Grocery shopping can be a real chore, especially when you’re trying to stick to a budget. Many people use Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards to help them buy food. EBT cards are like debit cards, but they’re loaded with money from the government to help families and individuals with food expenses. Lots of folks are curious about using them with online services, particularly for convenient options like Instacart. So, the big question is: Does Walmart Accept EBT on Instacart?
The Simple Answer: Yes, But…
While you might be hoping for a straightforward “yes,” the situation is a bit more complicated. Walmart itself does accept EBT cards for in-store purchases, and Instacart delivers Walmart groceries.
How to Use EBT with Walmart and Instacart
When using Instacart, you will not be able to use EBT as a direct form of payment. Instacart does not directly take EBT cards. However, there’s a workaround that involves using the Walmart app or website.
You will first need to shop online at Walmart’s website or app. Make sure you’ve added everything you want to buy to your cart, and select delivery. Then, here are some things you’ll need to do:
- You’ll need to make sure you’re signed into your Walmart account.
- Select delivery for your groceries.
- Choose “Pay with EBT” when you’re checking out.
After you enter your EBT card information, the system will deduct the eligible grocery items from your EBT balance. Make sure you understand what is and isn’t allowed to be purchased with an EBT card.
What Can You Buy with EBT at Walmart (and Instacart)?
Not everything you see at Walmart can be bought with EBT. The government rules say that you can use EBT to buy “eligible food items.” This usually means things like groceries and non-prepared foods. You can’t use your EBT card to buy things like alcohol, tobacco products, or hot prepared foods. Those are some of the restrictions.
Here’s a quick rundown of some common things you CAN buy with your EBT card:
- Fruits and vegetables (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt)
- Breads and cereals
Remember, some states and programs may have specific rules. It’s always a good idea to check the guidelines for your state.
What Isn’t Covered by EBT?
As mentioned before, there are things that your EBT card just won’t cover. This can be confusing, but it helps to understand the rules.
Here are some of the things that you CANNOT purchase using EBT:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Cigarettes and tobacco products
- Vitamins and supplements
- Prepared foods (hot foods, food from a deli, etc.)
When you are paying using the workaround, you may need to pay for the ineligible items separately.
Important things to know about using EBT and Instacart
Since you will be ordering your groceries online, you will need to make sure you choose items that are allowed by EBT. There might be a few more things you have to consider when ordering your groceries.
Here is a table with a few of those things that you should know:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Delivery Fees | You may need to pay these with a non-EBT payment method. |
| Service Fees & Tips | These are usually not covered by EBT. |
| Non-Food Items | Must be paid with a non-EBT payment method. |
Always keep in mind, EBT rules and Walmart’s policies are subject to change, so it’s wise to double-check the most up-to-date information.
Tips for a Smooth EBT and Instacart Experience
Making sure your online grocery trip goes well means knowing how to work within the system.
Here are some tips to make the process easier for you:
- Plan your order carefully: Know what items you can and can’t buy with your EBT.
- Check your EBT balance: Make sure you have enough funds before you shop.
- Separate your order: If you’re buying non-EBT items, pay for them separately with another payment method.
Using EBT through Walmart and Instacart can be great for convenience, but it does require a little extra planning and paying attention to the details.
The Future of EBT and Online Shopping
As technology and online shopping continue to evolve, so might the way we use EBT. It’s possible that we’ll see more direct integration of EBT into services like Instacart in the future, which could make the process even easier.
Here’s what the future might look like:
- More direct EBT integration into Instacart.
- Better ways to distinguish between EBT-eligible and non-eligible items.
- Easier ways to pay for both types of items in one transaction.
These improvements would make it easier for everyone to shop for groceries online.
Conclusion
So, the answer to “Does Walmart accept EBT on Instacart?” is a bit of a “yes, with some steps.” You can use your EBT card when you shop at Walmart through their website or app for delivery, even if you’re using Instacart’s delivery service. It’s important to understand the rules about what you can and can’t buy with EBT and to plan your orders carefully. With a little preparation, you can definitely use EBT for your online Walmart grocery shopping, making life a bit easier and more convenient!