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EBT Card Online Shopping: Where and How to Use Your SNAP Benefits

Writer: PurplePurple

Updated: Mar 10

The Complete Guide to Using Your EBT Card for Online Grocery Shopping in 2025


Introduction: Shopping with EBT Has Never Been Easier


Gone are the days when Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits could only be used in-store. Today, many retailers allow EBT cardholders to buy groceries online, making food shopping more accessible and convenient—especially for people with disabilities or limited mobility.


If you’re wondering where and how to use your EBT card online, this guide will cover:

✅ Which stores accept EBT online

✅ How to add your EBT card to online grocery platforms

✅ How delivery and pickup options work

✅ How Purple makes it easier to track your EBT balance


Let’s get started!


Which Stores Accept EBT for Online Shopping?


Many major grocery retailers now accept EBT payments online, including:


1. Amazon 🛒

  • Eligible for SNAP EBT: Yes

  • Delivery Options: Amazon Fresh & Amazon Pantry

  • Minimum Purchase? No minimum required

  • How to Use: Add your EBT card under “Payments” in your Amazon account.


💡 Tip: SNAP recipients may qualify for a discounted Amazon Prime membership.


2. Walmart 🛒

  • Eligible for SNAP EBT: Yes

  • Delivery Options: Home delivery & curbside pickup

  • Minimum Purchase? Varies by location

  • How to Use: At checkout, select “EBT” as your payment method.


💡 Tip: Some Walmart locations offer free pickup for EBT orders.


3. Instacart 🛒

  • Eligible for SNAP EBT: Yes (at select stores)

  • Delivery Options: Home delivery & curbside pickup

  • Minimum Purchase? Varies by store

  • How to Use: Add your EBT card under “Payment Methods” in the Instacart app.


💡 Tip: Service fees still apply, but some states offer EBT discounts on fees.


4. Aldi 🛒

  • Eligible for SNAP EBT: Yes (via Instacart)

  • Delivery Options: Home delivery & curbside pickup

  • Minimum Purchase? Varies

  • How to Use: Order through Instacart and select SNAP EBT at checkout.


5. Target 🎯

  • Eligible for SNAP EBT: Yes (via Shipt)

  • Delivery Options: Home delivery & pickup

  • Minimum Purchase? Varies

  • How to Use: Order groceries via Target.com or the Target app.


6. Other Grocery Chains Accepting EBT Online:

✅ Kroger

✅ Safeway

✅ Albertsons

✅ ShopRite

✅ Publix


💡 Check with your local store to confirm online EBT availability in your state.


How to Use Your EBT Card for Online Purchases


If you're new to online SNAP purchases, follow these steps:


1. Add Your EBT Card to Your Online Account

  • Go to the payment settings of your preferred grocery retailer.

  • Select “Add a Payment Method” and enter your EBT card details.


2. Shop for Eligible Items

  • Look for SNAP-eligible items (they’ll usually be marked).

  • Non-eligible items (like prepared foods or household supplies) require a separate payment method.


3. Checkout & Apply Your EBT Payment

  • At checkout, select EBT/SNAP as your payment method.

  • If necessary, use a credit/debit card for non-EBT items or delivery fees.


Do EBT Benefits Cover Delivery Fees?

Unfortunately, EBT does not cover delivery fees, tips, or service charges. However, you can:

✔ Use your debit/credit card to pay for delivery fees

✔ Pick up your groceries for free at select locations (Walmart, Aldi, etc.)

✔ Check for state-specific programs that offer discounts on delivery fees


How Purple Helps You Manage Your EBT Funds


Keeping track of your EBT balance and transactions is just as important as knowing where to shop. That’s why Purple makes it easy to:

💜 Track Your EBT Balance in one place

💜 Monitor Spending and see where your funds are going

💜 Get Alerts before your benefits run out

💜 Plan Your Grocery Budget so you never overspend


Purple is more than just a bank—it’s a financial companion designed to help you maximize your benefits.


FAQs About Using EBT for Online Shopping


Can I Use EBT to Buy Hot or Prepared Foods?

No, SNAP benefits cannot be used for hot/prepared meals. Some exceptions exist for meal delivery programs in certain states.


Do I Need an Amazon Prime Membership to Use EBT on Amazon?

No! You can shop for groceries with EBT without a Prime membership, but Prime members get free grocery delivery in some locations.


Does Instacart Accept EBT Everywhere?

Not yet! Instacart’s EBT program is only available at select stores—check in the app before placing an order.


Can I Use EBT for Grocery Delivery Without Extra Fees?

Some states offer waived or discounted fees for EBT users, but generally, you’ll need to pay for delivery with another payment method.


Conclusion: EBT Online Shopping Makes Grocery Shopping Easier Than Ever


With more retailers accepting EBT for online grocery shopping, it’s now easier than ever to buy food from home. Whether you shop at Amazon, Walmart, Instacart, or Target, you can use your benefits online for fresh and nutritious groceries.


💜 Sign Up for Purple to Easily Track & Manage Your EBT Benefits!

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