Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) has revolutionized how Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients access their benefits. Today, you can use your EBT card to shop for groceries online at select retailers, including Walmart. But which Walmart stores accept EBT online? Let’s dive in and find out.
Walmart accepts EBT for online purchases in 48 states across the United States, with the exception of Alaska and Montana. In these states, EBT can be used for pickup orders. You can use your EBT card to purchase eligible food items through the Walmart pickup & delivery service. Remember to check if your local store accepts EBT online as not all Walmart stores may offer this service.
Understanding EBT and Online Purchases
EBT is an electronic system that allows SNAP participants to pay for food using their SNAP benefits. These cards function similarly to debit cards but can only be used at certain retailers and for specific goods.
For online purchases, EBT cards can be used to shop and pay for eligible foods online. Not all USDA FNS-approved EBT retailers are authorized to accept EBT benefits online. Retailers must meet federal online purchasing requirements and be approved by the USDA FNS to provide online purchasing services.
Walmart and EBT Online Purchases
Walmart, one of the largest retailers in the United States, accepts EBT card purchases for online grocery delivery and pickup in 48 states, with the exception of Alaska and Montana. In these two states, EBT cardholders can use their card at pickup.
To use your EBT card for an online purchase at Walmart, you’ll need to sign in to your Walmart pickup & delivery account. Select “Payment Methods”. If your local store accepts EBT online purchases, you’ll see an option to add your EBT card to your account. Add your card information and click “Save Card”. Once your EBT card is connected to your Walmart account, you’ll be able to use EBT Online with no-basket minimums.
What Can You Buy with EBT at Walmart Online?
Walmart allows customers to purchase a variety of products online using their EBT cards. Some of the products you can buy with EBT at Walmart include fruits and vegetables, meats, poultry, fish, dairy products, breads, cereals, snack foods, and non-alcoholic beverages.
Limitations and Restrictions for Using EBT Online at Walmart
While Walmart’s acceptance of EBT online has made shopping more accessible for many, there are a few limitations and restrictions to keep in mind:
- Only eligible food items can be purchased with SNAP benefits. Delivery fees and other associated charges cannot be paid for with SNAP benefits.
- Not all Walmart locations participate in delivery. For stores that do offer delivery, there might be a limitation of a 9-10 miles radius from the store.
- While you can use your EBT card to pay for eligible items, delivery fees cannot be paid with SNAP benefits. However, you can use EBT cash to cover the cost of delivery fees if you have that option available.
Checking Out with EBT Online at Walmart
When shopping online, add EBT eligible items to your cart. At checkout, select “EBT card” as your payment option. If you have non-EBT eligible items in your cart, you’ll need a different debit or credit card to pay for the rest of your grocery shopping.
For grocery pickup, select a pickup time and choose “EBT card” as your payment option. When you arrive at the store, park in the customer spaces marked for Grocery Pickup orders and give your EBT benefit card to the store associate who brings your order to the car. The Walmart associate will load the order into your car and ask for the EBT card for payment.
Walmart’s Future Plans for EBT Online Acceptance
Walmart has plans to expand EBT online acceptance to more stores in the future. The company announced that it would accept SNAP to pay for online grocery orders at all of its pickup locations, with plans to expand the SNAP option to more than 3,100 stores by the end of 2019. Walmart now accepts SNAP online in all 50 states.
Other Online Retailers that Accept EBT
Apart from Walmart, several other online retailers accept EBT for online purchases. Some of the major retailers include Amazon, Target, Whole Foods, ALDI, Food Lion, and more.
Remember, while these retailers accept EBT for online purchases, you may need an alternate payment method, such as a credit or debit card, to cover fees, bottle deposits, taxes, delivery tips, and any other non-EBT SNAP-eligible items, as per government regulations.
In conclusion, Walmart’s acceptance of EBT for online orders has made it easier for SNAP recipients to access groceries. With ongoing expansion plans, it’s expected that more and more Walmart stores will accept EBT online, making grocery shopping even more accessible for all.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use EBT for non-food items at Walmart online?
No, EBT can only be used for eligible food items. Non-food items, delivery charges, and other associated fees cannot be paid with EBT.
Can I use EBT for all online purchases at Walmart?
EBT can only be used for eligible food items at Walmart. If you have non-EBT eligible items in your cart, you will need a different payment method to cover those costs.
Can I use EBT for Walmart delivery in all states?
Walmart accepts EBT for online grocery delivery and pickup in 48 states, excluding Alaska and Montana. In these two states, EBT cardholders can use their card at pickup.
Do all online retailers accept EBT?
Not all online retailers accept EBT. Only those approved by the USDA FNS can provide online purchasing services. Some of the major retailers that accept EBT include Walmart, Amazon, Target, Whole Foods, ALDI, and Food Lion.
Can I use my EBT card to cover the cost of delivery fees?
No, delivery fees cannot be paid with SNAP benefits. However, if you have EBT cash benefits available, you can use those to cover the cost of delivery fees.
