Does Dollar Tree Accept EBT Card, SNAP Or Food Stamps? 2024 (2024)

Does Dollar Tree Accept EBT Card, SNAP Or Food Stamps? – If you rely on food stamps or Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards to make your ends meet it must be challenging for you to figure out the type of stores that accept food stamps as a means of payment. A popular shopping destination among Americans is Dollar Tree stores. Even though Dollar Tree has a significant presence in the South and Northeast United States it is scattered throughout the country and offers a variety of products for SNAP recipients to choose from.

A lot of budget-conscious EBT recipients who prefer to shop with Dollar Tree due to the affordability and accessibility of necessary food wonder “If Dollar Tree accepts EBT food stamps as payment”. The short answer to this question is Yes, Dollar Tree accepts EBT. This guide will provide an overview of Dollar Tree and other pertaining details that you must know.

Key Takeaways

• Dollar Tree accepts EBT cards for SNAP purchases of food and groceries.
• You can use EBT cash benefits for non-food items at Dollar Tree.
• Confirm EBT acceptance before heading to your local store.
• Dollar Tree offers a variety of affordable food items for SNAP recipients.

SNAP recipients also look for: Does Winn Dixie Accept Food Stamps or EBT

What Is A Dollar Tree?

Dollar Tree is a huge chain of stores in the United States of America that owns a yearly revenue of more than $25 billion across 15,115 stores throughout 48 U.S. states and Canada. This American multi-price point chain of discount variety stores is presently headquartered in Chesapeake VA.

Moreover, the company runs stores under the ‘Dollar Bills’ name including a multi-price rice point variety chain under the ‘Family Dollar’ banner. They sell a variety of products like food and snacks, beauty care products, health products, books, housewares and toys. Founded recently in 1986 Dollar Tree is relatively young for any grocery store to be massive.

Customers not only find a variety of items here for just $1 but various goods at different price points to provide affordable products in a huge range in several different categories. As Dollar Tree sells a variety of items including food and groceries you can do your whole grocery shopping with your EBT card from here. Individuals who are on a fixed budget and rely on food stamps can efficiently manage their money and stretch their SNAP benefits by shopping with Dollar Tree.

Recommended: Does Buc-ee’s Accept SNAP, EBT, or Food Stamps?

What Qualifies A Store To Accept Food Stamps or EBT Benefits?

To process EBT or food stamp benefits every store including Dollar Tree has to provide different kinds of products in four categories with a minimum of two perishable categories.

EBT-friendly stores including Dollar General and Dollar Tree stores accept EBT and provide the following items: dairy products, bread and cereals, fish, poultry, meat and fruits and vegetables.

The stores must also make sure they have half of their sales coming from groceries and staple food to process EBT payments and this does not include candy, soft drinks, prepaid food, junk food or alcoholic beverages. Fortunately, Dollar Tree sells a wide array of food and groceries for households so it is included in the list of EBT-friendly stores by USDA.

SNAP recipients also look for: Which Restaurants Accept EBT In Kentucky?

Does Dollar Tree Take EBT?

Yes, Dollar Tree accepts both types of benefits that come along with an Electronic Benefits Transfer Card: cash benefits and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program food benefits.

While SNAP benefits will enable you to purchase staple food and produce so that you can use the funds on frozen, canned and shelf-stable food at Dollar Tree stores, cash benefits on the other hand are associated with other federal and state assistance programs for instance Temporary Assistance For Needy Families.

Individuals can use the cash benefits for purchasing EBT-eligible items at Dollar Tree if they run out of the regular SNAP food benefits. EBT recipients can use their cash benefits to purchase cleaning products, body shampoo, diapers, baby wipes and many other items that are not eligible for SNAP food benefits.

Read also: What can you Shop Online With EBT?

How To Use Your EBT Card Or Food Stamps At Dollar Tree?

The process of using EBT cards or food stamps at authorized Dollar Tree stores is simple and pretty straightforward. In the below section we have provided a step-by-step guide that will help you pay for your SNAP-eligible item or groceries at Dollar Tree stores.

1. Locate A Participating Dollar Tree Store

The first and foremost step is to find a Dollar Tree store that accepts food stamps or EBT in your state. Fortunately, Dollar Tree has its presence throughout the United States of America so you may not find it difficult to locate a nearby store. To learn more about the participating grocery stores that accept food stamps you can use the USDA SNAP retailer locator online.

2. Check EBT Acceptance Before Placing Order

Before heading to a grocery store that accepts food stamps or EBT you need to confirm its SNAP EBT policies and make sure they’re accepting it. You can approach the counter directly to place your order and purchase eligible products that have been discussed in the above section of the article.

3. Swipe Your EBT Card

When it comes to paying for your order simply swipe your EBT card while checking out at the payment window and enter the four-digit secret PIN to complete the EBT transaction. Do not forget to take the receipt where you can know the remaining balance in your EBT account.

You can combine your discounts and savings with your EBT card including manufacture and store coupons and sales. It is important to keep in mind that while you are using your EBT card it is necessary to buy eligible food for in-person transactions at any Dollar Tree store so you cannot use the food stamp for shopping at dollartree.com.

With your cash benefits, you can however withdraw cash for buying a Dollar Tree gift card at the store and use the card for making an online purchase. In case you do not have cash benefits then you will not be able to use SNAP benefits for buying gift cards.

People also look for: Does the Amish Market Take SNAP, EBT, or Food Stamps?

Why Use Your EBT Card At Dollar Tree?

Dollar Tree is similar to any other grocery store that accepts EBT cards and makes it easier for low-income families and individuals who rely on food stamps or SNAP to purchase food without the need to travel long distances.

Dollar Tree stands out from other grocery stores as SNAP recipients can find an extensive variety of goods and products at competitive prices here which is not the case with other grocery chains or retailers.

With your EBT card, you can purchase products like snacks, canned food, drinks, store-brand cereals and many other items available at affordable rates. Budget-conscious SNAP recipients love to shop here as they find products at low prices.

They also accept coupons from customers to enable them to stretch their SNAP dollars for theirs.

With more than 4000 stores located throughout 48 States and Canada Dollar Tree is an excellent resource for poor households in the USA with an excellent selection of staple food, refrigerated and freezer food which is uncommon for general Dollar Stores.

They have a robust food and grocery section that can maximize your EBT benefits. They even accept online transactions through Instacart however not all stores can process EBT payments online so you may have to use an alternate source of payment.

Read also: Does Lidl Accept Food Stamps or EBT?

What Does An EBT Card At Dollar Tree Cover?

The good news is that Dollar Tree sells a wide array of food items that you can cover using your food stamps or EBT card. The general rule of thumb states you must check the nutritional information on the back of the package before making a purchase.

You cannot purchase vitamins or supplements with your EBT cards including food for your pet, cooking utensils, household items or anything that does not fall into the food category. Let’s take a look at the following items that are generally accepted at Dollar Tree with food stamp benefits.

• Bread and cereals: This includes all types of bread, crackers, cereals, pasta, oatmeal and rice.
• Meat, poultry and fish: This comprises all forms of meat such as pork, beef, turkey, chicken, fish and lamb
• Milk and Dairy Products: This includes all types of milk, yogurt, cheese and butter
• Fruits and vegetables: All types of fresh, canned or frozen fruits and vegetables are allowed for EBT purchase.
• Plant, seeds and seedlings: You can use your food stamp benefits to pick up plants, seeds or seedlings that can help you produce fruits, vegetables or herbs at your home.
• Baby Formula: You can use SNAP benefits to purchase infant formula including cereals, baby food and juices to feed your baby.
• Live Lobsters and Seafood: You can use your SNAP benefits to purchase live seafood such as lobsters, clams, and shrimp including live fish removed from the water.
• Snacks: This includes bakery cakes, chips, cheese, crackers, and gift baskets comprising eligible food items.
• Beverages: While, you cannot purchase hot coffee, teas or lettuce using your SNAP benefits card. You can purchase brew-it-yourself tea and coffee using SNAP Benefits including cold beverages like cold drinks, fountain drinks, smoothies, and iced coffees that are intended for human consumption.
• Protein powders, shakes and bars: You can purchase meal replacement shakes, protein powders, bars or any other shakes that come with a Nutrition Facts label instead of a Supplements Facts label.

Read also: Does ARCO Accept Food Stamps SNAP EBT Benefits?

What An EBT Card At Dollar Tree Does Not Buy?

Dollar Tree stores offer a variety of products including regional, national and private label brands that comprise health and beauty, snacks, food, party, housewares, seasonal décor, dinnerware, glassware, household cleaning supplies, gifts, toys, candy, wrap, gift bags, craft supplies, stationary, teaching supplies, electronics, automotive, books, pet supplies. They also sell frozen food like milk, pizza, eggs, ice cream, pre-made baked goods and frozen dinners.

Following is the list of items that are generally not accepted by food stamps or EBT cards.

• Alcohol And Tobacco Products: This includes beer, wine, tobacco, cigarettes, liquor, low-alcohol beers labeled as liquor-filled chocolates, non-alcoholic, Alcoholic wine, e-liquid for electronic cigarettes etc. However, you can use the EBT card to purchase wine vinegar, wine, and vanilla extract as they can be used for cooking ingredients.
• Medicine, Vitamins and Supplements: Any item that comprises the Supplement Facts Label is a supplement and cannot be purchased with EBT or SNAP benefits. You cannot buy vitamins, medicines and supplements with your EBT card.
• Hot Food: This includes hot cocoa, chili stew, prepared meats or any restaurant meals.
• Live Animals: You cannot purchase live animals using your EBT card however there are exceptions such as live shellfish, live fish removed from water, animals slaughtered before pickup from the store etc.
• Non-Edible Food Items: This includes cleaning supplies, pet food, cosmetics, hygiene items, cooking utensils etc.

Following are the consequences that you may face if you make any unapproved food purchase at any grocery store using your EBT card– a 3 three-month ban for the first unapproved SNAP purchase, a year ban for the second unapproved SNAP purchase and a two-year ban for the third unapproved SNAP purchase.

SNAP recipients also wonder: Does Wawa Accept SNAP, EBT, or Food Stamps?

What Other Forms Of Payment Does Dollar Tree Accept?

Dollar Tree shoppers have different payment options that they can use to complete the transaction. However, the in-store payment method can be somewhat different from the payment method when you shop online. It is important to know the difference to make sure your order is processed and payment goes through.

In-Store Dollar Tree Transaction

EBT cards, credit and debit cards, and food stamps are accepted as a payment method at Dollar Stores. You can also use checks for making payments as all the stores are required to process checks through electronic check acceptance.

If you have a Dollar Tree gift card also you can use it to complete your purchase. The stores are open in select locations. Therefore shoppers are recommended to visit Dollar Stores’ Terms and Conditions page on their official website to learn about their in-store coupon acceptance policy.

Online Dollar Tree Transactions

Dollar Tree accepts online orders from their customers through their official website and accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, debit or credit cards. You can also use PayPal or PayPal credit however EBT cards for online transactions at Dollar Tree are not accepted.

Following is the list of payments that are not accepted by Dollar Tree:

• Purchase orders
• Coupons
• Google Wallet
• Apple Pay

$1 Fee For Cash Back On Debit Transactions

As per Dollar Tree’s FAQ page, the retailer charges nearly $1 surcharge on cash-back transactions. The cashback must be approved at the point of sale by the customer once the transaction is completed. You can check the balance left on your gift card in-store at any of the store’s registers or contact the number on the back of your gift card.

Interested in knowing: Does H Mart Accept Food Stamp or EBT? Find the answer in our next guide.

Alternate Stores That Accept EBT For Online Grocery Delivery And Pickup

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program enables people to stretch their food budget each month and if getting to the grocery store then you can use your SNAP benefits online for grocery delivery and pick up which will provide more convenience to you.

As you know Dollar Tree does not accept EBT cards, SNAP or food stamps as a method of payment for online purchases. You can take a look at the following grocery chains that accept cards for online grocery delivery and pickup.

Amazon

Amazon’s grocery delivery and pickup service known as Amazon Fresh including Groceries on Amazon is now accepting SNAP EBT cards nationwide. In the Grocery and Gourmet food section on Amazon.com, you can find a lot of shelf-stable food items and nonperishable pantry staples.

If you are not an Amazon Prime member then you can get free delivery by purchasing eligible items worth $35 or more. Amazon Fresh on the other hand is available in a few cities throughout the country and solves perishable food items with service charges ranging between $6.95 and $9.95 on orders below $100.

Target

Similar to Amazon, Target accepts an online SNAP payment option to provide more convenience to its customers through its delivery service known as Shipt.

You need to create an account at target.com to use your EBT card and then place an order. The same-day grocery delivery at target.com comes for $9.9. Shipt members get free deliveries on orders above $35.

Walmart

You can use their EBT card online for grocery delivery and pick up in all 50 U.S. states by creating an account with walmart.com. The free curbside pickup service with this retailer requires a $35 order minimum and if your order falls below this amount you have to pay a small pickup fee.

Maybe the grocery delivery fees may vary depending on whether you are choosing express delivery or regular delivery. You cannot go through the Walmart pickup and delivery fees with your EBT card.

DoorDash

DoorDash is a popular delivery service that welcomes online SNAP payments and has joined others like ALDI, Instacart, Amazon and Walmart. You can use your EBT card online to pay for grocery delivery and pickup.

For that, you have to create a new DoorDash account, add your EBT details to the account and shop with the DoorDash website or app. SNAP recipients can get two free months of DashPass with this retailer which normally comes for $9.99 each month to use the delivery service.

Instacart

Instacart is another popular online grocery delivery service next to DoorDash that enables SNAP recipients to purchase groceries for delivery or pickup in all 50 U.S. states.

SNAP recipients can also get discounts on Instacart + membership. Instacart provides grocery deliveries to the following SNAP retailers: ALDI, Price Rite, Stop & Shop, Price Chopper, Hannaford, Supermarket and Market 32

Few more retailers that are accepting EBT online are as follows:

• Albertsons
• H-E-B
• Hy-Vee
• Kroger
• Safeway
• Stop & Shop
• ShopRite

Read also: Does Piggly Wiggly Accept Food Stamps, SNAP, or EBT?

Conclusion

SNAP recipients would be pleased to know that Dollar Tree accepts food stamps or EBT cards as a method of payment. However, you need to make sure you are purchasing SNAP-eligible items from your nearby Dollar Tree store. Acceptance of EBT makes it beneficial for individuals who are struggling financially to purchase food and groceries from a local Dollar Tree shop. You may be surprised to know that you can also earn cash back on your EBT card by shopping at Dollar Tree. Hopefully, this will make it easier for a lot of low-income families who are struggling and enable them to get back on their feet.

Get Government Grants is passionate about helping people find relevant answers to their questions. Our comprehensive guide about government grants and financial assistance programs will help you to make the best decision for yourself and your family. Head over to our blog section today to improve the financial situation of your family.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Dollar Tree Accept EBT?

Yes, Dollar Tree accepts EBT cards for both cash benefits and SNAP purchases on your food stamp benefits card. It is necessary to ensure you designate the portion of your benefits the purchase is being taken from. In case you designate EBT benefit for food purchase Dollar Tree will not be able to change the benefit used after the transaction gets completed.

Do Dollar General Accept EBT?

Stores that focus on saving for instance Dollar Stores accept food stamps or EBT cards in all of its store locations. You must use the SNAP benefits for purchasing bread, meat, dairy, frozen food, baby formula, beverages, packaged food, snacks and many other items however with EBT cash assistance you can purchase items that are not covered by an EBT card for instance pet supplies, health and beauty, toys, household automotive etc.