Have you ever been shopping at your local CVS pharmacy and wondered… can I use my Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to buy groceries here?
Yes, most CVS locations do accept EBT and food stamps! Over 6,900 CVS stores across the U.S. welcome SNAP and allow you to use your EBT card to shop for eligible items.
However, you’ll need to double check that your specific CVS store accepts EBT payments before visiting. And only certain essential grocery products can be purchased with your SNAP benefits card – things like household cleaners and medicine have to be paid for separately.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn:
- How the EBT and SNAP system works
- Exactly which items you can and cannot buy with EBT benefits at CVS
- Steps for using your EBT card in-store at checkout
- Why SNAP cards aren’t accepted for CVS online orders
- Other major retailers that accept EBT payments
Let’s start with the basics of how EBT SNAP food stamps are distributed and used…
What is the EBT System?
EBT stands for Electronic Benefits Transfer. This payment system allows state welfare departments to issue SNAP benefits via a pre-paid card system.
Rather than receiving traditional paper food stamps, SNAP assistance comes in the form of a special debit card called an EBT card. These cards can be used to purchase eligible grocery items at retailers displaying the Quest logo.
The card works similarly to a debit card – recipients can use it to buy food, and the amount spent is automatically deducted from their SNAP balance.
To receive a SNAP EBT card, individuals must apply through their state agency and meet certain federal eligibility requirements regarding household size and income thresholds. Approved applicants get their benefits deposited monthly into an EBT account.
This electronic system makes it easier for recipients to access benefits securely, retailers to redeem payments, and the government to track SNAP spending.
What Food Items Can You Buy With SNAP EBT at CVS?
So what kind of items can you purchase at CVS using your SNAP EBT benefits through this debit-like system?
Because the purpose of SNAP is to provide nutrition assistance, there are rules around what you can buy with your EBT card.
Here are examples of grocery essentials that CVS accepts EBT payments for:
- Bread, cereal, grains
- Dairy products like milk, yogurt, cheese
- Fruits, vegetables, snack foods
- Meat, poultry, fish
- Non-alcoholic beverages
Whereas ineligible items that cannot be purchased with SNAP EBT at CVS include:
- Beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes, tobacco
- Vitamins, medicines, or supplements
- Pet food
- Paper products
- Household supplies like soap, laundry detergent
- Hot, prepared food made to eat immediately
Always check with the cashier if you’re unsure whether a product qualifies for EBT payment before inserting your SNAP card.
How Do You Use Your EBT Card at CVS for Payment?
Wondering how to go through the checkout process using your EBT benefit card?
It’s quick and simple to use it as payment at CVS. Just look for stores displaying the Quest logo that indicates EBT is accepted. Then when it comes time to pay:
- Insert your EBT card into the point-of-sale terminal
- Enter your unique personal identification number (PIN)
- Confirm the final transaction amount to be taken from your SNAP balance
- Take your receipt showing the new balance on your EBT card
If purchasing any items that don’t qualify for SNAP EBT like medicine or makeup, you’ll also need to pay for those with a second form of payment – cash, check, or alternate debit/credit card.
EBT can only be used for the essential grocery items covered by your state benefits allotment each month.
Does CVS Accept EBT Cards for Online Orders?
As more shopping and services move online, you may be wondering if your EBT SNAP card can be used to order groceries on the CVS website or app.
Unfortunately, CVS currently does not accept EBT payments as a form of online payment. If you want to use your SNAP electronic benefits, you’ll need to shop in person at authorized CVS locations instead.
In 2018, CVS did launch a pilot program allowing EBT payments for online grocery orders in select states. This made it possible for customers enrolled in SNAP to use benefits towards eligible food items ordered online at CVS.com for delivery or in-store pickup.
However, this program was limited in scope and rollout. At this time, there is still no option to pay for any online grocery orders at CVS via EBT card nationwide.
So in summary – your EBT card can only be used at the register inside physical CVS stores as of now, not online.
Other Major Retailers That Welcome SNAP EBT
In addition to most CVS locations, there are many other top retailers that accept EBT card payments which give you more options on where to spend your SNAP benefits.
Here are some of the most popular stores that also allow you to use EBT cards in-store to buy food:
- Walgreens: Similar to CVS, over 8,602 Walgreens locations across 53 States and Territories take EBT cards. However, always call your local store first.
- Dollar General: With over 19,414 stores in the U.S., this discount chain accepts EBT in all states except Alaska.
- Target: EBT cards can be used to purchase grocery items in the vast majority of Target stores as well with just a few regional exceptions.
- Walmart: At over 4,720 Walmart stores and Neighborhood Market locations, EBT is accepted nationwide.
In addition to these major chains, many local and regional supermarket chains accept EBT payments too. Independent grocery stores and convenience marts also often allow customers to redeem SNAP benefits for items like milk, bread, fruit, vegetables, meats, and more.
No matter where you shop, just look for the recognizable Quest logo showing that location welcomes EBT SNAP purchases. You can also reference the SNAP retailer locator map to pinpoint stores accepting electronic benefits transfers near your zip code.
5 Tips for Using Your SNAP EBT Card at CVS
Ready to use your SNAP EBT allotment at CVS? Here are 5 key tips to follow for a smooth experience:
1. Verify the specific store accepts EBT before you shop
It’s always smart to call ahead to ask if that individual CVS location welcomes EBT card payments before making a trip. This saves you time and gas money just in case.
2. Carefully review eligible and ineligible items
Know exactly what food and grocery products qualify to be paid for with your EBT benefits. Having a clear understanding means your SNAP money goes towards covering nutrition assistance costs only.
3. Bring a second payment method for non-food items
Since things like cosmetics and medicine aren’t EBT eligible, have an alternative payment ready like cash, check or debit/credit card to cover those.
4. Check your SNAP balance beforehand
Call the hotline, login to your EBT account online, or use the ebtEDGE mobile app to view your up-to-date SNAP ledger. This lets you know your exact starting balance before spending.
5. Keep all receipts
Save your CVS EBT payment receipts to have easy access to the amount debited and track new account balance. Careful monitoring ensures accurate accounting.
Following these useful EBT card tips will make buying essential groceries easy, whether you shop at CVS or another major EBT-participating retailer.
Frequently Asked Questions about Using SNAP EBT at CVS
Still have some lingering questions about the specifics of tapping into SNAP reserves for grocery trips to CVS? These common FAQs should help provide more info:
Can you use EBT/SNAP benefits online at CVS?
Unfortunately, no. CVS does not accept EBT card payments for online orders, delivery or store pickup service at this time. You have to use your SNAP benefits in person via card swipe.
What if a CVS location doesn’t accept EBT cards? What are my options?
If a specific CVS store near you does not accept EBT payments yet, choose a different retailer that does like Walgreens or Dollar General instead. Use the SNAP retailer locator to find alternative stores welcoming electronic benefits transfer.
Can I use my SNAP EBT benefits to buy pet food, cosmetics, medicine, or vitamins at CVS?
No, EBT SNAP strictly covers supplemental nutrition assistance. Your benefits allotment is only eligible to pay for essential human food and grocery items at CVS like milk, produce, bread, meat, eggs. Non-food products must be purchased separately.
How can I check my available EBT balance before shopping to budget accordingly?
Call the toll-free customer service hotline at 1-888-622-7328, login to your online account portal, download the ebtEDGE mobile app, or visit your state’s specific EBT website to conveniently access up-to-date information on your SNAP funds prior to hitting CVS store aisles.
The Bottom Lines
As one of the largest pharmacy retailers operating over 9,900 storefronts across the U.S., CVS offers convenience and variety when it comes to grabbing essentials.
The next time you need to stock up on food basics like fresh produce, milk and eggs, meat, or pantry staples, consider using your SNAP EBT card privileges to cover the cost if you qualify for assistance.
Just make sure to call ahead to confirm that your neighborhood CVS location welcomes electronic benefits transfers at checkout. And remember you’ll need to use a secondary form of payment for any medicine, beauty products, household items or other non-food purchases not authorized by the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
Following this helpful guide empowers you to save money, eat well using federal aid, and better understand the ins and outs of tapping into SNAP reserves. More awareness around what EBT dollars cover takes the guesswork out of grocery budgeting and shopping with benefits.
