Can you use coupons with EBT?

Yes, you can use coupons with your EBT card.

If you qualify for food stamps ( also called SNAP) or cash assistance, like TANF, you’ll get an EBT card in the mail. With this card, you can buy food at grocery stores, farmers' markets, and online retailers. You can also get discounts on transportation, utilities, and more.

Using coupons with your EBT card can save you money by reducing the price of a SNAP-eligible item. But coupon policies vary by retailer and by where you live.

Learn how to use coupons with your food stamps.

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How do I use coupons with my food stamps?#how-do-i-use-coupons-with-my-food-stamps

Most stores that take SNAP will treat SNAP payments like any other form of payment and will apply coupons in the same way. That means when you present a coupon for a SNAP-eligible item at the register, the price will be reduced, and your SNAP benefits will be used to cover the rest. This lowers the overall amount taken from your EBT card, saving you money.

Both paper and digital coupons can be used with SNAP as long as you meet store or manufacturer requirements. For example, some stores may limit the number of coupons you can use per item, or a minimum purchase amount might need to be met before a coupon can be used.

Sales tax and coupons#sales-tax-and-coupons

Another thing to keep in mind is sales tax. Federal law prohibits sales tax on any food bought entirely with SNAP, so your total stays at the sticker price.

However, if you live in a state with a grocery tax, and you want to buy an item using SNAP and a coupon, you will need to pay the sales tax on your coupon-discounted food item using another form of payment, like cash or debit.

As of 2026, 8 states still have a grocery tax:

• Alabama
• Hawaii
• Idaho
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Utah

Note that local taxes, managed by cities or counties, may apply even in states that don’t have a statewide grocery tax.

To see if your specific city or county taxes groceries, check a recent receipt for a “T” (taxable) next to basic items like bread or milk. If you see one, local taxes apply even in states without a broad grocery tax.

Can I use SNAP with coupons on non-food items?#can-i-use-snap-with-coupons-on-non-food-items

No, food stamps can only be used to buy food. SNAP benefits cannot be used for non-eligible items, even if you have a coupon for them.

Non-food items and hot, ready-to-eat foods are all ineligible. For example, if you wanted to buy a rotisserie chicken or soup from a deli, you’d need to use another form of payment, like cash, debit, credit, or TANF. You can't use your EBT card to pay for that item.

Here is a summary of what you can not purchase with SNAP:

• Alcohol & tobacco
• Hot, ready‑to‑eat foods
• Vitamins, supplements & medicine
• Pet food
• Cleaning & household supplies
• Personal care & hygiene items
• Diapers & wipes
• Live animals (with limited exceptions)

In addition, some states have SNAP bans on snacks, energy drinks, soda, and other items. Check to see if your state has a ban.

What additional discounts can I get with SNAP?#what-additional-discounts-can-i-get-with-snap

Using grocery coupons is just one of several ways you can maximize your SNAP benefits.

Beyond the aisles of the supermarket, you can unlock more savings using your EBT card. Double your buying power at local farmers' markets through bonuses and produce matching, or enjoy discounted memberships and free delivery at retailers like Amazon and Walmart.

You can even use your EBT card to get discounted internet and low-cost admission to hundreds of museums and zoos.

Use the Propel app to find exclusive discounts and coupons available to you.

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