CVS has a vast network of stores around the country that have been serving people with hassle-free shopping experiences. CVS aims to provide products to people from every level of society. People can purchase accept food items from CVS using their federal benefits EBT / Food Stamps card.
This EBT card is a USDA administered electronic card or debit card that an eligible family can use to redeem the state government’s monthly benefits. If you are a new beneficiary of an EBT card, then don’t worry about its type and usage. This article is going to make everything clear and simple to help you understand better how to use EBT card at CVS stores and which product accept this card.
Does All CVS store accept EBT card payment for buying items
CVS is one of the most trusted stores for the unique and best quality products services and they have almost 7000 stores around the US. CVS is trying to expand its service as a food grocery chain as well and accept EBT cards for SNAP beneficiaries is an example of that initiative. But All of the CVS stores are not eligible to serve EBT cardholders.
So When you should know whether the nearby CVS store accept EBT or not before attempting to purchase food items from them. A store must be approved as a SNAP retailer to sell SNAP-eligible items. Besides, make a crosscheck whether all of your food items are available or not. CVS should be a perfect destination for people who decide to buy grocery items along with health products.
Guide to use an EBT card payment at CVS store
Using an EBT card is almost similar to using other debit or credit cards that we use to buy products at stores. If you are a frequent user of debit cards at stores, then using an EBT card should be easier for you as well. If you are a new user of an EBT card, then you should first learn about the monthly benefit you are eligible to get and your limitations on redeeming that benefit.
The state government sends USDA benefits to your EBT card at the beginning of the month and then you can start purchasing food products as per your available benefit. The USDA provides the SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefit for purchasing specific food items, and groceries only. You will have to concentrate on the eligible products list approved by the USDA and the state government. Follow these steps here to use your EBT card properly:
- Collect all the food and grocery products maintaining the eligible product list.
- Go to the cash counter with the products and your EBT card. Let the cashier scan all the products.
- Inform the cashier that you want to use your EBT card as a payment method.
- Swipe the EBT card at the POS machine or let the cashier swipe it for you.
- Then the cashier should ask you to enter the 4-digit security PIN of your EBT card. It’s important to memorize it and enter it correctly.
- The cashier will enter the amount that cost for your products, and you will have to approve the purchase amount.
- A receipt will show the transaction information and your last available balance on the EBT card. Don’t forget to collect the card.
Way to check if the nearby CVS store accept EBT payment
It’s always wise to make sure somehow if the nearby store is open and accepts EBT before you make a physical visit to that store. This could save your time and gas in a hurried state. If you don’t know any stores near you, then visit here https://www.cvs.com/store-locator/landing and find out the nearby CVS store location. Here you will get the store contact number as well. So, call the nearest CVS store and ask them if they accept EBT and have the products you want. That is the simplest way to save your time and know every piece of information regarding EBT-eligible products.
What can I buy with an EBT card at CVS store
Every state government allows a bunch of items as per the financial and nutritional statistics of the people who live in that state. And the USDA (United State Department of Agriculture) approves the food items for an EBT cardholder. Though it depends on the state you live in, the eligible food item list is almost the same everywhere in the country. You are only allowed to buy the eligible food items using your EBT card approved by the USDA. So, you must follow the eligibility product rules to get the SNAP monthly benefit. Concentrate on the list of eligible food stamp items before purchasing from the CVS store. Since you can enjoy a specific amount for the month’s purchase, you should be aware of what you can buy at the CVS store using your EBT card. Here are the food items that you can purchase within your monthly EBT limit.
- Fruit and vegetables
- Dairy products (cheese, milk, yogurt)
- Meat (steak, mince)
- Poultry and fish.
- Frozen foods
- Bread, cereals, and nutrition bars
- Snack
- Seeds and plants
- Non-alcoholic beverages (soft drinks, energy drinks)
- Desserts (cakes, cookies, ice cream)
What items can’t I buy at CVS store with EBT card?
Remember that CVS was a drug store before they added food and grocery items later. Now they have a variety of food and grocery products, but EBT cardholders can only buy SNAP-eligible food items from their stores. Whatever you find there at any CVS store, you cannot buy everything using your EBT card. Here are some of the food products mentioned that you cant buy with your EBT card.
- Vitamins
- Pet food
- Hot foods
- Feminine products
- Cleaning items
Can I use my EBT card for online orders and pickup at CVS store?
CVS already has an online delivery system where people can order medicines and food products from the official website and get the products in their hands. Unfortunately, CVS doesn’t accept EBT cardholders for any type of online delivery. Only CVS physical stores accept EBT where you will have to attend physically and swipe the EBT card after collecting food items. For online purchases, you can use other payment options such as Visa, Master Card, American Express, Discover, and other cards. Still, if you want to order something online, then go with another card that you have with you. There are many chain shops and stores available where you can use your card as a payment method.