Does Trader Joe’s Take EBT/SNAP/Food Stamps? Answered

Does Trader Joe’s Take EBT?

Trader Joe’s accepts EBT cards at all of its stores.^[1][2][3]

We reached out to Trader Joe’s locations in Arizona, California, Florida, Kansas, Kentucky, New York, and Oregon; all of the stores we called accept SNAP/EBT.

EBT cards hold both Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and cash assistance benefits through programs like Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).^[4][5] You can use both types of benefits at Trader Joe’s.^[1]

TANF and SNAP Restrictions

EBT funds can be used to purchase various products, and you can even get cash back if you receive cash assistance.

However, there are some restrictions on what you can buy, depending on the program in which you participate.

You cannot buy the following with SNAP benefits:^[6]

• Vitamins and medicines
• Prepared or hot foods
• Any non-food items

Cash assistance benefits aren’t valid on the following purchases:^[5]

• Tobacco products, alcohol, or imitation alcohol
• Lottery tickets
• Bail
• Vacation or travel services
• Firearms or ammunition
• Tattoos

See our related research for more information on what you can and can’t buy with your EBT card.

Using EBT at Trader Joe’s

To use your EBT card or cash benefits at Trader Joe’s, swipe your EBT card at the register, select the EBT option, and enter your four-digit PIN.

Note that the system will not process the transaction if you attempt to use your EBT card to pay for ineligible items. You will have to pay for those items separately.^[7]

For more places where you can shop with SNAP benefits, check out our list of grocery stores that accept EBT.

Trader Joe’s Accepted Payment Methods

In addition to EBT, Trader Joe’s also accepts cash, checks, credit cards, debit cards, gift cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay.^[2]

If your order includes items that aren’t eligible for EBT, you can use any of these payment methods to pay for your items.