Good news: you can use your EBT card to buy groceries online. The SNAP Online Purchasing Pilot has expanded nationwide, giving you more options for how and where you shop.
In this article, we'll cover:
- How online EBT works
- Which retailers accept EBT online
- What you can and can't buy
- How to set up online EBT shopping
- Tips for getting the most from online SNAP
1. How Online EBT Works
Using EBT online is similar to using a debit card for online shopping:
- Select a participating retailer's website or app
- Shop for SNAP-eligible items
- At checkout, select EBT as your payment method
- Enter your EBT card number
- Enter your PIN to authorize payment
- Choose delivery or pickup
Your SNAP balance is charged just like it would be at a physical store.
2. Which Retailers Accept EBT Online
Major retailers accepting SNAP EBT online include:
National retailers:
- Amazon (via Amazon Fresh)
- Walmart
- Target
- Aldi (in some areas)
- BJ's Wholesale
- Costco (delivery only)
Regional grocers:
- Safeway/Albertsons
- Kroger (and affiliates like Ralphs, Fred Meyer)
- Publix
- H-E-B
- ShopRite
- Many local grocery chains
Delivery services:
- Instacart (through participating stores)
- DoorDash (select retailers)
Important: Availability varies by state and location. Check each retailer's website to confirm they accept EBT in your area.
3. What You Can and Can't Buy
Online SNAP purchases follow the same rules as in-store:
You CAN buy:
- Bread and cereals
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, fish, and poultry
- Dairy products
- Seeds and plants that produce food
You CANNOT buy:
- Alcohol or tobacco
- Vitamins and supplements
- Hot prepared foods
- Non-food items (soap, paper products)
- Pet food
- Delivery fees or tips
About fees: SNAP benefits cannot cover delivery or service fees. You'll need to pay those separately with cash, debit, or credit.
4. How to Set Up Online EBT Shopping
To start shopping online with EBT:
Step 1: Choose a participating retailer
Step 2: Create an account on their website or app
Step 3: Add your EBT card to your payment methods
- You'll need your 16-digit card number
- Some retailers require a one-time verification
Step 4: Start shopping
- Look for SNAP-eligible items
- Some sites have filters for EBT-eligible products
Step 5: At checkout
- Select EBT as payment for eligible items
- Use another payment method for ineligible items and fees
- Enter your PIN to complete the purchase
5. Tips for Getting the Most from Online SNAP
Compare prices: Online prices may differ from in-store
Watch for fees: Factor in delivery costs when budgeting
Check minimums: Some services have minimum order amounts
Plan pickup if possible: Saves delivery fees
Look for deals: Many retailers offer online-only discounts
Combine payment methods: Use EBT for food, another card for fees
Check your balance first: Know how much SNAP you have before shopping
Important: Your EBT PIN is sensitive information. Only enter it on official retailer websites, never share it, and watch for phishing scams.
How Purple Helps
While your EBT card is separate from your Purple account, we help you:
- Track your EBT balance alongside other benefits
- See all your income in one dashboard
- Budget across multiple benefit sources
- Manage your finances more easily