Shopping for groceries can be a real chore, but thankfully, services like Instacart make it a whole lot easier. You can order your food online and have it delivered right to your door! But if you use EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) for your groceries, you might be wondering if you can use it on Instacart when you shop at Walmart. Let’s dive into whether or not that works, and talk about some important things to keep in mind.
Does Walmart Accept EBT on Instacart? The Short Answer
Yes, you can absolutely use your EBT card to pay for your Walmart grocery orders on Instacart in most states! This is awesome news for people who rely on EBT and love the convenience of Instacart.
How to Set Up EBT for Instacart at Walmart
To get started, you’ll need to link your EBT card to your Instacart account. This is usually a pretty straightforward process. First, you’ll add your EBT card as a payment method, but keep in mind you can only use your EBT card to pay for SNAP-eligible items. Instacart will often show you which items qualify for SNAP benefits. You will have to pay for non-eligible items with a separate payment method, such as a debit or credit card.
Keep in mind that the exact steps might vary slightly, but the basic process is the same. Make sure you have your EBT card handy, and follow the instructions on the Instacart app or website. It’s usually a simple process. Then, you can begin shopping at Walmart with your EBT card.
After adding your payment methods, you can start filling your cart with groceries. Before you check out, Instacart will show you which items are eligible for EBT. This helps you avoid any surprises at the end of the transaction.
Here’s a simple breakdown of the process:
- Sign in to your Instacart account.
- Go to your account settings.
- Add your EBT card as a payment method.
- Shop at Walmart and look for the EBT-eligible items.
Understanding SNAP-Eligible Items
Not every item at Walmart is covered by SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), which is what EBT cards are for. SNAP covers a wide range of foods, but there are some restrictions. Understanding what you *can* buy is super important. Generally, SNAP covers things like fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy products, and bread. You can’t use your EBT card to buy things like alcohol, tobacco products, vitamins, medications, or hot foods that are ready to eat.
When you’re shopping on Instacart, the app will usually help you out. It will usually label the items that are eligible for EBT. This way, you can easily identify which items are covered. You can also check the product descriptions or use the search filters to narrow down the items to SNAP-eligible ones.
It’s always a good idea to double-check the rules in your specific state, as there can be some variations. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has guidelines. The best way to be sure is to familiarize yourself with what SNAP allows.
Let’s say you’re shopping for fruits. Here’s a basic guide to what’s generally allowed:
- Apples (yes!)
- Candy (no!)
- Bananas (yes!)
- Chips (no!)
Paying for Non-EBT Items
When you use EBT on Instacart, you might end up with items that aren’t covered by SNAP. These could be things like paper towels, cleaning supplies, or even non-food items that you might have grabbed. Instacart understands this, so they’ve made it easy to pay for these extras.
You’ll need a separate payment method, like a debit card, credit card, or sometimes even a gift card, to cover the cost of the non-SNAP items, as well as delivery fees, and tips for your shopper. During checkout, Instacart will usually split your order automatically. You will be charged for the SNAP-eligible items using your EBT card, and the remaining balance will be charged to the other payment method you provided.
Make sure you have enough funds on both your EBT card and your other payment method to cover everything in your order. It can be frustrating if your order is delayed or canceled because of payment problems. Double-check your card balances before you submit your order.
Here’s an example:
| Item | EBT Eligible? | Payment Method |
|---|---|---|
| Apples | Yes | EBT |
| Paper Towels | No | Credit Card |
| Bananas | Yes | EBT |
Delivery Fees and Tipping with EBT
Instacart charges a delivery fee for most orders, and if you want to tip your shopper, you’ll need to pay that separately. These fees are not covered by EBT. Delivery fees and tips aren’t considered “food” and therefore, they aren’t eligible for payment with your EBT card.
During the checkout process, Instacart will make it clear how much the delivery fee is and give you an option to tip your shopper. Remember, these amounts will be charged to your non-EBT payment method, like a debit or credit card. Delivery fees and tips can vary depending on your location, the time of day, and how busy the Instacart shoppers are.
Be sure to factor in the delivery fee and tip when you’re budgeting for your Instacart order. Make sure you have enough money in your other payment account to cover these extra costs. It’s also important to remember that tipping is a way to show appreciation for the shopper who is doing the hard work of picking and delivering your groceries.
Here’s a quick tip:
- The delivery fee is usually a flat amount, but it can change.
- You can customize the tip to your shopper.
- Delivery fees and tips are paid using a separate payment method.
- Delivery fees are for getting the order to you.
Potential Issues and Troubleshooting
Sometimes, things don’t go exactly as planned. You might run into a few hiccups when using EBT on Instacart. One common issue is linking your EBT card. Double-check that you’ve entered the card information correctly. Make sure the billing address matches what your card issuer has on file.
Another issue can be with the split payments. Make sure your EBT card has enough funds to cover the SNAP-eligible items, and that your other payment method has enough to cover the non-eligible items, delivery fees, and tips. If there’s a problem with the payment, your order might be delayed, or even canceled. Also, check to ensure that the products you have chosen are actually EBT eligible, as sometimes the Instacart software can have errors.
If you have any problems, Instacart has customer support. The customer support can help you with issues like payment problems, incorrect charges, or issues with the delivery. You can contact them through the Instacart app or website. Be prepared to provide your order details, and explain the problem clearly. Customer support can help you quickly resolve any issues and get your groceries delivered smoothly. They are there to help!
A few things you can do to troubleshoot:
- Double-check your card details.
- Make sure you have enough money in your accounts.
- Contact Instacart customer support.
- Verify the item is SNAP-eligible.
Benefits of Using EBT on Instacart
Using EBT on Instacart offers a lot of benefits, especially if you have trouble getting to the store. It makes grocery shopping super convenient. You can order from home, and your groceries are delivered right to your door. This is especially helpful if you’re a busy person, if you have mobility issues, or if you don’t have easy access to transportation.
Instacart can also save you time. You don’t have to spend time traveling to the store, wandering the aisles, and waiting in line. This can free up your time for other important things. If you are using EBT, Instacart gives you flexibility. You can shop at your own pace, compare prices easily, and find all the SNAP-eligible items. It’s a great way to ensure you can get the groceries you need.
Using Instacart also helps you avoid crowds. If you don’t like crowded stores, this is an excellent solution. The benefits can be significant!
- Convenience and flexibility.
- Shop from the comfort of your home.
- Save time.
- Avoid crowded stores.
Conclusion
So, to recap: Yes, you can definitely use your EBT card on Instacart when shopping at Walmart in most places! It is a convenient way to get your groceries delivered. Just remember to understand which items are SNAP-eligible, to use a separate payment method for non-EBT items, and to factor in delivery fees and tips. If you follow these tips, you can enjoy the ease of Instacart while using your EBT benefits. Happy shopping!