As a supplementary nutrition assistance program (SNAP) recipient, it is frustrating when you see a grocery online that you love and want to buy, but get notified that they do not accept electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards as a payment option. This experience may have happened on more than one occasion and left you concluding that grocery stores don’t accept EBT card payments online. Let’s see ‘Grocery Stores That Accept EBT Online’.
Yes, EBT hasn’t been a generally accepted means of online payment, but through the pilot program being made by the United States department of agriculture (USDA), varieties of online stores now accept EBT as a payment option.
Using a delivery service like Instacart would save you the stress of going to pick up your items by delivering them right at your doorstep.
This article aims at helping you find these stores.
Grocery Stores That Accept EBT Online
- Hy-Vee
- Aldi
- Kroger
- Stop & Shop
- Walmart
- H-E-B
Hy-Vee
In 2020, Hy-Vee began accepting EBT online payments and SNAP/EBT payments in all its stores at the time of pick up.
- Make your order through the Hy-Vee website or the mobile app
- Shop for your groceries
- Choose a pickup time/date
- Choose SNAP/EBT as a payment option to complete your order.
Aldi
The first grocery retailer to partner with Instacart accepts EBT SNAP as an online payment method. You can use your EBT card for in-store and online payments at all Aldi locations.
To use Aldi EBT payment services online,
- Set up your Instacart online profile
- As a payment option, enter your EBT card details, and also a secondary payment option for non-eligible SNAP items.
- Enter your ZIP code to find an Aldi store near you.
- Once you’re in, start shopping.
Kroger
In 2020, Kroger began allowing EBT online payments across nearly all its 2800 grocery stores for pickup customers.
To use their online service;
- Sign up on the website or download the app.
- After placing your orders, select a date/time for your pickup and use the SNAP/EBT as a payment method to complete your order
- On the day of your pick-up, you will use your EBT card to complete your payment through their mobile POS system.
Stop & Shop
In 2020, Stop & Shop joined the growing list of supermarkets accepting EBT online payment for SNAP-eligible products.
- Add your EBT card details to your online Stop & Shop account
- As you browse through their online items, only add items with ‘snap eligible labels’ to your cart.
- Select the ‘apply for SNAP benefits and the amount you want to be charged on your card when checking out.
Walmart
In 2017, Walmart announced and began allowing EBT customers to pay for their groceries through its online grocery pickup service in some locations. In 2019, they announced that the service was available in over 2500 pickup locations.
To use this service available in 48 U.S states;
- Sign in/sign up to the Walmart pickup & delivery account.
- Add your EBT card details as the payment method, then click ‘Save Card’
- Once your EBT card is successfully connected to your account and you’re able to use EBT online with no basket minimums, you can start shopping and adding items to your cart.
H-E-B
With H-E-B, you can
- You can know your SNAP balance with the app.
- Split your payment to pay for SNAP-eligible products with your EBT card; and non-eligible SNAP products with your debit/credit card.
- Track the total/subtotal of goods in your cart
Why You Should Shop For Grocery Stores That Accept EBT Online
- No one will scam you because it is safe and secured.
- There are varieties of items to pick from.
- You are eligible to get discounts offered by the stores.
- You can split your payment between your EBT, credit, and debit cards.
- You can choose a date/time that will be suitable for you while shopping online.
How to Use Your EBT Card Online?
- Use their mobile apps or visit their websites.
- If you’re new, sign up, but if you have an account, sign in.
- Connect your EBT card to their online payment method.
- Choose SNAP-eligible items and place your order.
- Choose the EBT card payment option, put your pin, and complete the order.
Conclusion
An online shopping experience should not leave you feeling anxious and frustrated. Hopefully, the next time you decide to shop online and try to use your EBT card as a payment option, you won’t get the ‘rejected’ notification.
As you follow our guide, we hope you have the best online experiences and enjoy the benefits of owning an EBT card.
Frequently Asked Question
- Is it secure to use EBT Online?
Answer: Yes, it is secure.
- Must I have an account to use my EBT card online?
Answer: Yes, you need a grocery store online account.
- Can I use my EBT card to pay for delivery?
Answer: No, you cannot.
