When you’re planning a fun craft project or looking for some cool home décor, Hobby Lobby is a popular place to go. But before you start filling up your cart, you might be wondering about payment options, especially if you use EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer). This essay will break down whether Hobby Lobby takes EBT, what you can and can’t buy with it, and other helpful information about shopping there. Let’s dive in!
Does Hobby Lobby Take EBT Cards?
No, Hobby Lobby does not accept EBT cards. Hobby Lobby primarily sells arts and crafts supplies, home décor items, and other non-essential goods. EBT cards are typically designed to pay for food items that are eligible under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

What Can You Buy With an EBT Card?
EBT cards are specifically designed for purchasing food. You’ll find that the types of food eligible are generally things you’d cook and eat at home. Different states may have slightly different rules, but here’s the general idea of what you can and can’t buy:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Dairy products
- Grains and bread
- Seeds and plants to grow food
The types of products that are not eligible include:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tobacco products
- Non-food items (like pet food or cleaning supplies)
- Prepared foods that are ready to eat
It’s important to remember that these rules are strict and are there to help those in need get access to food. Shopping with EBT is about making sure you and your family have what you need to eat.
Why Doesn’t Hobby Lobby Accept EBT?
The simple answer is because of what Hobby Lobby sells. Their focus is on arts and crafts supplies, home décor, and other items that aren’t considered essential food items. The rules for EBT cards specifically limit what can be purchased to eligible food items, like those from the grocery store.
Additionally, Hobby Lobby is a privately-owned business, and they have the right to determine which forms of payment they accept. Accepting EBT requires specific agreements with the government, and businesses must meet specific criteria to participate in the SNAP program. Hobby Lobby has made the business decision to focus on other payment methods.
If they did accept EBT, they would need to put a lot of effort into following all the regulations. That would mean separating out the items that could be bought with EBT from the things that couldn’t. That could be difficult, since they sell such a wide range of products.
In essence, it comes down to the nature of their business and the government regulations surrounding EBT.
Other Payment Options at Hobby Lobby
While EBT isn’t an option, Hobby Lobby offers several other ways to pay for your purchases. This includes cash, of course, and most major credit and debit cards. They also accept checks, though there might be some limitations or requirements.
You can use a variety of credit cards, such as:
- Visa
- Mastercard
- American Express
- Discover
Debit cards are accepted as well. Make sure your card has a Visa or Mastercard logo on it, if you have a debit card. Most of the time you can use your debit card just like you would a credit card. The card reader should provide options to input your pin.
Finally, you can also use Hobby Lobby gift cards for purchases, either purchased online or at a physical store location.
Alternatives for EBT-Eligible Purchases
If you’re using an EBT card, you’ll need to shop at stores that are authorized to accept EBT. These are usually grocery stores, supermarkets, and some farmers’ markets. These stores have gone through the proper channels to be able to accept EBT cards. This makes sure that you are able to buy the right food items.
Here are some types of stores that commonly accept EBT:
Store Type | Examples |
---|---|
Supermarkets | Kroger, Safeway, Publix |
Grocery Stores | Local markets, smaller chains |
Big Box Stores | Walmart, Target (for groceries) |
These stores can use their registers to determine the items which qualify. They also follow all government rules.
You can use your EBT card at the checkout to pay for eligible groceries. Make sure that you have your EBT card ready. The cashier will run the card through the machine.
Making the Most of Your Shopping Trip
Even if you can’t use EBT at Hobby Lobby, you can still shop there! Plan ahead to avoid any surprises. Check their website or call your local store to make sure they have the items you’re looking for in stock. Have your other payment method ready when you go to the checkout. That way, you will have a hassle-free shopping trip.
Also, take advantage of Hobby Lobby’s sales and promotions. Hobby Lobby often has weekly sales, so look for the best deals on the items you want to buy. Hobby Lobby has a reputation for good sales. You may also have a rewards program at certain retailers. Check out the rewards program at Hobby Lobby for discounts.
Do some research and compare prices. Even though you might not be able to use your EBT card at Hobby Lobby, you can still manage your budget. If you want to purchase craft supplies, you can compare prices between different craft stores. Some stores have online websites with the option to compare products.
Finally, if you have a specific budget, make a list. This helps you to stick to your budget. Planning what to buy beforehand is always a good strategy. It helps to have an estimate of what you’ll pay so there are no surprises. A good strategy is to make a shopping list ahead of time.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Hobby Lobby is a fun place to shop for crafts and home décor, they do not accept EBT cards. This is because of the nature of their products, which aren’t eligible under the SNAP program. However, Hobby Lobby offers various other payment options, and there are plenty of other stores where you can use your EBT card to buy groceries and other eligible items. So, plan your shopping trip accordingly, and enjoy your crafting or decorating!