hit “enter” and finish checking out.
- After all of your items have been scanned, the cashier will tell you how much money was left on your EBT card that can be used at another store or ATM. The remaining balance will be printed on your receipt.
- Done! You can continue
How do I use my SNAP benefits at Target?
You can use your EBT card to pay for groceries at Target. To receive SNAP benefits, you will need to set up an online account with the government. You can use any SNAP benefits leftover from your previous month’s benefits to buying groceries at Target online or in stores. If you do not have any SNAP benefits, you can put money on your EBT card at a local terminal.
To use your EBT card to pay for groceries at Target, you will need:
- A valid EBT card
- Your PIN/Personal Identification Number
- A mobile phone number
- A phone that is compatible with the store’s payment terminals
You will also need a debit card, bank account and credit card to complete your purchase. If you do not have these, you can set up an electronic benefit transfer (EBT) account through your state’s social services agency. This allows you to access funds electronically instead of a check or cash. When using the EBT system, the store will charge your grocery items to your account and deduct them from the funds in your EBT account. You may also purchase other things such as cleaning supplies and paper products not covered by food stamps.
What Target’s EBT Policy is
Target’s policy on EBT is that they don’t accept it. But some Target stores will accept EBT cards as a form of payment. The main thing to remember is that you should call the store before going there to ensure they get it.
TARGET’S POLICY ON EBT CARDS
Target is a significant retailer, founded in 1902 and based in Minneapolis that operates more than 1,926 stores in the U.S. Many people have asked about Target’s policy on EBT cards. Some have reported that their local Target stores, like Denton, TX, will not accept them at all – but others do. It may depend on the state, the store and even the cashier!
EBT is a government program for food stamps and other assistance for low-income families. Many EBT cards also double as a debit card so that you can use them at certain stores just like any other debit or credit card. For some reason, though, Target has decided that they do not want to participate in this part of the program.
It’s a common belief that you can’t use your EBT card at Target, but that is false. However, there are some things to keep in mind when using your EBT card there:
- Buy something small with your own debit/credit card (only paying for the items you want)
- Use your EBT card to pay for it.
- Then return what you don’t want by taking it back to the customer service desk and exchanging it for a gift card of equal value (or use it yourself). You will get back the total amount that was put on your EBT card, and you can still use the gift card yourself or give it as a gift.
Do they accept food stamps?
This is a commonly asked question when it comes to Target.
Yes, Target does accept food stamps. If you’re shopping in-store, you’ll swipe the transfer of your electronic benefits (EBT) card at the register, and your balance will be applied to the purchase. At self-checkout, you’ll have the option of swiping your card if you have an EBT account or if you have cash loaded on a prepaid EBT card. All Target stores accept SNAP EBT cards.
TIP: If you don’t want to use your food stamp benefits but would still like to save money at Target, consider buying gift cards with your EBT card. You’ll get one cent off for every dollar spent, which can add up quickly!
At Target, what products can I buy with EBT?
If you’re wondering what types of items you’re allowed to purchase with your EBT card, here’s a quick rundown of what products are eligible for purchase at Target with this type of payment method:
- Food (including plants and seeds), pet food, beverages, baby formula and baby food on-food household supplies
- Health and beauty aids
- General merchandise items (clothing, housewares, electronics, etc.)
- Fresh produce, dairy and bakery items
- Snacks and candy
- Household supplies like cleaning products, paper goods and pet food, as long as they aren’t prescription medications of any sort.
- Toys for kids of all ages
What Products Cannot Be Bought With EBT At Target?
So you’re in line at Target with your EBT card, ready to load up on all the things your family needs. But hold on a minute. Before you start filling up the cart, you should know what products you can’t buy with an EBT card at Target. Certain items are prohibited under the EBT program and cannot be purchased with the card.
The list of prohibited items includes:
- Alcohol
- Soda Pop
- Energy Drinks
- Liquor
- Tobacco Products
- Any Gambling Instruments (including lottery tickets)
- Any Pornographic Materials (including magazines)
- Vitamins/Supplements (unless prescribed by your doctor)
- Any Animal Food/Supports that are not canned/dried/powdered/etc. (Pet Food)
This is not a complete list of prohibited items, but here are some guidelines. If there is something you want to purchase but aren’t sure if it is allowed into the store, please check with your team leader or a member of management in-store.
Conclusion
Customers can purchase groceries using EBT cards such as whole wheat bread, grains, meat, canned fish, fruit, vegetables, milk, and juice at Target stores. WIC also approves formulas. You can use EBT only at authorized retailers, and you cannot pay for goods online or fund delivery. Cigarettes, alcohol, and pharmaceuticals are prohibited.
Wherever you are, I hope that you are finding this helpful information. Now that you know the answer to “Does Target take EBT?” and where to look for it, your life is just a little bit easier. In the future, if you see someone in the checkout line with an EBT card, you’ll know that, yes, Target does take EBT!
