Does CVS Take EBT or Food Stamps?

Originally posted on September 11, 2022 @ 3:35 pm

With almost 10,000 outlets nationwide, CVS has established itself as a popular stop for thousands of customers looking for prescription pharmaceuticals and everyday items. Families who rely on SNAP may ask if large pharmacies accept EBT payments, though, given how easily accessible CVS is. 

The Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program has replaced the Food Stamp Program (SNAP). The effects of COVID-19 have led to additional changes. One of the biggest merchants is CVS, therefore owners of EBT cards may be wondering if they may use their cards there. All the information you require is available right here.

What is CVS?

The retail arm of CVS Health is The Consumer Value Store (CVS). The largest drugstore company in the country has a very specific mission: “Assisting individuals on their way to better health so that they can maintain good physical, mental, and spiritual health.” What an endeavor!

Because of this, CVS also sells a variety of grocery items to its consumers in addition to prescription medications. Another way to put it is that CVS serves as a premier health and wellness destination where customers can get prescription drugs, healthier food options, and meal solutions without having to make additional trips to the grocery store.

As a result, certain food and grocery goods from well-known and niche companies are offered at CVS locations and online. Food items that are sold there include frozen vegetables, cereals, wholesome snacks, gluten-free and organic vegetables, plant-based protein snacks, and hydrating drinks. You may buy a variety of common grocery goods at CVS Pharmacy locations to put up healthy meals that satisfy a range of dietary choices, from vegetarian to keto.

Additionally, you can be sure to find a suitable CVS location in your area thanks to the country’s over 9,900 stores. To prevent making impulse purchases at the shop, simply carry a cheap grocery list.

Does CVS Accept EBT?

Despite having more than 6900 sites where SNAP EBT is accepted as a form of payment, there are still some CVS locations where you cannot use these advantages. Call a CVS nearby to find out whether you can use your EBT card to pay for eligible items and you’ll save yourself a trip (and gas).

Fortunately, using their store locator to get the contact information for your neighborhood CVS is rather simple. You can use this to get the location’s address, phone number, and map. It also notifies you of all the services provided by the pharmacy of your choice.

Does CVS Accept EBT Online?

However, CVS is not one of the supermarket chains taking part in the SNAP EBT trial program, which enables SNAP beneficiaries to make online grocery purchases. As a result, you cannot use your EBT card to make deliveries or place orders online at CVS.

Visit any grocery store that accepts EBT for online grocery delivery if you want to shop for groceries from the convenience of your home. Otherwise, locate a CVS store nearby and enjoy shopping for necessary food products, hydrating drinks, nutritious snacks, and other EBT-eligible groceries there.

Does CVS take Food Stamps?

CVS does not accept food stamps as payment, but you may be able to use them to purchase eligible items with a SNAP EBT card. To use your food stamp benefits at CVS, you’ll need to first exchange them for a SNAP EBT card. You can then use the card like a debit card to purchase eligible items.

Common Other Types Of Payments Accepted By CVS 

The majority of popular payment options are accepted by CVS in-store and online, including American Express, MasterCard, Visa, and Discover. Customers can make contactless payments by scanning PayPay and Venmo QR codes.

How Can You Find Out If The CVS In Your Area Accepts Food Stamps And EBT?

Since CVS does not accept EBT, you may avoid wasting time, and money on petrol, and the bother of visiting a store.

The easiest approach to ensure that your trip to the store is worthwhile is to phone ahead and inquire with customer care if that specific establishment accepts EBT.

Use the store locator on the official CVS website to discover the closest CVS pharmacy and their phone number.

Customers can also find more information in the state directory on USDA.gov.

What Can You Buy At CVS With EBT?

The following is a list of SNAP-eligible products that you can buy at CVS with your EBT card:

• Fish, poultry, and meat
• Dairy products
• Bread and cereals
• Fruits and vegetables
• Soft drinks and snacks
• Filtered water
• Seeds and plants that can be cultivated at home and utilized to produce food for the family

As you can see, SNAP only provides you with funds for the necessary foods to maintain your health. They are often portable foods that you may make at home as part of a healthy diet. Shared SNAP funds cannot be used to purchase hot fast food products or point-of-sale snacks.

Once more, you cannot purchase medications, vitamins, or supplements at CVS drug shops with your EBT card. It is not possible to buy medications or vitamins with SNAP because they are not considered to be necessities for existence.

What Items Are Not EBT Compatible At CVS?

The following items are not eligible for purchase with an EBT card:

• Tobacco and alcoholic beverages
• Medications and vitamins
• Point of sale hot, prepared food
• Household items, hair drain cleaner, and paper goods or soaps
• Diapers
• Pet products
• Gift cards, scantron sheets, stamps, and copy services

Make sure you carry a different form of payment if you plan to purchase prescription medications at CVS along with your supermarket shopping.

The aged, the disabled, and the homeless are all eligible for SNAP benefits through some states’ Restaurant Meals Program (RMP). If your state participates in the RMP program and you are qualified for the program, you can only use your EBT card to buy meals at fast food establishments that take food stamps.

How To Use EBT On CVS Step By Step?

A debit or credit card can be used with an EBT card. By doing the following at the checkout counter, customers can purchase items:

1. Insert your EBT card into the reader.

2. Type your PIN in.

3. Transaction approval

4. Obtain a receipt showing the updated balance.

It should be noted that most CVS outlets may not accept EBT cards as a form of payment for self-pay.

Conclusion

Most CVS locations recognize SNAP EBT as a legitimate form of payment. However, there are still some locations where using your EBT card to purchase basic foods is not permitted. You can use the shop locator to learn more about a CVS drugstore close to you and to confirm if stores accept EBT. Once you have the numbers, you can call and find out if the shop accepts EBT.