Shopping for groceries online can be super convenient, especially with services like Instacart. If you’re using SNAP benefits, often called EBT, you might be wondering if you can use them to pay for your Walmart order on Instacart. The answer isn’t as simple as a yes or no, so let’s dive into the details to understand how it works.
Can You Use EBT for Walmart on Instacart?
Yes, you can use your EBT card to pay for eligible items when ordering Walmart groceries through Instacart. This is a huge advantage for people who rely on SNAP benefits for their food shopping.
How Does the EBT Payment Process Work?
Using your EBT card on Instacart for Walmart is pretty straightforward, but there are a few extra steps compared to using a regular credit or debit card. First, you’ll need to add your EBT card information to your Instacart account. You’ll do this in the payment section. Then, when you’re checking out, you’ll select your EBT card as the payment method. Next, you’ll have to remember that your EBT card can only pay for eligible food items. Any non-food items, like household supplies, will need to be paid for with a different form of payment, such as a credit or debit card. When your order is ready, you can pick it up or have it delivered to your home.
Here is a little bit more info about eligible items:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat and poultry
- Dairy products
- Breads and cereals
These are just a few of the items that are eligible to be purchased using your EBT card, so be sure to check for the “EBT eligible” badge before buying.
Here are a few of the items that can not be purchased with your EBT card:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tobacco products
- Vitamins
- Pet food
Setting Up Your Instacart Account for EBT
Before you can even start shopping, you need to set up your Instacart account to accept EBT. This is a fairly easy process that needs to be completed before you add items to your cart. It starts with logging into your Instacart account. Then, you need to go into your account settings and find the section for payments. Within the payment section, you’ll be able to add your EBT card information. You’ll usually need to enter your card number, expiration date, and the name on the card. After that, you’ll be able to start adding items to your cart. But, don’t forget that only eligible food items can be bought using the EBT card.
Make sure you have these items on hand when adding your EBT card:
- Your EBT card
- Your account information
- Valid forms of identification
It is important to keep your account information safe, and not give it out to anyone!
Here is a quick summary:
- Log in
- Go to settings
- Add payment method
- Select EBT
- Enter your card details
What Items Are EBT-Eligible at Walmart via Instacart?
When you’re shopping with EBT, not everything in the store is fair game. The items you can buy with your EBT card are generally the same items that are eligible in a physical Walmart store. This usually includes things like groceries: fresh produce, meat, dairy, grains, and other basic food items are usually fine. However, it’s essential to know what your EBT card can and cannot pay for. This can save you some serious checkout headaches.
Here’s a breakdown of some common items that are usually eligible:
- Fresh produce (fruits and vegetables)
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt)
- Breads and cereals
And some items that are generally *not* eligible:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tobacco products
- Vitamins and supplements
Let’s say you’re buying groceries, and you have the following:
| Item | EBT Eligible? |
|---|---|
| Apples | Yes |
| Cereal | Yes |
| Beer | No |
| Paper Towels | No |
What Happens if You Have Non-EBT Eligible Items in Your Cart?
If you want to buy both EBT-eligible and non-eligible items, you’ll need a backup plan. Instacart will automatically split your order, allowing you to pay for the food items with your EBT card and the other items with a different payment method. You can use a credit card, debit card, or another form of payment. This split happens during the checkout process, and the Instacart system will guide you through it. It’s designed to make sure you can still get everything you need while using your EBT benefits effectively.
The Instacart system typically handles this separation smoothly, but just in case, always double-check before you place your order. Sometimes, an item might be incorrectly categorized. If you’re unsure, you can contact Instacart’s customer service for clarification. They can help you sort it out.
- Keep eligible items separate
- Split your payments
- Ask for help
Here’s a simple example:
- Buy food items (EBT)
- Buy non-food items (Card)
Are There Any Extra Fees or Charges When Using EBT on Instacart?
Using EBT on Instacart does involve some fees that you should be aware of. These can include delivery fees, service fees, and sometimes even a small tip for your shopper. These fees aren’t directly related to the EBT payment itself, but they do factor into the total cost of your order. Delivery fees vary depending on your location, the time of day, and the size of your order. Service fees cover the cost of Instacart’s operations. Instacart’s fees can be a concern for people using SNAP benefits, so it’s important to plan accordingly.
You can often find ways to reduce fees. For instance, you can sometimes avoid delivery fees by choosing to pick up your order yourself, if that option is available. Instacart also occasionally offers promotions that waive or reduce fees. Another option is to carefully plan your order to meet any minimum spending requirements for free delivery. Make sure to check the fees *before* you place your order. Instacart will show you all the charges, including delivery and service fees, before you confirm your purchase.
- Delivery fees
- Service fees
- Tip (optional)
Here’s a sample table:
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Delivery | $3.99 |
| Service | 5% |
| Tip | $2.00 |
Tips for a Smooth EBT Shopping Experience on Instacart
To make your Instacart shopping with EBT as easy as possible, here are a few handy tips. First, always double-check the EBT eligibility of the items you put in your cart. Look for the “EBT eligible” badge to avoid any surprises at checkout. Second, plan ahead! Create a shopping list and budget before you start, so you stay within your SNAP benefits. This will help you avoid overspending and ensure you can get all the essentials. Third, consider using the pickup option if available to save on delivery fees. This can help you make your benefits stretch further.
It’s also a good idea to keep track of your EBT balance. You can usually check your balance through your state’s EBT portal or by calling the phone number on the back of your EBT card. This will help you know how much you have to spend, preventing any declined transactions at checkout. Take advantage of Instacart’s features, like the ability to save past orders. This way, you can easily reorder your usual groceries.
- Check eligibility
- Plan ahead
- Track your balance
- Use pickup options
Here’s a quick summary of these tips:
- Check eligibility
- Plan your budget
- Choose pickup
- Check your balance
Conclusion
In short, yes, you can use your EBT card on Instacart for Walmart. It is a great way to get your groceries delivered right to your door. By understanding the process, knowing which items are eligible, and planning ahead, you can easily use your SNAP benefits to shop online. Keep in mind the potential fees and follow the tips to make the experience as smooth and cost-effective as possible. Now you are ready to start shopping.