It’s good to know if a store takes your EBT card before you shop. No one wants to be refused because their EBT card isn’t accepted.
Many grocery stores in the country accept EBT cards. But does Trader Joe’s? Does Trader Joe’s accept EBT or Food Stamps?
Yes! Every Trader Joe’s store accepts EBT cards. You can also use your SNAP cash benefits to buy eligible items.
Read on to learn a bit about Trader Joe’s and how to use your EBT card at these stores.
Can You Use EBT or SNAP at Trader Joe’s?
Trader Joe’s accepts EBT payments, letting families use their SNAP benefits at one of the top supermarket chains in the U.S. With many locations, a Trader Joe’s is likely nearby!
Using EBT at Trader Joe’s: What You Can Buy
SNAP is a great federal program that helps low-income families. However, there are limits on what you can buy with it.
Any essential food item can be bought at Trader Joe’s with SNAP. You can buy any food to take home, but not hot foods prepared in the store, like hot pizza or sandwiches.
If the food has a “nutrition” label on the back, it is likely part of the SNAP benefits program.
Examples of items you can buy include:
- Snack foods
- Dairy products
- Poultry
- Meat
- Fish and seafood
- Bread
- Cereal
- Cooking oils
- Cookies
- Cakes
- Seeds to grow food
- Plants that produce food
What Can’t I Buy at Trader Joe’s with EBT?
There are limits on what you can buy with SNAP benefits. Here are things you cannot purchase:
- Alcohol, including liquor, wine, and beer
- Cigarettes or any tobacco products
- Cleaning supplies
- Hot, ready-to-eat foods
- Household supplies
- Toiletries
- Diapers
- Paper products
- Cosmetics
- Pet food
- Pet products
- Vitamins and supplements (anything with a “Supplement Facts” label)
- If you are unsure about what you can buy, ask a Trader Joe’s employee for help.
Different states have different rules for using SNAP cash benefits. Contact your local SNAP office to find out what you can buy with SNAP cash in your area.
Use Your EBT Card at Trader Joe’s
You can use your EBT card at Trader Joe’s like at any other food market. It works like a debit or credit card. Tell the cashier you are using an EBT card, and they will let you know when to swipe it.
Enter the PIN you chose when you applied for SNAP. If using both SNAP and cash benefits, make two transactions.
Assign SNAP benefits to eligible items because they cannot be returned once used.
Keep your receipt for returns. You can also check your EBT balance at the bottom of the receipt.
EBT Use at Trader Joe’s: Delivery and Pickup Options
Trader Joe’s does not have online delivery or curbside pickup services. This policy has remained unchanged, even throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.
Customers cannot order through Trader Joe’s website. However, you can use Amazon as a third-party delivery service for Trader Joe’s.
Amazon sells almost everything, including groceries, and has a grocery page where you can order from Trader Joe’s.
You can also use your EBT card when you check out in-store.
Trader Joe’s: A Brief History
Trader Joe’s is a popular place for fresh fruits, vegetables, and gluten-free, vegan, and organic foods.
Learning a retailer’s history helps understand the company better.
Joe was successful but thought Pronto Market was too similar to 7-Eleven, which meant too much competition.
He was inspired by Trader Vic’s in Beverly Hills to create Trader Joe’s. While Trader Vic’s was costly, Trader Joe’s focused on being budget-friendly.
Trader Joe’s began in Pasadena in 1967 and has thrived. With over 500 stores across the U.S., it continues to expand, and it is known for its unique food offerings.
Although Mr. Coulombe, the founder, passed away in 2020, his legacy endures.
Understanding the EBT Program
EBT, or Electronic Benefits Transfer, is a system in the United States that provides extra food help to low-income families. It is also called SNAP, which stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
When SNAP users shop at approved stores, they use their EBT account to pay for food. This program is available in all 50 US states, as well as the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the District of Columbia.
For questions or to apply for SNAP, you can visit the United States Food and Nutrition Services website.
Alternate Payments at Trader Joe’s
In addition to EBT, Trader Joe’s accepts other payment methods. Use these as backups for items not covered by SNAP.
Trader Joe’s accepts:
- Physical gift cards
- Cash
- Personal checks
- Debit cards
- Credit cards
- Apple Pay
- Google Pay
- Samsung Pay
Trader Joe’s Hours of Operation
Most Trader Joe’s stores are open from 8 am to 9 pm, but some may have different hours. Check your local store’s hours on the Trader Joe’s website.
