If you’re into crafts, art, or just need some fun supplies, you’ve probably heard of Michaels. It’s a super popular store for all sorts of creative stuff! Maybe you or your family use EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) cards to help buy groceries and other essentials. So, a question that pops up a lot is, does Michaels accept EBT? Let’s dig into the answer and some related details, so you know what to expect when you’re shopping there.
The Simple Answer: Does Michaels Accept EBT?
No, Michaels does not accept EBT cards as a form of payment. The EBT program is generally designed to help people purchase food and groceries. Michaels primarily sells craft supplies, art materials, and home decor items, which typically aren’t considered essential food items covered by EBT benefits.
What Can You Buy with EBT?
Understanding what you *can* buy with EBT is key. The rules are set by the government, and they focus on providing nutrition to families. This is what you’re able to purchase with your EBT card:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Dairy products
- Breads and cereals
- Other food items like snacks and non-alcoholic beverages
These are the basic categories of things you can purchase with your EBT card. However, you usually can’t purchase things like pet food, alcohol, tobacco products, or non-food household supplies, such as paper towels or cleaning products.
Keep in mind that rules can sometimes vary slightly by state. For example, some states might allow you to purchase seeds and plants that produce food with your EBT card. It’s always a good idea to check your specific state’s EBT guidelines for the most accurate information. These are available on your state’s official website.
So, since Michaels doesn’t sell the types of goods you can purchase with EBT, they don’t take EBT as a form of payment.
Other Payment Options at Michaels
Even though you can’t use EBT, Michaels offers plenty of other ways to pay for your purchases! You can use cash, of course. They also take major credit cards like Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Plus, they accept debit cards, which are linked to your bank account.
Another option is using Michaels gift cards! These are a great gift, and you can use them to pay for anything in the store. These gift cards are available online and in store.
Sometimes, Michaels has coupons and special offers. These can help you save money on your purchases, no matter how you choose to pay. You can find these in several different places.
- On the Michaels website
- In the Michaels app
- Through email subscriptions
- In weekly ads
So, even without EBT, you’ve got plenty of options to pay for your craft supplies!
Can You Use Your EBT Card Online?
While the specifics can differ based on the state you live in, it’s generally possible to use your EBT card online at certain approved retailers. However, this isn’t a blanket rule for every online store, and the rules for using EBT online are different than in person. Some stores have set up their online platforms to accept EBT payments for eligible food items.
It’s important to check the specific online store’s policies. You should see if they clearly state that they accept EBT as payment before you try to make a purchase. If a website doesn’t mention EBT, then it is safe to assume they do not accept this form of payment.
Online EBT purchases often have a few extra steps compared to regular online shopping. You might need to enter your EBT card information during checkout and provide your PIN. Also, online EBT purchases are typically restricted to eligible food items only.
You’ll usually have to choose options like “SNAP” or “EBT” at checkout if the retailer accepts it. Sometimes, delivery fees or other charges might not be covered by your EBT benefits. Check the specific retailer’s policies for online EBT purchases for any limitations and rules. Here is a table about EBT online, in general:
| Is EBT Accepted? | Restrictions |
|---|---|
| Often, but not always. | Food items only |
| Must confirm on the retailer’s website. | Delivery/fees |
What About Food Items at Michaels?
You might be thinking, “Well, what if Michaels started selling some food items?” It’s true that Michaels has a small selection of food-related items, like candy-making supplies, cake decorating tools, and maybe some pre-packaged snacks around the holidays. But does that mean you could use EBT to purchase those items?
The answer is still no. The rules for using EBT cards apply to the *type* of store, and the primary purpose of the store. Since Michaels is a craft and art supply store first and foremost, it generally doesn’t meet the requirements for accepting EBT, even if they have a few food-related items. They do not have a system in place to separate EBT-eligible food purchases from non-eligible purchases.
The EBT system is mainly designed to be used at grocery stores, supermarkets, and other retailers specifically authorized to accept those cards. Michaels does not participate in this program. Instead of EBT, they’ll offer other ways to purchase the items.
Also, Michaels probably sells more non-food items than they do food items. The types of food items they sell are mostly for creating, rather than direct consumption.
Alternatives to Michaels for EBT-Eligible Purchases
If you need to use your EBT card, there are plenty of other places where you *can* shop! Grocery stores are the obvious choice, of course. Supermarkets, like Kroger, Safeway, and Walmart, always accept EBT for eligible purchases. They have large food selections.
Also, many local farmers’ markets accept EBT. You can often find fresh fruits, vegetables, and other food items there. You should check with the specific farmers’ market to see if they participate in the EBT program. Here’s an idea of what you could get.
- Fresh fruits
- Fresh vegetables
- Local Honey
- Baked Goods
Discount stores like Aldi and dollar stores can be a great option too. They often have affordable groceries and other essentials. Make sure you read the signs to make sure the items are eligible for your EBT benefits. Also, when shopping at these stores, you can keep an eye out for sale prices and deals to help stretch your food budget even further.
Finally, for online shopping, check the specific retailer’s website before you start shopping. You’ll be able to see if your EBT card is accepted. It’s a good idea to compare prices at different stores to find the best deals for your needs.
Conclusion
So, to sum it up, Michaels does not accept EBT cards. While you can’t use your EBT card to buy paintbrushes or glitter, remember that there are plenty of other payment methods available at Michaels and many other stores that *do* accept EBT. Knowing what you can and can’t purchase with your EBT card helps you plan your shopping and make sure you’re getting the supplies and food you need! You’ll be able to use your EBT card at a variety of different stores and enjoy your crafts!