Does Costco Take WIC & How To Use It?
Costco is one of the biggest retail chains. It has warehouses spread throughout the country. The store is known for its large catalog of products. However, it is also quite popular for its accepted payment methods.
You will find almost all the major payment options at Costco. That also includes government-backed programs.
And that brings us to one of the most frequently asked questions about this subject. Does Costco take WIC? Let’s find out!
Does Costco Take WIC?
Yes, Costco does accept WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) for eligible items in their stores. WIC is a government-backed program that provides assistance in purchasing specific nutritious foods.
However, WIC acceptance may vary by location, so it’s a good idea to contact your nearest Costco warehouse to confirm if they accept WIC as a payment method. Please note that WIC cannot be used for online purchases at Costco.
The store has an extensive food and beverage section. Many items from these categories are eligible to purchase with a WIC card.
That said, some locations may not accept WIC as a payment method. How to be sure? Well, it is better to contact your nearest Costco warehouse and inquire about this subject.
How Do You Use WIC at Costco?
You can use your WIC card by swiping it on the reader and entering your 4-digit PIN during checkout at Costco.
Is it your first time using a WIC card? There’s nothing to worry about. The only thing to consider beforehand is your card balance. If it is enough to make a purchase, follow the steps below:
- Go to the checkout terminal. It is usually located in front of Costco stores.
- Inform the cashier that you will use a WIC card as a payment method.
- Swipe it on the reader.
- Enter your 4-digit PIN.
- You will be prompted when the payment is made.
One thing you can do to save time is organize your items. Sort WIC-eligible items from the rest of your order.
Now, you will only need to pay for these sorted products. Use a different payment method to pay for the remaining items.
How to Use WIC for Costco Online?
Unfortunately, you can not use a WIC card for online purchases from Costco. We checked all the available payment methods, and this program was not on the list.
WIC is not available for online purchases at Costco. Why? That’s because many stores do not allow such programs for online shopping.
Costco only allows it in stores. The popular warehouse chain also takes EBT cards. But that is also acceptable for in-store purchases only.
What Items You Can Buy From Costco Using WIC?
Using WIC, you can buy fruits, vegetables, snacks, dairy products, and non-alcoholic beverages from Costco.
Here is a detailed list of all the items we found eligible with WIC cards at a Costco warehouse:
- Milk
- Cereals
- Whole grains
- Peanut Butter
- Cheese
- Non-alcoholic beverages
- Lentils
- Low-fat and Low-sodium foods.
- Eggs
- Yogurt
- Fortified beverages
- Tofu
- Canned and Dried beans
- Fruits
- Vegetables
Can You Use Coupons At Costco With WIC?
No, you can not use coupons at Costco with WIC. That’s because it is a government-funded program that can not be combined with private coupons.
Many people prefer using manufacturer and general coupons. These are available at several stores, including Costco.
However, the warehouse chain does not allow combining coupons with a government-backed program like WIC. Hence, you can only opt for one payment option per order.
One thing you can do is pay with WIC for the eligible items. Now, you can use a coupon to pay for the rest of your order.
Is Using WIC at Costco Safe?
Yes, using WIC at Costco is completely safe.
The program is backed by the government, and it does not have any security issues.
Note that WIC is a government program. If you fall into the eligibility criteria, you can apply for it. You will be assigned a nutritionist who will make a budget for you.
The WIC card will be loaded with that budget, and you can use it for shopping at authorized stores.
Costco allows using WIC cards without any safety issues. You do not have to worry about getting your financial information leaked or breached.
Does Costco Allow WIC For Special Promotions?
Costco does not allow WIC for special promotions as of 2022. We visited various warehouses and did not find this option anywhere.
The store does not allow combining WIC with coupons or promotions. You can use these options separately.
If you are a member, you can use special promotions and discounts. But even then, they can not be used with EBT or WIC cards.
What Are the Benefits of Using WIC at Costco?
You can buy WIC-eligible items from Costco at no cost. That is the biggest benefit of using this payment option.
WIC relieves people by offering them free supplemental nutritious foods. That includes eggs, cheese, juices, cereals, milk, and infant formulas.
At the same time, you can also save money when buying other items like fruits and vegetables at Costco.
Can You Earn Cashback With WIC for Costco Purchases?
No, you can not earn cashback with WIC for Costco purchases. This option is not available as it is not in the government-provided guidelines.
Cashback rewards can be very beneficial. Unfortunately, Costco does not offer them when you purchase with WIC.
You already get minimal to no prices when using this payment option for eligible items. However, you can get cashback rewards using EBT cards at Costco.
you might like to know if Costco Accepts American Express Or Not.
To Sum Up
And that brings us to the end of this detailed guide on WIC at Costco. The program can be used to buy eligible items. You can use it during the checkout when purchasing in-store.
It can be a bummer that WIC is not available online at Costco. But one can expect the warehouse chain to implement it soon in its e-commerce store.
That said, you can still make the most of WIC by using it for your favorite foods at Costco. It will off your burden of buying essential food supplies.
I'm Annie Rondeau, a writer and content creator for QueryBoomer, where I specialize in providing insightful reviews about brands, stores, products, and retailers. Whether you're searching for information on the latest trends, products, or companies, my articles are the go-to resource for accurate and reliable information. I hope you find my content helpful in your quest for information about brands and products.
