BJ's Wholesale Club and WIC Payment

BJ's Wholesale Club does not accept WIC benefits at this time. If you shop at BJ's with a WIC card, you will not be able to use it to pay for may be able to access items there. You'll need to use a different retailer that participates in your state's WIC program.

This is true across all BJ's locations nationwide. The store has chosen not to participate in WIC, even though it is a large grocery and household goods retailer. The reason a store does or does not accept WIC depends on a contract between that store and your state's WIC program — it is not automatic for all large retailers.

Key Takeaways

  • BJ's Wholesale Club does not currently accept WIC benefits at any of its locations.
  • You can use your WIC card only at retailers your state's WIC program has authorized, and BJ's is not one of them.
  • Your state WIC office or your benefits card issuer can tell you which stores near you do accept WIC.
  • Walmart, Target, Kroger, Safeway, and many regional supermarkets accept WIC, though availability varies by state.

How to Find WIC-Authorized Retailers Near You

Your state WIC program maintains a list of all stores that accept WIC in your area. The fastest way to find this list is to call your state WIC office directly or visit its website — each state runs its own program and publishes its own retailer directory.

You can also call the customer service number on the back of your WIC card. The card issuer (usually a state agency or a contractor like Conduent or Fiserv) can tell you which stores in your zip code accept WIC benefits. Many state programs also have online store locators where you can search by address or city.

When you call or search, have your zip code or city ready. Authorized retailers change occasionally as stores join or leave the program, so checking before you shop saves a trip.

What Stores Typically Accept WIC

Most large supermarket chains accept WIC, including Walmart, Target, Kroger, Safeway, Albertsons, Food Lion, Publix, and Whole Foods. Many regional and independent grocery stores also participate. Convenience stores and dollar stores rarely accept WIC, even if they carry some may be able to access foods.

Warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam's Club generally do not accept WIC, similar to BJ's. These stores require a membership fee and operate differently from traditional supermarkets, which is why most state WIC programs do not authorize them.

The exact list of authorized stores varies by state. A store that accepts WIC in one state may not in another, because each state negotiates its own contracts with retailers.

Why Some Retailers Don't Accept WIC

Retailers choose whether to participate in WIC based on cost and complexity. Accepting WIC requires staff training, special checkout procedures, and compliance with strict rules about which items can be purchased. The store must also wait for reimbursement from the state, which takes time.

Warehouse clubs like BJ's often do not participate because their membership model and bulk-purchase structure do not fit well with WIC's per-item restrictions. WIC limits the quantity and type of each food category you can buy, which conflicts with the warehouse club approach of selling in large quantities.

Using Your WIC Card at Authorized Stores

When you shop at a WIC-authorized retailer, you can use your WIC card to pay for may be able to access foods only. may be able to access items include milk, cheese, eggs, beans, peanut butter, cereal, bread, fruits, vegetables, and infant formula — the exact list depends on your state and your household's age and health needs.

At checkout, tell the cashier you are paying with WIC. They will ring up only may be able to access items separately from any other groceries you are buying with cash or another card. The WIC card works like a debit card for those may be able to access items only.

If you try to buy ineligible items with your WIC card, the transaction will be declined for those items. The cashier can tell you which items are not covered before you pay.

What to Do If Your Preferred Store Doesn't Accept WIC

If the store where you normally shop does not accept WIC, you have two options: shop at a different authorized retailer, or contact your state WIC office to ask if the store can join the program.

Some stores are willing to participate but have not yet completed the enrollment process. Your state WIC office can provide information about how a store owner or manager can sign up. However, there is no may provide the store will choose to participate, even if it is may be able to access.

In the meantime, use the store locator tool or call your WIC office to find the nearest authorized retailer. Many people find that multiple stores in their area accept WIC, so you may have options even if your first choice does not.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my WIC card at BJ's if I have a membership?

No. WIC acceptance is not tied to membership status. BJ's does not participate in WIC at any of its locations, regardless of whether you have a BJ's membership card.

Will BJ's start accepting WIC in the future?

There is no announced plan for BJ's to accept WIC. Retailers decide whether to participate based on their own business model. You can contact BJ's customer service to request they join the program, but the decision rests with the company.

What if I already bought groceries at BJ's with my own money — can I get reimbursed with WIC?

No. WIC benefits can only be used at the point of sale at authorized retailers. You cannot use WIC to reimburse yourself for purchases made elsewhere, even if those purchases were WIC-may be able to access foods.

How do I know if a store is authorized before I go there?

Call your state WIC office or the number on your WIC card, or use your state's online store locator. Many programs also send you a list of authorized retailers when you first receive your card.

Can I use WIC at multiple stores, or just one?

You can use your WIC card at any authorized retailer in your state. You are not limited to one store. This means you can shop at whichever authorized store is most convenient for you each time you shop.