SNAP

Using EBT for online shopping

Image of Julianna Lai
Image of Julianna Lai
Table of contents

If you get SNAP benefits (also called food stamps) you can use your EBT card online just like you do in grocery stores. Some stores, like Whole Foods and Target, take EBT for online grocery orders, and you can also use your EBT card to order grocery delivery through a service like Instacart.

Many major retailers also offer special discounted memberships for EBT cardholders that include free delivery.

Remember that you can only buy SNAP-eligible groceries with your benefits. Your EBT card won't cover delivery fees, service charges, or tips—you'll need another payment method.

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How to use EBT online for grocery delivery and pickup#how-to-use-ebt-online-for-grocery-delivery-and-pickup

Ordering groceries online with your EBT card is easy—here’s how in just five steps:

  1. Check availability in your area: Pick a grocery store that takes EBT online, like Kroger, and enter your ZIP code to see if they deliver to your location.
  2. Compare prices: Look at a few different stores online to find the best prices and lowest fees before deciding where to shop.
  3. Set up your EBT card: Create or log in to your account on the retailer's website or app to add your EBT card to your saved payment methods. Make sure you have another card on file for non-SNAP items and delivery or service fees.
  4. Fill your cart: Add SNAP-eligible items to your cart—most retailers mark these items as "EBT eligible.”
  5. Checkout: Select your EBT card as your payment method and enter your PIN when prompted. If you want to use only part of your SNAP balance, specify the amount and use a second payment method for the rest of your cart, non-eligible items, and fees.

Some retailers only accept SNAP EBT but not Cash EBT—Target, for example, doesn't accept Cash EBT as of April 2025. Amazon accepts cash benefits (i.e. TANF, or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) in 21 states, though you can’t use Cash EBT to buy items from Amazon Fresh or Whole Foods Market.

Many grocery stores require a minimum purchase amount to qualify for free delivery. If you don't meet this minimum, you'll have to pay a delivery fee.

Is using my EBT card online safe?#is-using-my-ebt-card-online-safe

Using your EBT card online still requires your PIN. All participating SNAP online retailers use one of three government-approved, secure methods for encrypted PIN entry.

You should still take precautions when shopping online with your EBT card, just as in stores. See if you can disable out-of-state and online transactions in your EBT app, and only enable online transactions when you’re able to place an order. Lock your card when it’s not being used if that feature is available in your state.

Change your EBT card PIN regularly—especially the day before your SNAP deposit date so that thieves can’t drain your account if your EBT information has been stolen.

Which online stores accept EBT?#which-online-stores-accept-ebt

These major retailers accept EBT for ordering groceries online:

Smaller local retailers in your area may also accept EBT online. If your preferred grocery store doesn't have a website or app, check if it offers online shopping through services like Instacart or DoorDash, which partner with grocery chains and big-box stores like Costco.

Where to shop online with free delivery#where-to-shop-online-with-free-delivery

Many retailers offer ways to save on delivery fees when shopping with your EBT card.

Amazon

Amazon provides several options for free delivery. All Amazon Prime members enjoy free shipping on all “Everyday Essentials” orders. Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods Market orders over $100 with a two-hour delivery window are free with Prime and have no additional service fees.

Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods Market orders under $100 will have additional fees ranging from $6.96 to $9.95. EBT households can get a Prime membership for just $4.99 per month, a 50 percent discount.

Non-Prime customers pay $4.95 to $13.95 in service and delivery fees for two-hour deliveries. Rush & one-hour orders cost extra. Some areas offer lower fees for six-hour delivery windows.

Grocery pickup is free for everyone at all Fresh Stores & pickup points

Walmart

Walmart.com orders are free with a Walmart+ membership which is $12.95 per month or $98 per year. SNAP households and recipients of other benefits get a 50 percent discount on Walmart+.

Walmart also offers free curbside pickup service when you meet their $35 minimum order requirement. Shop online and pick up your groceries without leaving your car with this option.

DoorDash

DoorDash offers a special benefit for SNAP recipients: two free months of their DashPass subscription service, which normally costs $9.99 per month. This membership can significantly reduce delivery fees when ordering from participating stores.

What can you buy with EBT online?#what-can-you-buy-with-ebt-online

An illustration of SNAP-eligible grocery items, including eggs, tinned fish, carrots, and soda

The same rules apply to buying groceries with SNAP online as in stores. You can use SNAP benefits to buy:

  • Fruits and vegetables
  • Meat, poultry, and fish
  • Dairy products like yogurt, cheese, and milk
  • Grains and grain products like rice, oats, cereals, bread, and pasta
  • Snack foods like cookies, nuts, and granola bars (make sure your snack bars have “Nutrition Facts” labels instead of “Supplement Facts” labels)
  • Non-alcoholic beverages like juice and water
  • Seeds and plants for growing food

Online shopping makes it easier to identify eligible items—look for the "SNAP EBT eligible" label on products.

Can you get fast food delivery with EBT?#can-you-get-fast-food-delivery-with-ebt

Generally, you can't use SNAP benefits for hot, ready-to-eat meals from restaurants or takeout through delivery apps like DoorDash or UberEats.

The exception is the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP), available in certain states for SNAP participants who have limited ability to cook for themselves or don’t have permanent housing.

If you qualify for RMP, you can use your EBT card at participating restaurants in your state.

Tips for using your EBT card online#tips-for-using-your-ebt-card-online

  1. Look for sales: Many grocery stores have digital coupons and weekly specials.
  2. Choose cheaper delivery windows: Some time slots may have lower fees, or delivery may be free during non-peak hours.
  3. Watch your EBT balance: Keep track of your available benefits when splitting payments between EBT and other payment methods. Apps like Propel can help you manage your spending.