Can You Use EBT Online?
- Purple
- 12 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Yes—you can use your EBT card to shop online for groceries in many states.
Thanks to the USDA’s Online Purchasing Pilot, SNAP participants can now use their EBT cards on select websites and apps. But there are rules, limits, and not every store participates.
In this post, we’ll explain:
Where you can use EBT online
What you can buy
How to pay for non-eligible items
Tips for delivery and pickup
How Purple helps you stay on top of your EBT benefits
1. Where Can You Use EBT Online?
More than 40 states now allow SNAP EBT to be used for online grocery purchases.
Here are some major retailers that accept EBT online:
Amazon (nationwide)
Walmart (pickup and delivery in most areas)
ALDI (via Instacart in many states)
Safeway and Albertsons
Food Lion, Publix, ShopRite, and others depending on location
FreshDirect and Dash’s Market in certain cities
Some Instacart partners also accept EBT, though not all do. You’ll need to check eligibility per store.
2. What Can You Buy Online with EBT?
You can use EBT online for the same types of food you would buy in a store:
Fruits and vegetables
Meat, poultry, and seafood
Dairy and eggs
Canned and frozen goods
Bread, snacks, and pantry items
Baby formula and non-alcoholic drinks
You cannot use EBT for:
Delivery fees
Service or tip charges
Hot, prepared meals
Household supplies, vitamins, or toiletries
You’ll need another payment method for those extra charges.
3. How to Pay for Non-Eligible Items
When shopping online, most retailers allow you to:
Add your EBT card at checkout
Split payment between SNAP-eligible items and a debit/credit card
Make sure to have another card ready to cover delivery fees, taxes, or ineligible groceries. Your EBT card will only be charged for approved food items.
4. Tips for Using EBT Online
Check your state’s rules: Not every state supports online EBT purchases (yet).
Create accounts in advance: You’ll often need to add your EBT card to your profile before shopping.
Look for EBT-eligible labels: Most sites show which items are SNAP-approved.
Watch for minimum order sizes: Some retailers require you to spend a minimum amount for pickup or delivery.
Review substitution policies: Online grocery orders may swap items if out of stock—check that you’re okay with replacements.
5. How Purple Helps You Manage EBT
Purple makes it easier to stay on top of your SNAP EBT benefits by putting everything in one place.
With Purple, you can:
Link your EBT card to check your balance
Get alerts when benefits are deposited
Track SNAP and checking account activity side-by-side
Store receipts or delivery confirmations
Stay organized for renewals, re-certifications, or household budgeting
Whether you shop in-store or online, Purple helps you make the most of every benefit.