Many consumers all over the U.S. regularly rely on Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards to pay for their groceries and other well-being necessities at nationwide retail stores.
Since Target is one of the leading grocery retailers in the U.S. and accepts a variety of payment methods to facilitate its customers, you may be wondering – does Target take EBT? Here is what I’ve found out!
Does Target Take EBT?
Target accepts EBT cards at authorized store locations (not online). Customers can use EBT to purchase nutritious groceries including fruit, vegetables, meat, cereal, whole wheat bread, grains, canned fish, juice, and milk at Target.
If you want to know more about the products you can buy with EBT, what items are prohibited for EBT users, and how to pay using EBT at a Target store, keep on reading!
What Is Target’s Policy On EBT?
Target welcomes customers to use SNAP and WIC EBT benefits on groceries and other eligible products at over 1,900 stores across the U.S.
You can only use your EBT balance on approved products and any additional items in the order must be paid with an alternative payment method.
Most Target locations use WIC labels to distinguish items so that you can easily identify the items you can buy using your EBT card.
Note that EBT products are covered by Target’s standard 90-day return time frame unless stated otherwise.
Since it is against federal law to provide cash refunds for EBT purchases, your EBT card will be refunded when you show a receipt or you will be given store credit or an identical item in exchange.
How Do I Use EBT At Target?
When you reach an operated register, separate your EBT-eligible products from regular items as you load the checkout.
The cashier will then process the EBT-eligible products first and you can make your payment by swiping the card using the magnetic strip or inserting your card and entering the PIN.
If you are operating the self-checkout, you do not need to separate the goods because the computer will apply the EBT discounts as you scan each individual item.
However, with either method, make sure to review scanned products so that you only purchase approved goods with the EBT.
Where Does Target Accept EBT?
Target accepts SNAP EBT cards at every one of their 1,900+ stores as it is the most popular form of EBT.
On the other hand, WIC is only accepted at authorized locations such as most Target Superstores which are more likely to take WIC payments as they provide a wider variety of groceries than urban locations.
Consider contacting your local store to check whether they accept EBT cards or use the online store finder to locate alternative stores.
Can I Use EBT At Target.com?
Unfortunately, you cannot use EBT cards including SNAP and WIC to pay for any goods at Target.com. In addition to that, EBT cannot be used to pay for grocery delivery or curbside pickup.
What Products Can I Buy With EBT At Target?
EBT cards typically cover the cost of essential groceries that hold nutritious value, and most customers stick to a nutrition plan curated by their advisor.
Here is a list of the food types 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
Mothers enrolled in a WIC program will also gain supplementary baby formula, cereals, foods, fruit, vegetables, and meat specializing in infant development.
Additionally, if you are breastfeeding, you may receive additional iron supplements. However, make sure your EBT card has a sufficient balance as you can only receive the agreed amount of funds.
What Products Cannot Be Bought With EBT At Target?
Customers supported by SNAP and WIC benefits cannot buy non-grocery products such as cleaning supplies, paper products, diapers, household supplies, or prescribed and over-the-counter medications.
Additionally, most energy drinks are removed from the list, however, specific packages may permit Red Bull.
Other than these, tobacco products, cigarettes, and alcohol (including wine, beer, and liquors) are also prohibited for EBT users.
Do Target Cashiers Know I’m On Welfare If I Use My EBT Card?
Target cashiers will know you are using an EBT card and that you are on welfare since the card type will appear on their register.
Some products may also be EBT-labeled to help you and the cashier differentiate products, so that is also a way that the cashier may know about your welfare status.
However, Target promotes an inclusive ethos throughout the business and aims to support customers from all backgrounds.
Can I Use My EBT Card At Target’s Mini-Stores?
When you go to Target, you can expect to find mini-stores such as Starbucks, CVS Health center, opticians, and an Apple stand.
EBT cards cannot be used to pay for optical support, pharmaceuticals, or electronics. However, some SNAP packages provide access to coffee and cakes at Target-based Starbucks mini-stores.
What Is An EBT?
An Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) serves as a payment method in the form of a plastic card with a strip and PIN function for those experiencing financial difficulty.
Cardholders are provided with an agreed allowance to spend at accepting stores. You can only purchase groceries or other necessities approved by your EBT program.
EBT is operated through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) (formerly known as food stamps) in every American state.
To learn more, you can see our related guide on using WIC at Target stores and also whether or not Target has senior discounts and military discounts.
Conclusion
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. WIC also approves formula and infant specialist items. EBT is only permitted at authorized stores and you cannot pay for goods online or fund deliveries. Alcohol, pharmaceuticals, and cigarettes are prohibited.
