Grocery shopping these days is getting easier and easier, with options like online ordering and delivery services becoming super popular. One of the big questions for families using SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), or EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer), is whether they can use their benefits for these services. Specifically, lots of people wonder, “Does Walmart accept EBT on Instacart?” Let’s break down the details and get you the answers you need.
Can You Use EBT for Walmart Orders Through Instacart?
Yes, you can use your EBT card to pay for eligible food items when you order Walmart groceries through Instacart, but there are some important things to know. It’s not quite as simple as swiping your card at the checkout. There are a few steps involved, and not everything you can buy at Walmart with your EBT card in-store is available to buy on Instacart with it. Read on to learn more!
What Can You Buy with EBT on Instacart?
When using EBT on Instacart, you’re generally limited to buying food items that are allowed by SNAP rules. This usually means groceries. Think of it like shopping in a regular grocery store, and only the food items that are eligible will be able to be bought. That includes fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy products, and bread. Snacks and drinks that aren’t considered food are also typically included.
Non-food items, like household goods, paper products, and alcohol, are typically not eligible for EBT purchase. This is the same as if you were using your EBT card at a physical Walmart store. It’s important to pay close attention to the items in your Instacart cart to make sure they’re covered by SNAP.
Instacart has a way of labeling those items that are eligible. When browsing, look for these things to make sure you know what is and isn’t allowed.
- Sometimes, there’s a special tag that says “EBT Eligible.”
- Other times, items are just automatically available.
- Non-eligible items are usually grayed out or otherwise marked.
If you’re unsure, it’s always best to check the item description or contact Instacart support. That way, you don’t accidentally try to buy something you can’t pay for with your EBT card.
Setting Up Your EBT Card on Instacart
Before you can use your EBT card for Instacart orders, you need to link it to your Instacart account. This process is pretty simple, but you’ll want to have your EBT card handy. Make sure you know your PIN, too, because you’ll need it.
The process is similar to adding a regular credit or debit card. You’ll go to the payment section of your Instacart account and add your EBT card information. You’ll likely need to enter the card number, expiration date, and your name. You will also be able to add the associated billing address.
When you checkout, you can select your EBT card as your payment method. You will probably be asked to enter your EBT PIN to finalize your order. If your order contains non-eligible items, you’ll need to pay for them separately with another payment method. If you are using SNAP benefits you cannot add a tip.
- Go to “Your Account” in the Instacart App.
- Find “Payment Methods.”
- Add your EBT Card.
If you run into trouble, Instacart has a help section with detailed instructions. Or, you can contact their customer service. It is really easy to set up.
Paying for Delivery and Other Fees with EBT
While you can use your EBT card to pay for eligible food items on Instacart, it can’t always cover everything. The delivery fees, service fees, and tips are usually not covered by SNAP. This means you will need to use a different form of payment for those extra costs. This could be a debit card, credit card, or even a gift card.
When you’re checking out, Instacart will show you the total cost. It will break down how much you’re paying for the food items with your EBT card and how much is for fees or tip. You will then be prompted to select a different payment method for the fees.
Make sure you budget for these extra costs so you don’t run into any surprises. Consider the fees when you’re deciding if using Instacart is a good deal for you. Sometimes, the delivery fees and service fees can add up!
- Food: EBT Card
- Delivery Fees: Debit/Credit
- Tips: Debit/Credit
Sometimes, Instacart offers promotions or deals that can help lower your costs. Keep an eye out for those!
Navigating Instacart’s Website and App
Instacart has both a website and a mobile app. Both make it super simple to order your groceries! The website and app are designed to be user-friendly, but it’s helpful to know a few things about using them, especially when paying with EBT.
On the website, you can search for items, add them to your cart, and see your order total. When you’re ready to check out, you’ll select your payment method. The app works pretty much the same way. You can browse, add items to your cart, and choose your payment options.
Make sure you always look at the order total before submitting your order. The site usually has a “review order” page that shows you everything you’re buying and how much you’re paying for each thing. It also shows which payment methods are being used for what part of the order.
| Platform | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Website | Larger screen, easier to browse for some. | Can be slower for some. |
| App | Convenient, mobile, faster for some. | Smaller screen. |
Both the website and the app will show you how to contact customer support. If you have problems with your order, Instacart’s support team can assist you.
Walmart’s Role in EBT and Instacart
Walmart has teamed up with Instacart to offer the service to its customers. Walmart provides the groceries, and Instacart handles the shopping and delivery. This partnership makes things easier for shoppers who want the convenience of online ordering and delivery.
Walmart lets Instacart process EBT payments for eligible items. This means Walmart has to work with Instacart and the EBT system to ensure that it works. Walmart’s system has to send order information to Instacart, including what is and isn’t allowed to be purchased with EBT.
You’re still essentially buying groceries from Walmart, even though Instacart is doing the legwork. So, the same rules that apply to using your EBT card in the store apply to your Instacart order.
- Walmart provides the inventory.
- Instacart provides the shopping and delivery.
- EBT rules still apply.
This partnership is awesome because it gives people more options for shopping. It allows families who get SNAP to get the groceries they need without leaving home!
Potential Issues and How to Troubleshoot
Sometimes, things don’t go exactly as planned. You might run into issues when you try to use your EBT card on Instacart. It’s important to know how to solve them. The most common problems usually involve your EBT card itself.
Make sure your EBT card has enough money on it to cover the cost of the food items. If the card is declined, it could be because the balance is too low, or there might be a problem with the card itself.
Sometimes, the Instacart system might have issues. Instacart’s website or app could also be glitchy. If this happens, try refreshing the page, restarting the app, or contacting Instacart’s customer support.
- Check your EBT balance.
- Make sure your card information is correct.
- Contact Instacart support.
- Contact EBT customer service.
If you can’t get it working, contact customer service for both Instacart and EBT. They can usually figure out what’s happening and help you fix the problem.
Conclusion
So, to answer the question “Does Walmart accept EBT on Instacart?”, the answer is a definite yes, but with a few conditions. You can use your EBT card for eligible food items when you order Walmart groceries through Instacart. You will need to set up your EBT card as a payment method, and remember that you’ll need a separate payment method for delivery fees and tips. With a little planning and understanding of the rules, you can take advantage of the convenience of Instacart while still using your SNAP benefits. Now you have the information you need to make shopping super easy!