It’s always wise to check if a store accepts your EBT card before you go shopping. Nobody wants to enter a store only to find out they can’t use their EBT card.
Does Trader Joe’s accept SNAP, EBT, or Food Stamps?
Most grocery chains in the country accept EBT cards. But does Trader Joe’s?
Yes, Trader Joe’s accepts EBT cards at all their locations. You can use your SNAP cash benefits to purchase eligible items.
Continue reading to get a quick history of Trader Joe’s and find out everything you need to know about using your EBT card at their stores across the country.
Trader Joe’s: A Concise Historical Review
Trader Joe’s is a favorite spot for fresh fruits, veggies, and a variety of gluten-free, vegan, and organic foods.
Understanding the history of a retailer can provide deeper insight into the company.
Trader Joe’s was established in Los Angeles, California, in 1958 by Joe Coulombe. It began as a part of a chain called Pronto Markets, which was initiated by Rexall Drug Co.
They appointed Mr. Coulombe to manage this new segment of convenience stores.
Joe found success but realized Pronto Market was too similar to 7-Eleven and faced significant competition.
Inspired by the upscale Trader Vic’s in Beverly Hills, he conceived Trader Joe’s as a more affordable alternative.
The first Trader Joe’s store opened in Pasadena in 1967 and continues to operate.
Today, Trader Joe’s has more than 500 locations across the United States and has expanded into a full-service grocery chain known for its unique offerings.
Joe Coulombe passed away in 2020, but his legacy endures.
An Overview of the EBT Program
The EBT, or Electronic Benefits Transfer, is a digital system in the United States that provides extra food support to families with low income.
It is also called SNAP, short for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
When SNAP users buy food at approved stores, they use their EBT account for payment.
This system is active in all 50 US states, as well as in the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the District of Columbia.
If you have questions or want to apply for SNAP, you can contact the United States Food and Nutrition Services via their website.
EBT or SNAP: Are They Accepted at Trader Joe’s?
Trader Joe’s does take EBT payments, enabling low-income families to use their SNAP benefits at one of America’s top supermarket chains.
With numerous locations, there’s likely a Trader Joe’s not too far away from you!
What Does Trader Joe’s Allow You to Purchase with an EBT Card?
SNAP is a great federal program designed to assist families with low income. However, there are restrictions on what items you can buy.
At Trader Joe’s, you can buy any essential food item allowed under SNAP. This includes any food that you can take home, except for hot foods like pizza or sandwiches made in the store.
If the food has a “nutrition” label on its packaging, it is likely eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits.
Here are some examples of what you can buy:
1. Poultry
2. Meat
3. Cookies and cakes
4. Fish and other seafood
5. Cereal
6. Bread
7. Dairy products
8. Snack foods
9. Seeds for planting
10. Plants that produce food
11. Cooking oils
What EBT Cards Won’t Cover at Trader Joe’s?
There are restrictions on items you can’t buy because they don’t meet the SNAP program requirements. Items you can’t purchase include:
- Diapers
- Tobacco products like cigarettes
- Personal care products
- Hot, ready-to-eat meals
- Pet food and other pet items
- Paper goods
- Cleaning items
- Household essentials
- Makeup
It’s normal to feel overwhelmed by what is allowed. If you’re unsure, a Trader Joe’s employee can help you or find someone who can.
Keep in mind, different states have their own rules on what your cash benefits can cover.
Contacting your local SNAP office will provide a list of what you can purchase with SNAP cash in stores.
How to Make Purchases at Trader Joe’s Using Your EBT Card?
You can use your EBT card at Trader Joe’s like you would at any other grocery store, treating it as a debit or credit card.
Just tell the cashier you’re using an EBT card, and they will let you know when to swipe it.
You’ll need to enter the PIN you chose when you applied for SNAP. If you are using both SNAP and cash benefits, you’ll have to make two separate transactions.
Remember to use your SNAP benefits only for eligible items because once used, they cannot be returned.
Always keep your receipt for any returns and to track your spending, as your EBT balance is listed at the bottom of the receipt.
EBT Payment for Trader Joe’s Delivery and Pickup Services: Can You Use It?
Trader Joe’s does not provide online delivery or curbside pickup, and this has been their policy for some time, even during the Covid 19 pandemic.
There is no option to order through Trader Joe’s website.
However, you can use Amazon for delivery from Trader Joe’s. Amazon offers a wide variety of products, including groceries.
They have a specific grocery section on their website where you can order items from Trader Joe’s. You can also use your EBT card in the store when you check out.
How Else Can You Pay at Trader Joe’s?
In addition to EBT, Trader Joe’s accepts various other payment methods. These alternatives can be used for items that the SNAP program does not cover.
Here are the payment options available at Trader Joe’s:
- Personal checks
- Cash
- Credit cards
- Google Pay
- Apple Pay
- Samsung Pay
- Debit cards
- Trader Joe’s physical gift cards
