Shopping for groceries can be a real hassle, especially when you’re trying to stick to a budget. Using programs like SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), often referred to as EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer), helps make sure people can get the food they need. Instacart is a popular online grocery delivery service. But does Walmart, a huge grocery provider, allow you to pay for your Instacart order with your EBT card? Let’s dive in and find out!
Does Walmart Accept EBT for Instacart Purchases?
Yes, Walmart does accept EBT cards for Instacart orders in some locations. However, it’s not a straightforward process like using your EBT card in the store. There are a few extra steps and things to keep in mind.
How the EBT Payment Process Works on Instacart
When you’re ready to check out on Instacart, you’ll need to add your EBT card as a payment method. This usually involves entering your card number and expiration date, just like you would with a credit or debit card. But, here’s the thing: You can’t use your EBT card to pay for everything.
The Instacart platform has rules about what can and can’t be purchased with EBT. Specifically, EBT cards can only be used to buy eligible food items. These are the same things you can buy with EBT in a regular grocery store. This generally includes things like fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy, and grains. Non-food items like diapers, cleaning supplies, and pet food are not eligible.
Let’s say you’re ordering a bunch of groceries and some non-food items. What happens then? Instacart will split your order into two separate charges. The food items will be paid for with your EBT card, and the non-food items, along with any fees (like delivery or service fees), will need to be paid for using a different payment method, like a credit or debit card.
Here’s the deal: If you’re not careful, you might accidentally add something that isn’t EBT-eligible. So, before you confirm your order, always double-check the items in your cart. That way, you won’t be surprised at checkout.
- Make a list of what you need.
- Shop the Walmart store online at Instacart.
- Add items to your cart.
- Check the cart before checking out.
Setting Up EBT on Your Instacart Account
Before you can use your EBT card for Instacart orders, you need to make sure your account is set up correctly. First things first, if you don’t already have an Instacart account, you’ll need to create one. This is pretty simple – just provide an email address and create a password. Then, you’ll be asked for your payment details.
Once you have an account, you need to add your EBT card. In your account settings, there’s usually a “Payment Methods” or “Add Payment” section. When you add your EBT card, you might also need to add your billing address, and perhaps even your card’s zip code. Be super accurate here, as incorrect information can lead to payment issues.
The setup can be a little different depending on whether you’re using the Instacart app on your phone or the Instacart website on your computer. The steps are generally similar, but the buttons and menus might look a little different. Pay attention to the prompts and instructions.
During the checkout process, when you select your payment methods, you’ll choose your EBT card for the eligible food items. If you have any non-food items or fees, you’ll have to select a separate payment method for those. Here’s how it might look:
Checking for EBT Eligibility While Shopping
When you’re shopping on Instacart, it’s important to know what items are eligible for EBT. Walmart and Instacart try to make this easy by clearly marking eligible items. Often, you’ll see a special tag or label on the product page that says something like “EBT Eligible” or “SNAP Eligible.” This is a good sign!
If you’re not sure whether an item is EBT-eligible, it’s always a good idea to double-check. Look for that special tag or label. If you don’t see it, it’s possible that the item is not eligible, so you’ll need to pay for it using another payment method. Just because you *can* put an item in your cart doesn’t mean it is covered. Be mindful of the fine print.
Be aware that sometimes, the eligibility of an item can be tricky. It’s possible that a similar item is eligible while another one is not. For example, plain yogurt might be eligible, but flavored yogurt with added candy bits probably wouldn’t be. Always carefully look at the item’s description, ingredients, and label.
Some stores might have slightly different rules for which items are EBT-eligible. So, if you’re shopping at a different Walmart location, you could encounter some slight differences in the specific items that are accepted. To be sure, you can also search for items on your own to see if they are tagged with the appropriate designation.
- Search for a specific item.
- If the item is marked “EBT Eligible”, it can be purchased.
- If the item is not marked, then it can’t be purchased.
Payment Errors and Troubleshooting
Sometimes, even if you follow all the steps correctly, you might run into a payment error when trying to use your EBT card on Instacart. It can be super frustrating, but there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot the problem. First, double-check that you’ve entered all your EBT card information correctly, including the card number, expiration date, and billing address.
Make sure your EBT card has enough funds to cover the cost of the EBT-eligible items in your cart. You can usually check your EBT balance through your state’s EBT website, by calling the EBT customer service number, or by checking your last receipt if you used the card in a physical store.
If you’re still experiencing problems, you might want to reach out to Instacart customer support. They can look into your account and help you figure out what’s going on. Be ready to provide your order details and any error messages you received. They can often pinpoint the issue and help you resolve it.
One common issue can be having a problem with the connection. Before placing an order, check your internet connection to make sure it’s stable and strong. Restarting the Instacart app or your device can also sometimes fix payment glitches. Here is some possible reasons:
| Problem | Possible Solution |
|---|---|
| Incorrect Card Details | Double-check all entered information |
| Insufficient Funds | Check your card balance |
| Technical Issues | Contact Instacart Customer Service |
Delivery and Fees with EBT Orders
When you order through Instacart, you’ll be charged delivery and service fees. These fees, unfortunately, can’t be paid for with your EBT card. That means you’ll need to use a different payment method, like a credit card or debit card, to cover those costs.
Delivery fees can vary depending on factors like how far away you are from the store, how busy the delivery drivers are, and the size of your order. Service fees are a percentage of your order total. Before you confirm your order, you’ll see a breakdown of all the fees, so you know exactly what you’re paying for.
You can also choose to add a tip for your Instacart shopper. The tip is a way to show your appreciation for their work. Remember, you can’t use your EBT card to tip.
When you place your order, Instacart will split the payment. The EBT-eligible food items will be charged to your EBT card, and the delivery fees, service fees, and tips will be charged to the other payment method you selected. If you only have enough money on your card to pay for the food items, you may have to change your delivery time or reduce your order size.
- Food Items: EBT Card
- Delivery Fees: Credit/Debit Card
- Service Fees: Credit/Debit Card
- Tips: Credit/Debit Card
Availability of EBT at Walmart Through Instacart
While Walmart accepts EBT for Instacart orders in many locations, it’s not available everywhere. The ability to use EBT depends on the specific Walmart store and the state you live in. Instacart and Walmart are constantly working to expand the availability of EBT payments, so it’s possible that the options may change over time.
The best way to know if EBT is accepted at your local Walmart through Instacart is to check the Instacart app or website. When you enter your address and select your Walmart store, the payment options will be displayed. If EBT is accepted, you’ll see the option to add your EBT card during checkout.
Also, keep an eye out for any announcements from Walmart or Instacart about the expansion of EBT acceptance. You might find news on their websites, social media accounts, or even in local news articles. These updates will help you stay informed about any changes to the program.
If you aren’t sure, you can always check your local Walmart’s website for more specific information. Sometimes, there will be a page detailing whether or not they accept EBT through Instacart. You might also have the option to contact the store directly and ask them.
- Check the Instacart App/Website.
- Check Walmart’s Website
- Contact your local store.
- Look for news or announcements.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while there are some limitations, **Walmart does accept EBT cards for Instacart orders in many locations.** You can order groceries online and have them delivered to your doorstep, using your EBT card for eligible food items. Just remember to double-check item eligibility, understand the payment process, and use a separate payment method for fees. With a little planning, you can enjoy the convenience of Instacart while staying within your budget.