Yes, Smart & Final accepts Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards, including those issued for SNAP benefits, at all of its brick-and-mortar stores. Customers enrolled in government assistance programs such as SNAP or TANF can use EBT to pay for eligible food items.
What You Can Buy with SNAP/EBT at Smart & Final
You can use your EBT card to purchase most foods considered eligible under SNAP guidelines, including:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, seafood
- Dairy products such as milk, cheese, yogurt, and eggs
- Bread, grains, cereals, canned and dried goods
- Snacks and non-alcoholic beverages
Things you can’t buy with SNAP benefits include:
- Alcoholic beverages, tobacco
- Vitamins, medications
- Prepared hot foods sold in stores
- Non-food household items such as soap, pet food, and cleaning products
Online ordering, pickup, and delivery
Smart & Final also allows EBT payments for pickup and delivery/personal shopper orders. Here’s what you need to know:
For in-store pickup, EBT is accepted at checkout. EBT cannot be used for commissions or tips.
For same-day delivery (fulfilled through Instacart or similar), eligible grocery items can be paid for with EBT. Ineligible items, service fees, delivery charges, or tips must be paid with another method. Note: EBT is not accepted for delivery charges or tips.
How to use your EBT card at Smart & Final
Visit a Smart & Final store or shop online to pick up or receive your order.
Select your SNAP-eligible food items; ineligible items must be paid with another payment method.
At checkout, swipe your EBT card and enter your PIN to complete the eligible portion of the payment.
If ordering online, make sure your EBT card is selected for the eligible portion; any remaining balance or fees will require a secondary payment method.
Tips to Successfully Use your EBT card
Always check with your local Smart & Final if you have any questions or if your state’s EBT system has special restrictions.
You can’t pay sales tax, shipping fees, or tips with EBT.
Be careful when using your EBT card at self-checkouts or unfamiliar terminals to avoid potential fraud or identity theft. Some customers on Reddit have urged caution, citing cases where EBT card numbers were compromised at certain stores.
Final Considerations
Smart & Final is a SNAP-authorized retailer that reliably accepts EBT cards for eligible food purchases at its stores. Whether you shop in-store, use the pickup option, or choose delivery, SNAP recipients can use their benefits to access a wide variety of groceries; just be sure to separate ineligible items and fees when using another payment method.
For the most up-to-date and location-specific information (schedule, program changes, etc.), please consider checking the official Smart & Final website or contacting your local store directly.
