Hey everyone! Navigating the world of online shopping can be tricky, and using your SNAP benefits (that’s what we call food stamps!) is no exception. Luckily, Walmart.com makes it pretty easy to buy groceries using your EBT card. This guide will walk you through the steps, making sure you understand how to shop for the foods you need and avoid any surprises at checkout. Let’s get started!
Making Sure You’re Eligible to Pay with SNAP
Before you get excited about filling your virtual cart, it’s super important to make sure you can actually use your EBT card on Walmart.com. Not every state is set up for online EBT payments yet. The good news is, most are! You can easily check by going to the Walmart website and trying to add your EBT card. If it doesn’t work, your state may not have online EBT support through Walmart yet. You can check the USDA website to see if your state allows the online use of SNAP benefits. Keep in mind that the items must be eligible to purchase with SNAP.
You need to be in a state that allows for EBT payments online, and then you can pay with your SNAP benefits on Walmart.com.
Setting Up Your Walmart.com Account for EBT
Once you know your state allows for it, you will need to set up your account! First, you will need to create an account with Walmart.com. This is where you will select your items and get them delivered or schedule for pickup at your local Walmart store. Remember the username and password! Then, you’ll add your EBT card during checkout, and that’s it.
Here’s a quick rundown of how to add your EBT card:
- Go to “Account” on Walmart.com.
- Click on “Payment methods.”
- Choose to add a new payment method, and select “EBT card.”
- Enter your card number and expiration date.
- That’s it! Your card is now saved.
Be sure to keep track of your card details, and if your EBT card expires, make sure to update your payment information in the account settings.
Remember that you may not be able to pay for delivery fees or service fees with your EBT card, so you may need a second form of payment for these things. If you choose to get your groceries delivered, the delivery fee will not be covered by your SNAP benefits.
Choosing Your Groceries Wisely
Not everything you see on Walmart.com is eligible to buy with SNAP. Knowing what you can and can’t purchase with your EBT card is key to a smooth shopping experience. Generally, you can buy any food items that are uncooked and that do not contain alcohol. However, there are also some exceptions.
Here’s a simple breakdown of common food categories:
- Eligible: Fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, bread, cereals, and snack foods.
- Sometimes Eligible: Seeds and plants that produce food.
- Not Eligible: Alcohol, tobacco products, vitamins, supplements, pet food, and non-food household items.
When shopping online, you can usually identify eligible items because they’ll have a special label or will be accepted by your SNAP payment. Be sure to read the item descriptions to make sure the product is a food item and not something like soap or toothpaste. You may also be able to use your EBT card to purchase some hot foods at a participating Walmart deli, depending on your state’s rules.
Checking Out and Paying with Your EBT Card
Once you have added your groceries to your cart, it’s time to check out. This is when you’ll use your EBT card. Make sure to review your order carefully, to be sure you have everything you need and that all the items in your cart are SNAP eligible.
Here’s how to use your EBT card at checkout:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Go to your cart and proceed to checkout. |
| 2 | Select “EBT” as your payment method. |
| 3 | Enter your EBT card information, including your PIN. |
| 4 | Confirm your order and choose your delivery or pickup option. |
You’ll need to enter your PIN, just like at a physical store. Remember that your EBT card will only cover the cost of SNAP-eligible items. Any remaining balance, such as for non-food items, delivery fees, or taxes, must be paid with another payment method, like a debit card or credit card.
Delivery or Pickup? Your Options
Walmart.com offers two main ways to get your groceries: delivery and in-store pickup. Both are convenient options, but each has its own considerations when using SNAP benefits. With delivery, your groceries are brought right to your door. This is great if you don’t have transportation or can’t easily get to the store.
Here’s a quick look at the two options:
- Delivery: You schedule a delivery time, and Walmart delivers your order to your home. The delivery fee cannot be paid with SNAP.
- Pickup: You place your order online, and then you drive to your local Walmart store at a scheduled time to pick it up.
If you choose pickup, there’s usually no extra fee. You will check in at the designated pickup area and a store employee will load your order into your car. Be sure to choose the option that best fits your needs. Also, make sure to follow the instructions for pickup or delivery. For example, you may need to show your ID or provide a signature.
And that’s it! Shopping online with your EBT card at Walmart.com can save you time and energy. Just remember to check your eligibility, choose SNAP-eligible items, understand the payment process, and decide whether delivery or pickup works best for you. Happy shopping!