Dollar Tree is known for its low-cost groceries and household essentials, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious shoppers. If you receive SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits, you may wonder: Does Dollar Tree accept EBT?

The short answer is yes, but you must know some essential details. Not all items at Dollar Tree qualify for EBT, and online purchases are not eligible. This guide will explain where EBT is accepted at Dollar Tree, what you can and cannot buy, and how to use your benefits at checkout.

Does Dollar Tree Accept EBT?

Dollar Tree accepts EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) for eligible food purchases in most store locations. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• EBT can only be used for SNAP-eligible food items—non-food products are not covered.
• EBT is accepted at in-store checkout terminals but not for online purchases at DollarTree.com.
• Not all locations may support EBT transactions, so it’s best to confirm with your local store before shopping.

Before making a purchase, you can call the store directly or check at the register to verify whether your nearest Dollar Tree accepts EBT.

What Can You Buy with EBT at Dollar Tree?

SNAP benefits can only be used to purchase approved food items as defined by the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture). At Dollar Tree, the following food items are eligible for EBT purchases:

•  Fruits and vegetables (canned, frozen, or fresh)
•  Dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt)
• Meat, poultry, and fish (canned tuna, frozen meats)
• Bread and cereal (whole grain bread, oatmeal, rice)
• Snack foods (chips, pretzels, nuts)
• Non-alcoholic beverages (juice, bottled water, tea, coffee)
• Seeds and plants (if available, for growing food at home)

While Dollar Tree primarily sells pre-packaged foods, it also stocks various basic grocery staples that can be purchased with EBT.

What Items Are NOT Eligible for EBT at Dollar Tree?

Even though Dollar Tree accepts EBT for food purchases, SNAP benefits cannot be used for non-food items. The following products are not covered by EBT at Dollar Tree:

• Cleaning supplies and household goods (detergents, sponges, paper towels)
• Personal care products (shampoo, soap, deodorant)
• Pet food and pet supplies
• Alcoholic beverages and tobacco (beer, wine, cigarettes, vapes)
• Hot or prepared foods (anything meant to be eaten immediately)
• Medical products (vitamins, supplements, over-the-counter medicine)

If you plan to purchase both EBT-eligible and non-eligible items, you must pay separately for the non-food items using cash, debit, or another payment method.

How to Use EBT at Dollar Tree

The checkout process is simple if you are shopping at Dollar Tree with EBT.

1. Gather your eligible food items and bring them to the register.
2. Swipe or insert your EBT card into the payment terminal.
3. Enter your 4-digit PIN to approve the transaction.
4. If you have non-EBT items, pay separately using another payment method.
5. Check your receipt to confirm the total amount deducted from your EBT balance.

If your transaction doesn’t go through, make sure:

• Your EBT balance is sufficient to cover the cost of the purchase.
• The items you selected are eligible for EBT payment.
• Your EBT card is activated and in good standing.

If problems persist, you may need to contact your local SNAP office or check your EBT account balance online.

Does Dollar Tree Accept EBT for Online Orders?

No, Dollar Tree does not accept EBT for online purchases. If you shop at DollarTree.com, you must use a credit card, debit card, or PayPal for payment.

Most EBT programs do not cover online orders, except through approved retailers like Amazon and Walmart participating in the SNAP Online Purchasing Pilot Program.

If you need to shop online using EBT, you may want to check stores like:

• Amazon (Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods, and SNAP-eligible groceries)
• Walmart (Grocery pickup and online delivery in some states)
• Target (Limited SNAP-eligible delivery options in select areas)

Dollar Tree only accepts EBT in physical stores, not for delivery or curbside pickup.

Alternatives: Other Discount Stores That Accept EBT

If you’re looking for more affordable grocery options that accept EBT, here’s how Dollar Tree compares to other dollar stores:

Among dollar stores, Dollar Tree, Family Dollar, and Dollar General accept EBT, but none currently allow online EBT payments.

For online grocery shopping with EBT, Walmart, Amazon, and Aldi are better options.

How to Check Your EBT Balance Before Shopping

Before shopping at Dollar Tree or any other retailer, it’s essential to check your EBT balance to ensure you have enough funds for your purchase.

Here’s how you can check your balance:

• Check your last receipt – Your remaining balance is usually printed at the bottom.
• Call the EBT customer service number – The number is found on the back of your EBT card.
• Log into your state’s EBT website or app. Many states have online portals where you can check your balance in real-time.

Knowing your balance helps prevent declined transactions and ensures you can budget your SNAP benefits effectively.

Final Thoughts

Dollar Tree accepts EBT at most in-store locations for eligible food purchases, making it a convenient option for SNAP recipients. However, EBT is not accepted for online shopping at DollarTree.com, and it cannot be used for non-food items, household supplies, or prepared meals.

If you’re unsure whether your local Dollar Tree accepts EBT, call ahead or check at the register. Consider alternatives like Amazon, Walmart, or Aldi for online SNAP purchases.

Do you shop at Dollar Tree using EBT? Share your experience in the comments! If this guide was helpful, feel free to share it with others who use SNAP benefits.