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Costco review: using ebt card 37

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11:59 pm EST
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I had such an awefull time this evening at Costco (Pompano Beach, FL).
My family is an EBT card holder and I have been using the EBT card at other locations but this evening I was denied the ability to use the card because the name on the EBT card is not a member. I advised the Manager that there is only 1 EBT card issued per family, each family member does not receive an individual card(at least in Florida). The Manager insist that it cannot be done. So, I added his name to account and remove another household memeber, then she said he had to be there now. His name was already listed as a previous household member and she saw that. Why give me a hassle?
Come on, it's an EBT card, I need a PIN to use it. When I use my husband's debit card or anybody's debit card; no one asks to see my debit card at the register.
After all this time, they now decide to accept EBT cards and then to have EBT cardholders go through this hassle.
Why are they making it so difficult to use the EBT cards? The entire household receives 1 EBT card (my household consists of 3 adults and 2 kids) and my Costco membership only allows 2 household members per membership.
I asked the Manager if I need to carry the letter from Department of Children and Families showing my household composition with my name on it, she completely ignored my question.
I don't have a choice, the State of Florida would not issue another EBT card for the same household.
I personally believe the manager just wanted to prove a point of authority because all she was saying is that he has to be a member and when I told her well go ahead and add him (because she saw he was previously on the account) she then changed her story and said he had to be there now.

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The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

37 comments
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Msinformed Akajinx
, US
Dec 25, 2018 7:01 am EST

Not surprised at all with the nasty words about public assistance most of them are still stupid enough to believe only minorities get assistance that is why they rant. I would love to know how you snobs know all the information on EBT or what people are spending it on unless you living in communities that suck to see it going on in which case sounds like you make good money so move and let the poor be poor without you turning your pointy noses up at them.

Wine Is Good
Wine Is Good
, US
Nov 15, 2016 1:35 am EST

Mammie, the same people who nag about this are the ones who would be asking why the store did not check ID if their card is stolen and used fraudulently.

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Mammie Better
, US
Nov 13, 2016 6:29 pm EST

Looks as if no one has read the "Member Privileges and Conditions" You are allowed to have at least 2 guests shop as long as the member
makes the purchase. No where is it indicated that the "cardholder" need be present. Any card. (I've put my purchases on 2 different cards at same time and have never been questioned if they were mine or asked for ID. One in my husband's name. Well? For the judging, many people INCLUDING American Service Members need and receive EBT cards, those working 3 jobs still need EBT card. Our children need food, who are you to decide who gets fed and who not? Those children can't "get a job" Maybe things were flush when the very people you are scoring had children.
Shame on you! for in your hearts denying the simple right of people to have food. If YOU want to rage against the fraud and the "users" do it legitmately, get up off your duffs and put YOUR money and time where it counts. Go to the source, learn to make policy...ahhhhhh, I see, that's
too much bother, right?

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LadyScot
, US
Feb 09, 2017 8:37 pm EST

The MEMBER was NOT present. THAT is the problem.

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WWWtimWWW
, US
Nov 06, 2016 7:11 pm EST

I thought you were going to complain they wouldn't sell you cigarettes and liquor. have to work the fraud system for that, pooksie

Wine Is Good
Wine Is Good
, US
Jul 05, 2016 8:22 am EDT

Andrew Cohen, when a person uses a stolen card to purchase items from any retailer, who do you think loses the money and the goods? It is not the cardholder, it is the retailer. The card company will always protect the card holder from fraud. The retailer has no such protection. Therefore, they do have the right to put in place any policy that will protect their interests. Why does the consumer have that right but not the retailer? You are the one who sounds stupid because you do not understand simple economics. If I steal from you, do you have the right to get your stuff back? So does the store.

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Andrew Cohen
, US
Jul 04, 2016 10:01 pm EDT

Also as I read threw the comments I see some arrogant S.O.B's do you not understand that you take your hatred out on the wrong people. You don't know anything about economics or business or government to even hate tbese people on government assistance. You don't have to be jobless to be on government assistance as long as you fit the guide lines which are different in each state you can work and qualify for government assistance you arrogant. As well yes it isn't Costco's job to say who they think is committing fraud or not and also you arrogant SOB they don't protect themselves from fraud becausr they are not a person no one can steal their identity by using someone elses info to make a purchase. You sound stupid! Anymore arrogant bull you want to say refur to what I said prior to this because to speaks on anymore ignorant trash that might come out of your mouth.

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Andrew Cohen
, US
Jul 04, 2016 9:51 pm EDT

I had a problems with costco as well. I am not a member of costco but I had went to purchase food with my EBT card ( Multiple times) and costco has setup the system to become unresposive/ malfuction to food stamp cards because of there social stand points and the market they are directing their service at, are wealthy people. I am very highly skilled in techonolgy and I know when a company is trying to make a statement and this is there way of telling the public who depend on food stamp and good deals, screw you. Costco customer service is not trained where I am located to even understand how to approach the situation with food stamps. I find this discusting to pull this kind of behavior on the public and I would LOVE. to take serious action against the entire costco corp. It is said to be publically humiliated for your disabilities and/ or need for financial assistance. I find it disgusting that there are people are really believe that people on public assistance or anything have nerv to "take advantage of the system" and think they have the right to tell a person what they should or should be allowed to buy ( food wise) on food stamps EBT. This kinds of people make me sick.

Wine Is Good
Wine Is Good
, US
Jun 23, 2016 5:27 pm EDT

It may not be Costco's job to regulate fraud, but it is their right to protect themselves from it.

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StructuralEngineer
, US
Jan 04, 2016 10:31 pm EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Rules are rules. Why do you think you deserve a special exception? I have observed that many people receiving public assistance believe that the rules do not apply to them. If you have one EBT card for the entire family then logic dictates you are doing the grocery shopping for the entire family. That being the case, you really only need ONE Costco card (and obviously the name should match that of the EBT card). Wasting the manager's time and bullying him/her in an attempt to get your way simply demonstrates selfishness and a lack of respect. I am relieved to hear the manager did not give in. Just get over it and stop whining.

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Diane Anderson Rehor Webb
, US
Feb 09, 2017 5:47 pm EST

My husband is disabled and cannot leave the house except for dr appts...i am his full time caregiver...My husband and I have different last names as not all women change their last names...My husband is head of household because we live on his disability income so the EBT card has his name on it...There is no way for him to do any shopping at all...having a heart and not judging people would do a world of good for you...Judge not least you have walked in my shoes

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FistedFace
, US
Dec 14, 2015 1:23 pm EST

Get a job and you won't have to worry about EBT card issues.

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So you say...
, US
Dec 16, 2018 12:07 pm EST
Replying to comment of FistedFace

Tell that to a veteran who has served our country. I'd like to see your attitude afterwards! You need to get a soul!

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Shawn85
, US
Oct 18, 2015 7:27 pm EDT

So many heartless people in the world.. Pretty said wen u see a homeless man cloth or feed someone else in need.. Experiment or not. U watch wealthy or just ur every day people walk right by and not even think twice... Heartless heartless people... Some aren't so lucky...

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cdcesario
, US
May 04, 2019 10:07 pm EDT
Replying to comment of

There are smart “Obama” phones out there that are free or for a small fee every month, for people in need who don’t have one. In fact, in front of welfare offices these phones are heavily promoted for everyone in line for assistance to register for one to own... maybe these phone sales people get a commission..? I don’t really know but they act like they do...The gov’t wants everybody to have a phone...for obvious reasons...think about it...I’m sure you’re very very resourceful with thinking about these things...

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stewart23
Olympia, US
Jul 14, 2015 12:01 pm EDT

Just for everyone who says "just get a job"...I'm a 22 year old college student who works 2 jobs, responsible enough to live on my own and pay bills. Yet despite making 11 an hour at both my jobs and working over fulltime...I still need food assistance.
Yes, I've seen the other side where people are lazy and abuse the system. But not all who have ebt cards are like the latter.

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cdcesario
, US
May 04, 2019 9:55 pm EDT
Replying to comment of

Damn Mrs. Bean you have a sick sick mind that leans towards spreading negativity and hate into the world...I feel sorry for you...you cynical, contemptuous old lady... and I see you really do have a lot of time on your hands because you certainly have posted a lot here and it makes me wonder where else you’ve posted a lot at...? LMFAO

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cdcesario
, US
May 04, 2019 10:13 pm EDT
Replying to comment of

Btw, not all college students qualify for SNAP... there are certain rules and certain criteria that need to be met before they are considered for the EBT card...I wish you would get your facts straight before posting what you don’t know anything about. Maybe it’s different from state to state but I can tell you this they must apply for it and meet certain standards before being allowed to have that card... please go to the website bestvalueschools.com and educate yourself...

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Oh SugaHoneyIceTea
Phoenix, US
Jan 26, 2015 4:10 pm EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Lol lol at ignorance in the world today. I am a married woman with a job and my husband works as well. We have 7 beautiful children and we receive fs benefits. Unless in the state of AZ we make combined 6000 per month we qualify to do so. We buy healthy meals and snacks for the kids (mostly cheap chicken) and still need to apply cash and get food boxes. Not one of the kids is starving or obese. We are thankful for the supplement and i would like to give you a break down in how much "help" it is. 1315/7=187.86 a month per child 187.86/4=46.97 a week per child. Now seriously are we really living it up having kids for money?! Lol hell no and i didn't count the fact that my husband and I have to eat too! We have a Costco membership and we both have cards and I didn't sign for a membership so idk maybe we are blessed. My name is on the ebt card though and he uses it as he pleases. Move out of hurricane country and bring it to the desert folks are all poor here so there's empathy.

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shaulamite 33
West Palm Beach, US
Jan 12, 2015 10:20 am EST

People who don't receive food stamp benefits needs to stop hating on the people who do receive them. All these negative comments I believe its because you can't get food stampbenefits so you have to be mad with the one's who do receive them out of anger and frustration. Yes not all who receives the benefits are unemployed most have jobs so Iwwould say that they deserve some assistance since they do pay taxes to. People need to stop talking from out the side of their mouth and express more Love towards your neighbor. If people knew how to Love others I mean really Love others there will be no issues in this evil hateful world. Be Blessed! :-).

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Clear Thought - Clear Action
, US
May 17, 2019 1:42 pm EDT
Replying to comment of

It's not your money. Your trillions of dollars worth of money disappeared when your government bailed out your deadbeat corrupt banks and corporations. The same groups that ripped everyone off!
Get your facts and mind straight. Hate the right group of people - not the poor - if you're angry and have even the slightest iota of intelligence, direct it at those responsible, those who create, sustain and profit from the poor and the working class.

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EBT Fraud
Vista, US
Nov 29, 2014 12:41 am EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Yes you can buy Alcohol and cigarettes using the EBT cash card. First the person walks up and says they want to use it as an ATM and get cash back. Once they get the cash they then say this is what I am buying. I have seen it done many times. I have also had them buy multiple cases of soda, water, cheese, eggs, milk, meat, bread... Just to name a few things.
They then resale the items in their stores and restaurants. Oh if they also happen to be an executive member. They will get a check back at the end of the year . They can either cash it out, apply it to their membership(so membership is now free) or apply it to their order.

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conceredcitizen
Pocahontas, US
Jun 15, 2014 9:05 pm EDT

First off @concernedpatriot you cant not purchase any alcohol with an ebt card! 2nd you are totaly missing the point the person has a card. But the person that has the ebt card, thier name is different than the person that has the Costco card.. Still not understanding the person that has the Costco card, there name is part of the ebt case, so even though their name is not on the ebt card they are one and the same, if it be 2 people or 7 people only 1 person gets their name on the ebt card but it is good for however many people the ebt case says its good for 1-10 or however many. And people who get ebt cards cant afford to buy extra membership cards for everyone in their household.. i think that would be more disturbing to me than buying junk food or really good food for their family's to eat and enjoy. You say your not judging but then you judge, , you dont live within those walls so you should not have said anthing at all..

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LadyScot
, US
Feb 09, 2017 8:36 pm EST

First off Concernedcitizen, you CAN use EBT to buy alcohol. The card also has a cash function, and if the cardholder gets a cash allowance (child support for instance) they can use that cash to buy booze.

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Deez Nuts 420
, US
Aug 10, 2017 6:47 pm EDT
Replying to comment of LadyScot

You can use EBT itself to buy alcohol if you so wish, but not EBT Food! And don't try to tell me you can, because I know for a fact you can not! You are probably referring to the EBT program CalWorks (or a similar name if you live in another state besides CA) which is a completely different program than Food-stamps and has a list of its own separate requirements. Also note, that in order to participate in this cash assistance based program the head of household must find work usually in a very limited timeframe.

So even though you didn't explicitly state it, no "lazy [censor] who don't have a job and are on food-stamps cannot buy alcohol" but you my good lady, are definitely a [censor], a rich snot nosed conceded one would be my guess :)

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So you say...
, US
Dec 16, 2018 12:00 pm EST
Replying to comment of

Point...if you are buying alcohol with an ebt card, you are totally misusing the card. It's for FOOD TO FEED YOUR FAMILY, Not satisfy an addiction, want or desire!

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concernedpatriot
San Bernardino, US
Jan 17, 2014 6:41 pm EST

First off costco requires anyone using a card no matter what the card is be it ebt/credit debit etc. To have they're own Costco card they cannot allow someone who is not a member to use they're card it's policy. Every Costco, every state. It has nothing to do with it being an ebt card like previously stated they do it to debit card holders as well if the names don't match they don't check out. I wish people would stop taking it out on Costco employees they are just trying to do there jobs something these people obviously have
No idea what that's like. I'm not judging everyone that has ebt because I do know that some people are using it to supplement they're income but when I see these people coming in to buy lobster and alcohol with they're ebt/cash aide it makes me sick I work hard and I cannot afford even one lobster! I see people everyday with 6-8 kids and they are buying nothing but junk it makes me wonder if they are just having kids for the money I'm sure that's not true but it makes you question peoples motives like what is a 5 year old going to do with a new York steak abd a bottle of tequila? honestly!

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margobaccellia
Sacramento, US
Apr 11, 2012 5:00 pm EDT

Come on... There are rules when you shop at a Warehouse...
You have to be a member for one...
Two, what's up with using an EBT card anyway?
Three, people who use those DAMN cards act like the world revolves around them
and it really becomes irritating...

"Get a DAMN job!"

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So you say...
, US
Dec 16, 2018 11:57 am EST

You're an [censored]! I had a very good job, but ended up with Lupus and had to have emergency surgery. I lost my job, spent my savings and needed help. I COULDN'T get a job because I had both knees and one hip replaced all at one time. It wasn't a matter of getting a job, ut was the issue of inability to work due to NO FAULT of my own. So, may you lose your job and see exactly what it is like to have to ASK for help, because you've exhausted EVERY resource you have!

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smurfy1977
harmony, US
Aug 22, 2011 4:43 pm EDT

SOME PPL HAVE JOBS AND THOSE JOBS JUST DON'T PAY ENOUGH. YOU ARE A HORRIBLE PERSON FOR JUDGING WHAT YOU KNOW NOTHING ABOUT. YOU CAN MAKE $20 AN HR IN FLORIDA AND STILL BE CONSIDERED POOR. FACT. THAT PAY IS NOT EVEN CLOSE TO ENOUGH TO.CARE FOR A SMALL FAMILY. SO YOU SIR NEED TO FIND A HEART AND DITCH YOUR OBVIOUS IGNORANCE.

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cdcesario
, US
May 04, 2019 9:34 pm EDT
Replying to comment of

Get w/the present and welcome to the future, Mrs. Bean...this is how most ppl comm in txt...why waste time when we can use abbs...shorter versions of words..? After all, time is money, rt? OHHH! Is that what you meant by, “You can’t afford to write full words? What is this a tombstone?”? Your question is irrelevant and you are so ridiculous for even suggesting that smurfy1977 can’t afford to write full words! Nobody has to pay to write anything here and I think everybody knows this except for you!

Do you even know what LOL or brb or smh or ttyl or tgif or tbh all means? Are you an Eng school prof that has to be a perfectionist as to pt out something so widely excepted in our society today that you’re going to have major issues with everybody who uses shortened words? You know what? I’ll bet you’re just a bored individual who is lonely and has too much time on their hands...indeed...Nothing better to do with their time except for put other people down and try to sound intelligent but actually having that backfire on them...btw, I’m describing you, Mrs. Bean...Just in case you haven’t figured that out yet... I know some of us need more help than others but try not to make it so obvious next time you put a post on here or anywhere else for that matter.

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cdcesario
, US
May 06, 2019 8:46 pm EDT
Replying to comment of

You should talk ...lol

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RiseAbove
Atlanta, US
Jan 25, 2011 3:43 pm EST

I'm sorry you had such an awful experience. You should have been able to use your EBT card because it requires a pin. I will apologize for the insensitive and ignorant strangers posting that you need to get a job, telling you to get your own card (although you explained that policy is one card per family with only one name being allowed on that card) and claiming you were using someone else's card (when you were clearly using the one issued to your household). For those who don't understand and are quick to judge let me explain to you how the system works. If a household is issued an EBT card, that household will only get one card with one person's name on that specified card (regardless if there are two or four adults who live there). That card requires a PIN for every transaction for the very reason that there may be more than one adult who needs to use it. Yes there are fraudulent people out there but this is policy. bad4so should have been able to use her card because it was issued to that household. This is not a bash board and more respect and understanding needs to be learned. Understand why this person is so upset and that Costco actually stepped out of line. This is not a credit card and doesn't not require ID as long as the back of that card is signed and the correct PIN is used.

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D Alderman
Spokane, US
Sep 14, 2010 9:48 am EDT

Holier than thou types make me ill.

The OP has a very valid point. Usually, the head of household is the person in who's name the EBT card is issued. The government only issues the card in one person's name. If that person has a full time job and their spouse is working at home taking care of the kids, is it fair that the spouse can't shop while the cardholder is at work?

The point of having the pin is that it can be given to trusted family members. It is very difficult to steal a card and be able to use it. Certainly there is fraud, but it's really not Costco's job to regulate that. If I can take my sister's debit card into Costco and use it, there's no reason that I shouldn't be able to use my own family's EBT card.

Those who are talking about Fraud. Are you suggesting that debit and credit cards aren't used fraudulently occasionally? Then why doesn't Costco, or any other store I've been to, require that i show ID when I use my debit card? Hell, McDonald's doesn't even require me to sign or use a pin!

Are you suggesting that it's fair to punish and inconvenience honest, law-abiding people because of the actions of criminals? Okay. Then let's say that no one can have guns because a criminal might use a gun to commit a crime. This would be a logical application of your argument.

She isn't using "someone else's EBT card" she is using the EBT card that is supplied, one per family. It belongs to her, her name just isn't on it. As long as she has the pin, then she shouldn't be hassled about it.

And for you that said "Oh, and get a job" ... I cannot express the amount of contempt I have for you. You dare to, in this economy, say something like that? I hope you lose your job, and I hope you lose your house, and I hope that you find yourself without money and without hope. Perhaps then, you might be able to experience compassion for another human being, you rotten husk of a supposed person.

I am glad that I know that you trolls aren't the majority of humanity. I don't think I could take it if you were.

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the customer isn't always right
Honolulu, US
Jul 27, 2010 1:06 am EDT

EBT cards are sold every where so that the owner can get cash that they can spend anyway they want instead of buying what they should be buying for their family. It should be required by the state of Florida and I am sure that it is, that the owner of the card is the only one to use it. It is also required by law if you are to return anything purchased with an ebt vard that it be refunded to that card.

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peoplerdumb
topeka, US
Mar 05, 2010 12:26 am EST

there is so much fraud with ebt cards i appreciate costco requiring the name be on both the membership and ebt card, you are suffering at the hands of those who defraud the system not from costco they are just doing what every other other merchant should be doing.

Do you really think the argument that you have to use a pin number holds water? I guess those are never shared right? By the way you should not be using anyone elses debit card either...Why dont you get your own?

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Bobby P
, US
Dec 21, 2018 4:50 pm EST

Idiot on parade!