If you’re someone who uses SNAP benefits (also known as EBT) and enjoys the convenience of online grocery shopping, you might be wondering if you can use your EBT card to pay for Walmart orders through Instacart. It’s a pretty common question, and the answer isn’t always super straightforward. Let’s break down everything you need to know about using EBT at Walmart on Instacart to make sure you can get your groceries easily!
Can You Use EBT to Pay for Walmart Orders on Instacart?
Yes, you can use your EBT card to pay for eligible groceries when you order from Walmart through Instacart. However, there are some important things to keep in mind. Not everything you buy at Walmart is covered by EBT, and the way you pay for your order might be slightly different from what you’re used to when shopping in the store.
What Items Can You Buy With EBT on Instacart?
Knowing what you can buy is super important. Generally, EBT covers food items, just like it does in the store. This includes things like fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, bread, cereals, and snack foods. It’s basically anything that’s considered a “food item” by the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture).
However, there are some limitations. Non-food items like paper towels, cleaning supplies, pet food, and alcohol are not covered by EBT. These items will need to be paid for with a different form of payment, like a credit or debit card.
Here’s a quick list of things you can and can’t buy:
- Eligible: Fruits, Vegetables, Meat, Dairy, Bread, Cereals, and Snack Foods
- Not Eligible: Alcohol, Tobacco, Pet Food, Cleaning Supplies, and Paper Products
The Instacart app will typically show you which items are eligible for EBT purchase. When you’re adding items to your cart, you’ll likely see a little indicator or be able to filter your search to show only EBT-eligible products. This helps you avoid any surprises at checkout.
How to Set Up EBT as a Payment Method on Instacart
Setting up your EBT card on Instacart is a pretty simple process. First, you’ll need to make sure you have an Instacart account and that you’re signed in. Next, when you go to check out, you should see an option to add a new payment method. Select the option to add your EBT card.
You’ll be prompted to enter your EBT card number and the expiration date, just like you would with a regular credit or debit card. You may also need to enter the name associated with your EBT card. After you’ve entered your EBT card information, Instacart might ask you to verify the card.
Once your EBT card is saved, you can then select it as your payment method during checkout. Remember, when you’re ordering, you’ll also need to add a secondary payment method for any non-EBT eligible items, delivery fees, and tips for your shopper. These will not be covered by your EBT card.
Here’s a quick step-by-step guide:
- Sign in to your Instacart account.
- Start shopping at Walmart and add your items to your cart.
- Proceed to checkout.
- Add your EBT card as a payment method.
- Enter your EBT card details.
- Add a secondary payment method.
- Review your order and place it!
Dealing with Delivery Fees and Service Fees
When using Instacart, there are often extra fees, like delivery fees and service fees. These fees are not covered by your EBT card. You’ll need to pay these fees with a different form of payment, like a credit or debit card. This is important to keep in mind when you’re budgeting for your order.
The delivery fee is typically based on the size of your order, the distance from the store, and the time of day. Service fees are a percentage of your order total and help Instacart to operate the platform. You can also leave a tip for your shopper, and that’s also not covered by EBT.
It’s a good idea to review the fees before you place your order to avoid any surprises. Instacart usually shows you the delivery fee, service fee, and any other charges before you finalize your purchase. Be sure to have a separate payment method ready to cover these additional costs.
Here is a table showing fees:
| Fee Type | Covered by EBT? | Paid by |
|——————–|—————-|———————–|
| Eligible Groceries | Yes | EBT card |
| Delivery Fee | No | Credit/Debit card |
| Service Fee | No | Credit/Debit card |
| Shopper Tip | No | Credit/Debit card |
Using EBT with Walmart+
If you’re a Walmart+ member, you might be wondering how EBT works with your membership. Unfortunately, EBT doesn’t cover the cost of your Walmart+ membership itself. You’ll still need to use a separate payment method for your membership fee. However, you can still use EBT to pay for your grocery orders from Walmart through Instacart.
Walmart+ offers benefits like free delivery on orders over a certain amount (usually $35) and discounted gas prices. While EBT doesn’t pay for the membership, the free delivery can still save you money on delivery fees, helping your budget stretch further.
Even though you can’t use EBT to cover the membership fee, you can still take advantage of Walmart+ benefits when you order groceries. It’s all about using the payment methods properly. Make sure you pay for your membership with a separate card, but you can use EBT to pay for your eligible grocery items ordered through Instacart.
Here’s a quick look at the breakdown:
- Walmart+ Membership Fee: Not covered by EBT.
- Grocery Orders (EBT-Eligible Items): Can be paid with EBT.
- Delivery Fees (If applicable): Paid separately, not with EBT.
Potential Issues and Troubleshooting
While using EBT on Instacart is generally straightforward, you might run into some issues. Sometimes, your EBT card might be declined. This could be due to a few reasons, such as insufficient funds, an incorrect card number, or the card being expired. Double-check your EBT balance before ordering to make sure you have enough money to cover your eligible items.
If your EBT card is declined, first make sure the information you entered is correct. If you’re still having trouble, try contacting Instacart customer service or your local EBT office. They can help you troubleshoot the problem and figure out why your card isn’t working. Instacart’s customer service is usually pretty helpful and can guide you through the process of resolving payment issues.
Another potential issue is if you accidentally add non-EBT eligible items to your cart and try to pay with EBT only. Instacart’s system should flag these items, but it’s always a good idea to double-check your cart before you check out. Make sure you have a secondary payment method set up to pay for these items.
Here’s some troubleshooting advice:
- Declined Card: Check balance, card details, and contact customer support.
- Incorrect Items: Double-check your cart.
- Payment Method Issues: Make sure you’ve got both your EBT and another payment method.
Final Thoughts
Using your EBT card on Instacart to order groceries from Walmart can be a convenient and helpful way to get your groceries delivered right to your door. By understanding what items are eligible, how to set up your payment, and how to handle any potential fees, you can make the most of this service. Remember to plan ahead, check your balance, and have a backup payment method ready. Happy shopping!