Does Big Lots Take EBT Cards Payment, Food Stamps or Snap – In today’s digital world the SNAP EBT program plays a significant role in providing food assistance to low-income families and individuals. On the other hand, Big Lots is one of the renowned American retail enterprises and a go-to place for millions of Americans as they can find everything from gadgets, toys, and furniture to apparel and groceries here. A lot of customers who are enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program wonder if they can show up with their EBT cards at Big Lots.
There are around 248,000 retailers throughout the country that participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and accept EBT benefits. Fortunately, Big Lots is one of them that takes part in the SNAP and accepts EBT at certain store locations. You can use the USDA SNAP Retailer Locator to easily find a Big Lots store that accepts SNAP EBT near you. In this comprehensive guide, we will help you to cover the Big Lots’ policy on EBT and the SNAP-eligible products that you can purchase from here.
Highlights of this Post
Key Takeaways
- Big Lots accepts EBT in select locations for SNAP-approved groceries.
- Not all Big Lots stores are EBT-friendly. Check with your local store to confirm.
- EBT covers eligible food items like fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, and bread.
- You cannot use EBT for non-food items like furniture, household goods, or prepared meals.
- Big Lots does not currently accept EBT for online purchases.
Who Is Big Lots?
Big Lots is a non-traditional unique discount retailer that runs 1400+ stores in 47 U.S. states. The retailer is known for carrying a wide assortment of products in different categories like food and beverages, consumables, home décor, furniture, toys, seasonal items, housewares, clothing, electronics, hardware, accessories and so on.
The retailer is committed to providing amazing value to its customers every day. This is a publicly-traded company listed on the New York Stock Exchange and earns an avenue exceeding $5 billion. To find a Big Lots store near you you need to visit their online store locator page. Just simply enter your zip code or city and state to find the closest Big Lots store near you.
How Many Big Lots Stores Are There In The United States?
As of 23rd April 2024, 1392 Big Lots stores are operating throughout the United States of America. The US state with the maximum number of Big Lots locations in America is Texas with nearly 116 stores and this accounts for 8% of the overall Big Lots stores in America. Big Lots runs store locations in 47 States and territories in 1094 cities.
Let’s take a look at the following states and territories with maximum Big Lots store locations.
- Texas- 116 or 8% of the U.S Big Lots stores
- California– 110 or 8% of the U.S Big Lots stores
- Florida- 106 or 8% of the U.S Big Lots stores
- Ohio- 102 or 7% of the U.S Big Lots stores
- North Carolina- 75 or 5% of the U.S Big Lots stores
- Pennsylvania- 73 or 5% of the U.S Big Lots stores
- New York City- 4 or 5% of the U.S Big Lots stores
- Georgia– 51 or 4% of the U.S Big Lots stores
- Tennessee– 47 or 3% of the U.S Big Lots stores
- Michigan– 46 or 3% of the U.S Big Lots stores
The states and territories without any Big Lots store location are: the U.S Virgin Island, Guam, Northern Mariana Island, Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, American Samoa and the District of Columbia. Nearly 8 states and territories have no Big Lots store running in America.
The cities with the maximum number of Big Lots stores in the United States are: San Antonio, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Houston, Indianapolis, Columbus, Fort Worth, Cincinnati, Orlando and Louisville.
Do you know which retailers in California accept EBT payments? Head over to our next guide to learn about the comprehensive list.
Does Big Lots Accept SNAP/ EBT Benefits?
Yes, the good news is that Big Lots accepts food stamps or EBT benefits as a method of payment from SNAP beneficiaries. However, not all Big Lots stores throughout the country are authorized to accept EBT payments.
Even though Big Lots is running 1400+ locations in 48 states only a select store location is accepting food stamps as a method of payment. The store location started accepting EBT payments in 2014 to accommodate EBT cardholders so that they can pay for particular products using their EBT cards and access nutritious and healthy food options.
Read our next guide to know whether the popular retailer Grocery Outlet accepts SNAP, EBT or food stamps as a method of payment from recipients.
What Are The Other Payment Methods Available At Big Lots?
Besides EBT payments at select locations, Big Lots accepts other payment methods to provide convenience to all its customers.
In the below section, we have covered a list of alternate payment methods that are generally accepted at Big Lots store locations throughout the country.
- Cash
- Checks
- Gift cards
- Big Lots credit card
- Visa
- MasterCard
- Apple Pay
- American Express
Apart from grocery stores there are even bakeries that are accepting EBT payments throughout the country. You can read them in our next guide.
What Can You Buy At Big Lots With Your EBT Card?
Now that you know Big Lots accepts EBT benefits from SNAP beneficiaries, let’s take a look at the eligible items that you can cover with your EBT card from participating Big Lots locations.
Big Lots stores are popular for selling incredibly cheap and high-quality products on sale. In other words, SNAP recipients can make significant amounts of savings with their EBT benefits at Big Lots.
- Meat, poultry and fish: This comprises all forms of meat such as pork, beef, turkey, chicken, fish and lamb.
- Snacks and desserts: Chips, cakes, cookies and other snack items are eligible as long as they do not have any vitamins or minerals in them.
- Seeds and Plants: SNAP participants can purchase plants and seeds to grow their produce.
- Energy drinks: Specific energy drinks are allowed for purchase using an EBT card if they are labeled as Supplement Facts instead of the Nutrition Facts label.
- Bread and cereals: All types of bread, crackers, cereals, pasta, oatmeal and rice are allowed.
- Milk and Dairy Products: All types of milk, yogurt, cheese and butter are eligible
- Fruits and vegetables: All types of fresh, canned or frozen fruits and vegetables are allowed for EBT purchase. This also includes dried fruits and vegetables.
What Can’t You Buy At Big Lots With Your EBT Card?
Even though customers can find incredible deals and high-quality products at affordable rates there are certain limitations about the type of products that you can buy with your EBT card here. Not all goods available at Big Lots are considered healthy and nutritious as per USDA guidelines. Here are the products that you cannot buy with your EBT card at Big Lots or any other grocery store.
The primary restriction with SNAP or EBT is that they can be used only on grocery items instead of ready-to-eat or prepared foods. If you are trying to purchase non-edible food like clothing or household supplies, you have to use an alternate method of payment like cash, credit or debit card.
Even though these are food items the benefits can be used only on items that you can cook or prepare at home. Following is the list of food items that you cannot purchase with EBT.
- Cigarettes or tobacco products
- Alcoholic beverages like beer, liquor, wine etc.
- Hot food
- Vitamins, supplements and medicines
- Cleaning supplies
- Pet foods
- Hygiene items
- Diapers
- Paper products
- Live animals except (fish, shellfish)
- Cosmetics
To know more information about what you can and can’t purchase with your EBT visit the Eligible Food Items Page available on the official USDA website.
The only exception to this SNAP rule is the Restaurant Meals Program that allows a few SNAP recipients to use their EBT card for the purchase of hot prepared meals in select states. Know about the participating fast-food restaurants that are authorized to accept EBT in our next blog.
How To Shop With Your EBT Card At Big Lots?
To purchase goods with your EBT card at any Big Lots local store you need to follow the below-mentioned steps.
- Once you reach the operated register you need to separate the eligible SNAP goods from the regular items while loading the checkout
- Insert or swipe your EBT card into the card reader when you’re ready to pay for the groceries or food items that are SNAP approved and input your 4-digit PIN
- Inform your cashier about the amount that you have to pay either in cash or SNAP benefits from where you want to charge your order
- Re-enter your PIN on the point-of-sale keyboard to confirm if the charges are correct. The purchase total of your order will be deducted from your SNAP or cash account as per your direction. It is also recommended to keep the receipt after shopping to prevent missed charges and remove the latest balance on your EBT card.
- In case the transaction includes any SNAP unapproved items you have to pay for the goods separately with an alternative payment source like cash, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or credit or debit card.
Do you love to shop with Panda Express and want to know whether they accept EBT or not? Learn about Panda Express and its EBT policies in our next guide.
How To Save Money While Shopping At Big Lots?
Big Lots is one of those retailers where the cost of household items and groceries are kept as low as possible to accommodate low-income families. If you want to shop at Big Lots and increase your savings take a look at the below-mentioned points.
Join Big Lots Buzz Club
Customers can join loyalty programs and download loyalty apps to boost their savings. Membership to Buzz Club is free and this will help you to get an exclusive 20% off day Including exclusive deals.
Special 20% Off Days
Buzz club will enable you to shop at exclusive members-only events where you can get 20% off on your entire purchase.
Grocery Cleared Out Carts
A lot of times customers can get a grocery cart full of food close to their expiration date at the front door area of Big Lots and in this case, you can get products at a low cost. For instance, a box of Oreo cookies in which they can network cards are available as low as $0.25 per box.
Hit The Clearance Aisle
Big Lots has a clearance aisle that comprises merchandise marked down even lower than the already reasonable products. Big Lots also changes its stock regularly so the deals may change from one week to another. If you add the retail chain to your weekly errands route then you can get amazing discounts and deal offers here.
Do you love to shop with Walgreens? Take a look at our next guide to know whether Walgreens accept EBT payments or not.
Does Big Lots Allow EBT/ SNAP Benefits For Online Purchases?
The Online Purchasing Pilot Program designed by US today is an amazing choice for SNAP recipients that allows them to make online purchases from authorized retailers with the help of their EBT card. Only select states and retailers are participating in this program since it is a voluntary initiative and SNAP leaves it to the state to enroll in this pilot program.
Big Lots has expanded its online presence and allows shoppers to order their products online from the comfort of their homes. Unfortunately, you cannot use your EBT card to purchase groceries online from Big Lots as it is not participating in the USDA Online Purchasing Pilot Program.
To purchase products from Big Lots online you have to use an alternate source of payment. However, you can take a look at major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Target, DoorDash and Instacart that accept EBT cards as a method of payment and help you to get your groceries and food items delivered. It is important to know that you cannot cover the service charges and delivery fees with your EBT card.
Read about the comprehensive list of SNAP-eligible goods and grocery stores that accept EBT payments online in our next guide.
Other Major Retailers That Accept EBT Payments
Amazon
Amazon is a part of the USDA Online Purchasing Pilot Program as of 2022 which allows SNAP recipients to use their EBT benefits online on eligible items.
According to Amazon, SNAP recipients with a valid EBT card can shop on Amazon using state benefits in all states apart from Alaska, Hawaii, Louisiana and Montana. To use your EBT funds you have to add your card information to your Amazon account or add the EBT card during checkout.
Target
Target welcomes EBT or food stamps as a method of payment for the purchase of SNAP-eligible grocery items. Approximately 4500 items present in Target stores are SNAP-eligible.
Target is one of the leading grocery stores with a loyal customer base due to its eye-catching products, welcoming layout and trendy products. This makes the grocery chain to be one of the favorite options among many.
Instacart
Instacart accepts EBT cards as a method of payment and is a popular online grocery delivery service that is available in all states except Alaska, Hawaii, Montana, and Louisiana. EBT cardholders also get a discount on Instacart + membership.
You can shop for groceries from top retailers like ALDI, Stop and Shop, Price Right, Price Chopper, Market 32 and Hannaford Supermarket through Instacart.
Walmart
Walmart accepts SNAP EBT cards throughout the country. You can get free curbside pickup service here with a minimum order of $35 or else you have to pay a small pickup fee. You can place water through Walmart.com or by downloading the Walmart app.
CVS
CVS is a popular retail store and pharmacy chain CVS has 10,000 store locations throughout America. Customers can buy a wide variety of products using their food stamp benefits at CVS.
Till now only 6660 out of 9900+ CVS stores are accepting EBT payments from SNAP beneficiaries. This company started accepting EBT cards as a payment method in 2013.
Sprouts
Sprouts Farmers Market is a renowned grocery store chain in America that is known for selling healthy and fresh products. Individuals who are enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program can use their EBT card at Sprouts to shop for eligible products.
The company is known for offering an extensive collection of products that are free of artificial flavors or preservatives, colors and synthetic ingredients and are also minimally processed food.
DoorDash
DoorDash accepts EBT as a method of payment. The popular food delivery service has become part of other online retailers like Amazon Fresh and Instacart to accept EBT payments.
The online platform provides a wide array of food options for recipients who are EBT-approved for purchase starting from fresh vegetables and fruits and dairy products to fish, poultry and meat.
Sam’s Club
Sam’s Club is one of the favorite shopping destinations among Americans for buying necessary items at affordable rates. This is one of the best options for Snap beneficiaries with large families.
The supermarket store is popular among Americans for helping shoppers save significant money. Sam’s Club accepts food stamps or EBT from SNAP beneficiaries in all its retail locations. The authorized Sam’s Club accepts EBT transactions from SNAP beneficiaries.
Costco
SNAP recipients can use their food stamps or EBT cards at Costco. Costco is a popular warehouse retailer that is accepting EBT benefits at all of its warehouse locations.
However specific restrictions and guidelines need to be followed at every step for recipients using EBT benefits here. In some cases, the company policy may limit how and where within Costco you can use your food stamp benefits.
Safeway
Safeway is one of the largest drug and food retailers in the United States of America. Safeway is one of the United States retailers that has been approved by the Department of Agriculture to accept EBT or SNAP benefits online from SNAP beneficiaries.
ALDI
ALDI is a big grocery chain in America that accepts EBT payments and has also collaborated with Instacart to accept online EBT payments. It is not only affordable for its reasonable price on groceries and household items but also gained recognition for its dedication to providing healthy food options.
Trader Joe’s
Trader Joe’s caters to vegetarian and vegan needs and sells high food qualities to all its customers. Around 556 stores throughout the country are under Trader Joe’s that accept EBT payments.
The grocery chain is accepting EBT in all of its store locations for in-store purchases only and is not enrolled in the USDA Online Purchasing Pilot Program. When purchasing goods from Trader Joe’s it is important to ensure you are purchasing SNAP-eligible goods only.
In this section, we have covered a list of a few more grocery stores that accept EBT payments.
- Speedway
- Associated Food Stores
- Bashas
- Big Y Foods
- Foodtown
- Fred Meyer
- Stater Bros
- Fry’s Food Stores
- Giant Eagle
- Giant Food
- Rite Aid
- Harris Teeter
- HEB
- Wegmans
- Weis Markets
- Whole Foods
- Jewel-Osco
- King Soopers
- Kings Food Markets
- Kroger
- Acme Markets
- AJ’s Fine Foods
- Albertsons
- Hannaford Supermarkets
- Lowe’s Grocery
- BJ’s Wholesale Club
- Bravo Supermarkets
- Brookshire’s
- City Market
- Family Dollar
- Dillons Stores
- Meijer
- Piggly Wiggly
- Pick N Save
- Price Chopper
- Fareway Meat & Grocery
- Fine Fare Supermarkets
- Food 4 Less
- Food City
- Food Lion
- Publix
- QFC Supermarkets
- Raley’s
- Shaw’s
- ShopRite
- Publix
- Smith’s Food and Drug
- WinCo
- Ralphs
- Save Mart
- Dollar Tree
- Schnucks Market
- Stop & Shop
- Super 1 Foods
- H Mart
- Kroger
- Jubilee Foods
- Superior Grocers
- Tops Markets
- Vons
- Dollar Tree etc.
Conclusion
Big Lots is a popular discount retailer in America that recognizes the importance of SNAP EBT as a method of payment and strives to make the shopping experience convenient and accessible for those who depend on food stamp benefits. A lot of Big Lots stores throughout the country are accepting EBT as a method of payment and allowing low-income families and individuals to use government benefits for eligible groceries and food items. It is critical to check with the specific Big Lots store in your area to make sure they accept EBT. Moreover, Big Lots has also expanded its online presence to provide more convenience to its customers. While most online retailers are accepting EBT online, Big Lots may not accept EBT as a method of payment for online purchases currently.
We hope this article has been informative enough to give you all the details you need regarding Big Lots that accept EBT in the USA. You can learn more about the government grants and financial assistance program at the Get Government Grants’ blog section today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There A Minimum Purchase Amount For EBT Or Food Stamps At Big Lots?
No, there isn’t any specific minimum purchase amount required to use at Big Lots. It is however important to follow the restrictions or guidelines that are set by the EBT program in your state.
Are All Big Lots Stores In America Friendly?
The majority of Big Lots stores running in the United States of America accept EBT and are authorized by USDA to accept food stamps from SNAP beneficiaries. However, not all of these stores are EBT-friendly so it is important to verify with the particular store in your area to ensure their EBT acceptance policy.
Can I Use EBT For Furniture At Big Lots?
While food stamps or EBT can be used for eligible food items and grocery, furniture purchases do not fall into USDA guidelines. The SNAP program has been designed to help low-income families access nutritious and healthy food. You can buy only staple food items like fruits or vegetables, dairy products, bread, cereals, snacks, non-alcoholic beverages, seeds and plants to grow food, seafood, meat, fish and other nutritional items at Big Lots.