I originally was interested in writing this article when I noticed on Target.com that they claim to accept EBT via their website, but not on the app. I figured it was time to set the record straight for 2025 and answers all of your “EBT at Target” questions.

Target Does Accept EBT and WIC

Target brick & mortar stores accept both your EBT Card (Electronic Benefits Transfer) and WIC at all their physical stores in the United States and Canada.

The Items You’re Eligible To Buy

There is a healthy list of items you’re allowed to purchase at Target with your EBT card.

They include the following:

– Fruits and produce. Both fresh and canned.

– Grains like cereal, crackers, tortillas, rice, and breads.

– Meats like chicken, beef, pork, and fish. Both fresh and canned.

– Juice and beverages (non-carbonated).

– Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt.

– Cooking oils.

– Peanut butter.

PRO TIP: EXPLORE STORE BRANDS

Target’s private labels, such as Good & Gather and Market Pantry, offer quality products at lower prices compared to national brands.

Products are generally priced 10–30% lower than national brands. The EBT savings can add up quickly, especially for staple items like milk, eggs, bread, and canned goods.

Check out these 2 Target store brands specifically:

Good & Gather focuses on offering healthier, high-quality options without artificial flavors or synthetic colors, perfect for families seeking nutritious choices.

Market Pantry provides more budget-friendly staples, making it ideal for stocking up on pantry essentials.

Some Stuff Is a No-No 

You can’t buy the following items at Target using your EBT card.

– Already Prepared “Hot” Foods.

– Tobacco products.

– Alcohol.

– Diapers and baby wipes.

– Paper products.

– Cleaning products.

PRO TIP: ORGANIZE YOUR CART WHILE YOU SHOP

By separating EBT-eligible items (like groceries) from non-eligible ones (like toiletries or household goods), you reduce the risk of confusion or delays at the register.

Let the cashier know in advance that you’ll be processing two transactions. This helps them prepare and ensures the process goes smoothly.

For non-eligible items, have a secondary payment method ready, such as a credit card, debit card, or cash.

After completing each transaction, review your receipts to ensure the correct items were charged to your EBT card and that no ineligible items were mistakenly applied.

I also highly recommend using the Target app’s barcode scanner to confirm whether an item is EBT-eligible before adding it to your cart so you’re 100% confident what’s eligible for EBT and what isn’t.

See Also: Does Costco Accept EBT or Snap? Here’s the Real Deal

Target Also Takes EBT Online

As of this writing, you CAN finally use your EBT card online via Target.com.

I personally called Target corporate to verify this and they informed me that it is now possible. (Thanks to a couple commenters for the heads up on this)

First thing to consider is that you NEED a Target account to use your EBT card on their website.

When shopping on the Target website, you simply use your EBT card like you would your credit card and you’ll be informed which items in your order are eligible for SNAP benefits.

To add your card, go to your Target Account, then click Payments, then Add Payment Card.

Then you’ll select EBT card and enter your Card Number.

Be sure to toggle the Default Payment for Snap to the On (green) position, that way Target will automatically apply your SNAP benefits to all eligible items.

You’ll then be asked to enter a Secondary Form of Payment to cover all the items that aren’t EBT eligible as well as any Shipping or “Substitution” fees.

PRO TIP: KEEP CONTROL OF SPENDING

A very cool feature that Target put in place is the ability to edit the amount applied to your EBT payment BEFORE you place your order.

This allows you to be in complete control of your EBT spending which is a nice benefit.

You Can Also Use Your EBT Card On the Target App

When using the Target app, you can now also add your EBT card to your account Wallet and then select it as your default payment method.

The easiest way to make it happen is to tap Settings, then Payment Cards, followed by Add Card.

Select EBT and enter your card number at which point you can also select it as your default payment method.

Keep in mind you’ll also have to add a secondary payment method to cover all non-EBT eligible items in your order.

Use EBT With Curbside Pickup

To make it happen, you would just shop the Target website or app like you normally would, select Curbside Pickup, then use your EBT card as your payment method.

Your EBT Card Also Works at Self-Checkout

When using the self-checkout aisle at Target you’ll be given the option to use your EBT card when you reach the payment portion.

For this to work, you’ll need to split your cart into 2 separate purchases: EBT eligible items and non-eligible stuff.

Or make your life easier and ONLY add eligible items to your cart and call it your EBT shopping trip.

PRO TIP: TROUBLE USING EBT AT SELF CHECKOUT?

If you’re having trouble using your EBT card at Target self-checkout, it’s probably because your remaining EBT balance is not enough to cover your purchase and you CAN’T use multiple cards to pay at self-checkout.

The solution is to tell the employee running the self-checkout and they’ll pull your order onto their computer and help you complete the purchase with multiple cards if needed.

You Can’t Use RedCard Benefits With Your EBT Card

RedCard benefits can only be used when RedCard is your chosen mode of payment.

In other words, you have to use either your EBT card -OR- your RedCard credit or debit card, you can’t use both on the same transaction unless your RedCard is your secondary payment method which would cover all your non-EBT eligible items.

See Also: 5 Target Hacks That Will Save You Money

Return Policy Is the Same on EBT Purchases

You’ll be given the same 90 day return policy.

Keep in mind that this also applies to perishable foods.

I personally verified this with Target that perishable items are returnable and was told “Yes, as long as it’s within 90 days of purchase”.

Your Benefits Won’t Work at Starbucks (Within a Target)

You’ll have to pony up your own money to buy a Starbucks coffee within a Target store.

At the very least, check out some of our highly clever ways to save at Starbucks.

Ask the Reader: Have you ever used your EBT or WIC at Target? Was it an easy process?

By Kyle James

Kyle James( Owner/Founder )

I started Rather-Be-Shopping.com in 2000 and have become a consumer expert and advocate writing about out-of-the-box ways to save at stores like Amazon, Walmart, Target and Costco to name a few. I’ve been featured on FOX News, Good Morning America, and the NY Times talking about my savings tips. (Learn more)