SNAP

Does Instacart take EBT?

Image of Aidan Lovely
Image of Aidan Lovely

Yes, Instacart takes EBT, at least with certain retailers. You can use your EBT card to shop through Instacart at grocery stores like Albertsons, Safeway, Costco, Family Dollar, Aldi, Rite Aid, Publix, and Sprouts. Remember that Instacart isn't a single store, it’s an online service for ordering and delivering groceries, so whether or not EBT is accepted depends on the order.

You can use your EBT (SNAP) and Summer EBT (SUN Bucks) on Instacart but not Cash EBT (also called TANF or welfare). You can use your EBT card online on the Instacart website or the Instacart app.

Here are some tips for shopping on Instacart with an EBT card:

  • Check which Instacart and EBT-friendly stores are available in your area. All 50 U.S. states now allow online shopping with EBT but the availability of different retailers on Instacart may vary by state
  • Create an Instacart account online or download the Instacart app to see digital discounts and offers
  • Use an app like Propel to keep an eye on your EBT balance and budget for your next shopping trip

How to use EBT on Instacart#how-to-use-ebt-on-instacart

You can use EBT when you order groceries on the Instacart website and through the Instacart app. You have several options for getting your groceries when you order through Instacart:

  1. Instacart pickup: You can order online and pay using your EBT card, choose a pickup time, and collect your order in person. You’ll receive a text or app notification when your order is ready. Many stores have parking spots for pickup orders, and an employee may bring out your order (at some stores, you might need to go inside). Some retailers charge a small pickup fee, usually between $0 and $10. You must use a payment method other than your EBT card for the pickup fee.
  2. Same-day delivery: You can order Instacart online with your EBT card and have groceries delivered to your doorstep. For orders over $35, same-day delivery fees start at $3.99. The delivery fee for orders under $35, specific stores, and quick delivery times may vary. Some stores may also have separate service fees. Driver tips are optional but strongly encouraged. Remember that EBT cards can’t cover extra fees and tips, so you have to use an additional payment method for those

How do I add my EBT card to Instacart?

To use your EBT card on the Instacart website or app, you'll need an Instacart account. To order groceries with your EBT card on Instacart:

  • Create or sign in to your Instacart account
  • Enter your address or current location to begin shopping
  • Select the grocery tile to open a list of grocery stores near you. The “stores near you” carousel will have an EBT label on eligible stores
  • Add SNAP-eligible groceries to your cart. When your cart is full, click on it. Then, add special instructions, like what to do if items are out of stock. If you don't choose a replacement, your shopper will choose the next best option. This can change the total cost of your order
  • Select "go to checkout” and choose pickup or delivery. Then, check your delivery address if needed. Also, select a delivery or pickup time and add any additional instructions
  • Click "pay with" and the "EBT SNAP" payment type. Enter your first and last name and EBT card number. You can choose how much of the order you want to be paid by EBT (SNAP) and how much should be other payment methods.
  • Add a backup payment method for fees, delivery tips, and non-EBT SNAP items
  • Click "Place order," and enter your EBT PIN when prompted
  • Watch out for texts or app messages from your Instacart shopper. Your shopper may reach out to ask about out-of-stock items or other issues

What can I buy with EBT on Instacart?#what-can-i-buy-with-ebt-on-instacart

You can use EBT on Instacard, but only to buy SNAP-eligible food items. To see EBT-eligible items when you shop, go to account settings in the Instacart app or website and turn on the toggle for “show EBT SNAP eligibility by item.”

This setting means you’ll see “SNAP” listed under the price of any EBT-eligible item. You can also filter SNAP-eligible items in the grocery search tool. Tap the square beside “SNAP eligible” in the filter. Then, click "apply" to see only SNAP-eligible items when you’re shopping on Instacart.

What is EBT-eligible on Instacart?#what-is-ebt-eligible-on-instacart

An image showing SNAP-eligible groceries like carrots, eggs, tuna, soda, and cereal

The SNAP rules always apply when you’re grocery shopping, whether it’s in-person or through Instacart. SNAP-eligible groceries include:

  • Fruits and vegetables
  • Meat, poultry, and fish
  • Dairy products like milk, cheese and yogurt
  • Eggs
  • Bread and cereals
  • Snack foods like chips, crackers, or popcorn
  • Non-alcoholic beverages like soda, bottled water, and juice
  • Seeds and plants that produce food

What isn’t EBT-eligible on Instacart?#what-isnt-ebt-eligible-on-instacart

An image showing groceries that are not SNAP-eligible, including hot chicken, medicines, paper towels, and ice cream

You can only use your EBT card at stores labelled “EBT” on Instacart. Some items at Instacart that aren’t EBT SNAP-eligible are:

  • Non-food items like cleaning supplies and pet food
  • Alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, and other tobacco products
  • Vitamins, medicines, and supplements
  • Hot prepared foods and drinks

Is Instacart free for EBT users?#is-instacart-free-for-ebt-users

If you used EBT to order from Instacart in the last 6 months, you may qualify for a special offer on Instacart+. Instacart+ is a paid monthly subscription that can save you, on average, $7 per order through $0 delivery fees.

An Instacart+ membership usually costs $9.99. The EBT cardholder discount decreases the rate to $4.99 monthly for the first year. Instacart lets four family members share one membership, which can help with cost-savings.

Protecting your EBT card while shopping on Instacart#protecting-your-ebt-card-while-shopping-on-instacart

Instacart shoppers will use an “Instacart payment card” to check out at stores. They will never see your EBT data.

But it's still important to keep your EBT card and benefits safe from theft. Follow these safety tips to protect your EBT information:

  • Change your EBT card PIN every month before your benefits land in your account
  • Don’t share your EBT card number or PIN with anyone
  • Use an EBT balance-checking app like Propel to check for strange activity or unauthorized purchases on your EBT card

Report a lost or stolen card immediately by calling your state EBT number