You can use your EBT card to buy groceries online at many major retailers. Here's how to shop for food from home using your SNAP benefits.
In this article, we'll cover:
- Where you can shop online with EBT
- How to set up online EBT shopping
- What you can and can't buy
- Tips for online grocery shopping
1. Where You Can Shop Online with EBT
Major retailers accepting EBT online:
- Amazon (available in most states)
- Walmart
- Target
- ALDI
- Kroger family stores
- Safeway/Albertsons
- Many regional chains
Check availability:
- Not all stores in all states
- Expanding continuously
- Check retailer websites
- May need specific zip code
Types of services:
- Delivery to your home
- Curbside pickup
- In-store pickup
- Varies by retailer
Fees:
- SNAP covers food cost
- Delivery fees NOT covered
- Must pay fees separately
- Some free pickup options
Important: You cannot use SNAP benefits to pay for delivery fees, tips, or service charges. You'll need another payment method for those.
2. How to Set Up Online EBT Shopping
Amazon setup:
- Go to amazon.com/snap-ebt
- Register your EBT card
- Verify your information
- Start shopping on Amazon Fresh
Walmart setup:
- Create Walmart account
- Add EBT as payment method
- Enter card information
- Verify with PIN
General process:
- Create store account
- Navigate to payment settings
- Select "Add EBT"
- Enter card number and state
- Verify as required
Security:
- Keep PIN private
- Use secure connections
- Monitor your account
- Report issues immediately
3. What You Can and Can't Buy
Can buy with SNAP online:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, fish
- Dairy products
- Bread and cereals
- Snacks and beverages
- Seeds and plants for food
Cannot buy with SNAP:
- Alcohol
- Tobacco
- Hot prepared foods
- Non-food items (cleaning supplies, toiletries)
- Pet food
- Delivery fees and tips
Mixed orders:
- Split payment common
- SNAP for eligible items
- Other payment for non-eligible
- Most retailers handle automatically
Fresh vs shelf-stable:
- Both eligible
- Fresh produce included
- Canned goods included
- Frozen foods included
4. Tips for Online Grocery Shopping
Maximize benefits:
- Plan meals before shopping
- Compare prices across stores
- Look for sales and deals
- Buy store brands
Manage delivery:
- Schedule convenient times
- Consider pickup to save fees
- Check substitution policies
- Note delivery instructions
Track spending:
- Check EBT balance before shopping
- Keep receipts/confirmations
- Monitor for errors
- Report problems immediately
Accessibility benefits:
- Shop from home
- No transportation needed
- Take your time choosing
- Easier with mobility issues
Common Issues and Solutions
Card not accepted:
- Verify card is registered
- Check if store serves your area
- Ensure balance available
- Try different browser
Items not SNAP-eligible:
- Remove from cart
- Pay separately
- Check item category
- Ask store customer service
Substitutions:
- Set preferences in advance
- Allow or decline substitutions
- Check order when received
- Report problems
Balance questions:
- Check balance before ordering
- Pending charges may show
- Allow processing time
- Keep separate records
How Purple Helps
- Track SNAP balance alongside SSI
- See total benefit picture
- Monitor spending
- Simple financial management
- One place for everything