Many families rely on programs like SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), also known as food stamps, to help buy healthy groceries. If a household has an EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) card, they might wonder where they can use it to get the most for their family. Target is a popular store for many items, and it is helpful to know if EBT cards can be used there for food needs. This guide will walk through everything one needs to know about using an EBT card at Target, making shopping trips easier and more informed.
Does Target Accept EBT? The Quick Answer
Yes, Target proudly accepts EBT cards for SNAP-eligible food purchases. EBT cards can be used at all Target stores across the United States, whether shopping in person at the checkout or using self-checkout. What is even better is that Target also accepts EBT for online orders through its website and app, offering convenient options like Order Pickup, Same Day Delivery, and standard shipping for eligible items. This makes it simple for customers to get their groceries how and when they need them.
Target’s broad acceptance of EBT across all its shopping channels, including in-store, online, and through pickup and delivery services, demonstrates a clear commitment to making shopping accessible for all its customers. This goes beyond simply meeting basic requirements; it shows Target’s strategic approach to integrating EBT seamlessly into their modern shopping experience. By doing so, Target meets customers where they are, aligning with its well-known brand promise of “Expect More. Pay Less.” This comprehensive approach aims to retain a diverse range of consumers and make their lives easier by providing convenient digital payment options for essential items, solidifying Target’s position as a forward-thinking retailer in the retail sector.
How to Use Your EBT Card at Target
This section provides clear, step-by-step instructions for using EBT, both in physical stores and through Target’s online platforms.
Shopping In-Store
Using an EBT card at a physical Target store is straightforward, whether at a traditional checkout lane or a self-checkout kiosk.
At the Regular Checkout
When a shopper is ready to pay for their groceries, the cashier will scan all items. If the cart contains both items that are eligible for SNAP (like food) and items that are not (like cleaning supplies), Target’s system is designed to separate these items automatically. The cashier will then prompt the shopper to swipe their EBT card. After swiping, the screen will ask which account the shopper wishes to use: the SNAP EBT balance for food items, or the EBT cash balance for other eligible purchases. The shopper will then enter their secret PIN number to confirm the payment for the SNAP-eligible items. If there are any non-food items or items not covered by SNAP in the cart, the shopper will need to pay for those separately using another payment method, such as a debit card, credit card, or cash.
Using Self-Checkout
Using an EBT card at Target’s self-checkout is also an easy process. First, the shopper scans all items at the self-checkout machine. Once all items are scanned, the shopper taps the “Finish and Pay” button on the screen. From the payment options, the shopper chooses “Pay with EBT,” then swipes their EBT card and enters their PIN. The machine will automatically apply the EBT balance to any food items that qualify. If there are other items in the cart that SNAP does not cover, the screen will display the remaining amount owed, and the shopper will need to use a different payment method for those items. If any problems arise or questions come up, shoppers should not hesitate to ask the self-checkout attendant for help.
Shopping Online at Target.com or the App
Target makes it convenient to use an EBT card for online grocery shopping, including options for Order Pickup and Same Day Delivery.
Adding Your EBT Card to Your Account
Before starting to shop online, the EBT card must be added to the shopper’s Target account. This involves signing in to the Target.com account or opening the Target app; new users will need to create an account first. From the account settings, the shopper navigates to the “payments” section or “payment cards,” selects “add payment card,” and chooses “EBT card” as the card type. The EBT card number is then entered.
It is highly recommended to add a backup payment method, such as a debit or credit card, at this stage. This is crucial because EBT cards cannot be used to pay for fees, delivery tips, or any items that are not SNAP-eligible. The ability to add the card digitally and filter for eligible items online highlights Target’s investment in a user-friendly digital experience. This design choice is particularly helpful for SNAP recipients, as it can reduce the logistical burden and potential discomfort of payment issues that might arise in-store, promoting greater independence and a more comfortable shopping process.
Placing Your Order
Once the EBT card is added, shoppers can begin building their cart with SNAP-eligible items. Target’s website and app are designed to assist with this, often allowing users to sort or filter for “SNAP EBT eligible” groceries, which simplifies finding the correct items. At checkout, EBT is selected as the payment method, and the shopper enters their PIN to confirm the order. If a backup payment method was added, it will cover any remaining balance for non-SNAP items or associated fees. If changes are needed after an order is placed, it is typically necessary to cancel the original order and place a new one.
Pickup, Delivery, and Shipping Options
Target provides several convenient ways to receive online EBT orders:
- Order Pickup: Shoppers can pick up their groceries at the store. This option usually has no minimum order amount required.
- Same Day Delivery: Groceries can be delivered directly to a home. While there is no minimum order requirement, orders totaling less than $35 will incur a delivery fee, typically around $7. It is important to remember that EBT cards cannot be used to pay for delivery fees, so a backup payment method is necessary for these charges.
- Shipping: For eligible items that can be shipped, there is no minimum order. However, a shipping fee, usually around $5.99, will apply. Similar to delivery fees, EBT cards cannot cover shipping fees, requiring a different payment method.
The consistent mention of delivery and shipping fees not being covered by EBT highlights a practical consideration for shoppers. While online shopping offers significant convenience, these “hidden costs” can impact accessibility for individuals with limited additional funds. This emphasizes the need for EBT users to carefully understand the full cost of their orders and to have a secondary payment method available for these charges. This situation underscores a practical financial management challenge that shoppers must navigate, even when using benefits for eligible items.
What You Can Buy with EBT at Target
Understanding what items are covered by SNAP EBT is crucial for a smooth shopping experience. The rules for what can be bought with SNAP benefits are the same at Target as they are at any other store that accepts EBT.
SNAP-Eligible Food Items
SNAP EBT benefits are intended for food items that can be prepared and eaten at home, covering a wide variety of groceries to help feed a household. Target’s website and app are helpful tools, often labeling items as “SNAP EBT eligible” directly below the reviews section, making them easy to identify during online shopping.
Examples of eligible items include:
- Fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables.
- Meat, poultry, and fish.
- Dairy products like milk, cheese, and eggs.
- Breads, cereals, pasta, rice, and other grains.
- Snack foods such as pretzels, nuts, cookies, and chips.
- Non-alcoholic drinks like juices, sodas, and bottled water.
- Seeds and plants that produce food for the household to eat, including herb growing kits.
- Even some chocolates and “food gifts” are eligible if they are considered food items.
To provide a quick and easy reference, the following table summarizes common SNAP-eligible food categories available at Target:
| Category | Examples of SNAP-Eligible Items at Target |
| Fruits & Vegetables | Fresh, frozen, canned fruits and vegetables |
| Meats & Proteins | Meat, poultry, fish, eggs, beans, protein packs (e.g., Good & Gather protein packs) |
| Dairy | Milk, cheese, yogurt |
| Grains & Breads | Bread, cereals, pasta, rice, oats, crackers |
| Snacks & Sweets | Chips, pretzels, nuts, cookies, some chocolates (e.g., Lindt, Reese’s) , fruit bars (e.g., That’s It.) |
| Non-Alcoholic Drinks | Juices, sodas, bottled water |
| Other Food Items | Spices, condiments, cooking oils, seeds and plants that produce food (e.g., herb growing kits) |
Items You Cannot Buy with SNAP EBT
It is just as important to understand what cannot be purchased with a SNAP EBT card to avoid surprises at checkout. These rules are set by the government, not by Target.
SNAP benefits cannot be used for:
- Hot, prepared foods: This includes items that are hot at the time of purchase, such as hot coffee, soup from a deli, or hot pizza.
- Alcohol and Tobacco: Beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes, and tobacco products are never covered.
- Vitamins, Medicines, and Supplements: Any item with a “Supplement Facts” label is not eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits.
- Non-Food Items: SNAP is specifically for food. This means an EBT card cannot be used for items like:
- Cleaning supplies (e.g., Clorox wipes, dish soap, toilet cleaner).
- Paper products (e.g., paper towels, toilet paper).
- General household supplies (e.g., most food storage containers, unless explicitly marked as SNAP-eligible food).
- Pet foods.
- Hygiene items and cosmetics (e.g., soap, shampoo, makeup).
- Clothing, electronics, toys, or other general merchandise.
- Target Plus™ Items: These are products sold by other sellers on Target’s website, not directly by Target itself. They are not eligible for EBT payment.
- Fees and Tips: As mentioned earlier, delivery fees, shipping fees, and tips cannot be paid with EBT.
- Higher-priced substitutions: If an item ordered online is out of stock and is replaced with a more expensive alternative, the difference in cost cannot be paid with EBT.
The clear distinction between eligible food items and ineligible non-food items highlights the strict, federally mandated boundaries of the SNAP program. The fact that online searches for “EBT eligible household items” often show ineligible products suggests a common area of public misunderstanding. While the rules are clear to program administrators, consumers sometimes equate “necessities” with “eligible,” leading to confusion. This underscores the importance of clear public education that emphasizes SNAP is strictly for food, with very specific exceptions for items like seeds and plants that produce food, and not for general household needs.
To provide a clear reference for what is not covered, the following table lists common items that cannot be purchased with SNAP EBT:
| Category | Examples of Items Not Covered by SNAP EBT at Target |
| Hot/Prepared Foods | Hot coffee, hot soup, hot pizza, deli foods that are hot at the time of purchase |
| Alcohol & Tobacco | Beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes, tobacco products |
| Non-Food Items | Cleaning supplies , paper products , pet food , hygiene items , cosmetics, clothing, electronics, toys |
| Health Products | Vitamins, medicines, supplements (any item with a “Supplement Facts” label) |
| Store-Specific Exclusions | Target Plus™ items (sold by other sellers on Target.com) , higher-priced substitution differences |
| Fees & Services | Delivery fees , shipping fees , tips |
Important Things to Know About EBT at Target
Beyond just using the card, there are a few other important details that can make shopping experiences smoother and help manage benefits wisely.
EBT Cash vs. SNAP EBT Benefits
It is important to understand that there are two main types of benefits on an EBT card: SNAP EBT benefits (specifically for food) and EBT cash benefits (sometimes referred to as “cash assistance” or “Temporary Assistance for Needy Families – TANF”). At Target, the SNAP EBT balance can be used for eligible food items both in-store and online.
However, when it comes to EBT cash, Target has a different policy: EBT cash can be used in physical Target stores, but it cannot be used for online purchases. This distinction is crucial for shoppers to understand to avoid confusion and failed online transactions. It highlights that “EBT” is not a single, uniform payment type across all channels. If shopping online and wishing to purchase items not covered by SNAP EBT but without a credit or debit card, a Target gift card could be considered as an alternative payment method. This difference in policy means that while SNAP benefits are widely accepted online, cash benefits, which could be used for non-food items in-store, are not. This requires shoppers to differentiate between the two types of benefits on their card and plan their online purchases accordingly.
Paying for Fees and Non-Eligible Items
As previously noted, an EBT card can only pay for SNAP-eligible food items. This means that if an order includes items that are not food (such as cleaning supplies or toys), or if there are fees for delivery, shipping, or tips, these must be paid for separately. Target’s payment system is designed to automatically separate the EBT-eligible items from the non-eligible ones at checkout. The shopper will then be prompted to use a different payment method, such as a debit card, credit card, or cash, for the remaining balance.
What Happens with Returns and Canceled Orders?
If an item purchased with an EBT card is returned, or if an online order paid for with EBT is canceled, the refund will go directly back to the EBT card. For online returns or cancellations, the shopper will typically receive an email detailing the amount refunded to their EBT card and their new SNAP EBT balance.
Keeping Your EBT Card Safe
Protecting an EBT card and its PIN is very important, just like protecting any debit card. Here are some tips to help keep EBT benefits secure:
- Check for skimming devices: Before swiping the card at a reader, gently tug on the card reader to ensure there are no loose parts or strange attachments. Thieves sometimes use “skimmers” to steal card information.
- Never share your PIN: The PIN is a secret number. It should never be shared with anyone, not even Target employees.
- Keep your card secure: Always store the EBT card in a safe place, such as a wallet.
- Change your PIN regularly: It is a good practice to consider changing the PIN every month, especially before new benefits are added.
- Check your balance often: Regularly checking the EBT balance for any unusual activity is recommended. This can often be done through a state EBT website, a mobile app (like Propel), or by calling the number on the back of the card.
- Report lost or stolen cards immediately: If an EBT card is lost or stolen, it is crucial to call the state’s EBT number right away to report it.
The detailed advice on EBT card security reflects an understanding of specific vulnerabilities associated with these cards, such as skimming, and the potential impact of fraud on low-income individuals. The emphasis on these tips suggests a proactive approach to protecting a vulnerable customer segment. This helps build trust and encourages responsible usage of public funds. Unlike a typical credit card where fraudulent charges might be easier to dispute and recover, the loss of EBT benefits can have immediate and severe consequences for a household’s food security. Therefore, these security measures are not just general advice but a crucial part of safeguarding essential assistance.
Maximizing Your EBT Benefits at Target
To make the most of SNAP EBT benefits when shopping at Target, several helpful strategies can be employed.
Finding Eligible Items Online
Target’s website and app are designed to help shoppers easily find items that qualify for SNAP EBT. When shopping online, a “SNAP EBT eligible” label is displayed right below the reviews section for a product, indicating its eligibility. Shoppers can also use the search bar and filters to specifically look for “SNAP EBT eligible food” or “SNAP EBT eligible” items, which will present a curated list of qualifying products. This feature helps shoppers build their cart efficiently and avoid selecting ineligible items. By providing tools like online eligibility filters, Target empowers informed consumer choices. It goes beyond simply accepting EBT; it actively facilitates efficient decision-making and helps SNAP recipients maximize their purchasing power, leading to a more positive and streamlined shopping experience.
Checking Your Balance
Knowing the EBT balance before shopping is a smart way to stay within budget and avoid surprises at checkout. EBT balances can be checked through various methods, such as calling the number on the back of the EBT card, checking the state’s EBT portal online, or using a mobile app like Propel. Regularly checking the balance also helps to quickly spot any unusual activity.
Target Circle and Other Programs
Target offers programs that can provide additional savings. For example, Target Circle members who qualify for certain government assistance programs, including SNAP, may be eligible for special discounts. To access these discounts, eligibility must be verified by providing documents such as an EBT card (front and back), an eligibility letter, or a bank statement showing recent payments. This verification process is handled securely through a trusted partner called SheerID. It is important to re-verify eligibility each year to continue receiving these benefits. While not specific to EBT, shoppers should also look out for Target’s regular sales, promotions, and grocery deals categories when shopping online to stretch their SNAP benefits even further.
Conclusion
In summary, Target is a welcoming place for shoppers using EBT cards for their SNAP benefits. Individuals can confidently use their EBT card for eligible groceries whether they shop in person at any U.S. store or prefer the convenience of online shopping with pickup or delivery. It is important to keep in mind the types of items SNAP covers (primarily food for home preparation) and that a separate payment method is needed for non-food items, fees, or if EBT cash is used online. By understanding these simple guidelines and utilizing Target’s helpful features, EBT shopping trips at Target can be easy and effective, ensuring families receive the nutritious food they need.