You’re wondering if Instacart takes EBT? You’re in luck! Instacart does accept Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits as a payment method for eligible food items. But there’s more to it than just that.
You’ll need to add your EBT card as a payment method, shop for EBT-eligible items, and specify the amount to pay with EBT SNAP at checkout. And that’s not all – you’ll also need to add a credit or debit card to cover non-EBT items, fees, and taxes.
Key Takeaways
- Instacart accepts EBT SNAP as a payment method for eligible food items online.
- Add an EBT card as a payment method in Account Settings to shop for EBT-eligible items.
- Specify the amount to pay with EBT SNAP at checkout and add a credit/debit card to cover non-EBT items, fees, and taxes.
- Instacart offers free delivery for EBT customers from January 1, 2022, to March 31, 2022.
- Ensure EBT SNAP benefits are accepted at the selected store and have a secondary form of payment for non-food items.
Browse Participating EBT SNAP Stores
You can browse participating EBT SNAP stores in your area by opening Instacart’s website or mobile app.
Once you’ve accessed the platform, enter your zip code to find nearby stores accepting EBT SNAP benefits. You’ll see a list of participating EBT SNAP stores, along with the types of EBT SNAP-eligible items they offer, making it easier for those also receiving federal grants or financial aid to budget and plan their grocery needs effectively.
Browse through the list to find a store that meets your needs, and start shopping for your groceries online. Instacart will connect you with a personal shopper who’ll handle the shopping and delivery for you.
Using EBT SNAP on Instacart
When you’re ready to use your EBT SNAP benefits on Instacart, you’ll need to add your EBT card as a payment method in your Account Settings.
Next, shop for eligible items marked with an ‘EBT’ label, and make sure to select EBT SNAP as your payment method at checkout, specifying the amount you want to use.
You’ll also need to link a credit or debit card to cover any non-EBT SNAP-eligible items, fees, and tips.
Add EBT Card
To utilize EBT SNAP on Instacart, adding your EBT card as a payment method in Account Settings is the first step. This allows you to shop for eligible items marked with an ‘EBT’ label.
| Payment Method | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|
| EBT SNAP | Yes | Pay for EBT-eligible items |
| Credit/Debit Card | Yes | Cover non-EBT items, taxes, and fees |
| EBT PIN | Yes | Confirm payment split or add items after checkout |
You’ll need to select the amount to pay with your EBT SNAP benefits at checkout.
Shop EBT Eligible
With your EBT card added as a payment option, you’re ready to start browsing Instacart’s selection of EBT-eligible items.
Look for the “EBT” marker next to eligible food items, which can be paid for with your SNAP funds.
You’ll need to select the amount you want to pay with EBT SNAP benefits, and a separate credit or debit card will be required to cover fees, taxes, and non-EBT items.
Participating retailers like ALDI and Dillons offer a wide range of EBT-eligible products, making it easy to shop for groceries online with your SNAP benefits.
Don’t Have EBT SNAP? Find Out If You May Be Eligible
You can quickly find out if you’re eligible for SNAP, a program that helps you buy nutritious food, by taking a less than 2-minute eligibility screener.
If you’re eligible, you’ll get extra money for food on an EBT card. Take the screener to check if you qualify – it’s not an application for benefits.
Eligibility Screener
A quick eligibility check can open the door to essential food assistance.
If you’re unsure about your SNAP eligibility, take a less than 2-minute eligibility screener to find out if you may be eligible for EBT SNAP benefits.
This screener isn’t an application for benefits, but rather a tool to check your eligibility for SNAP.
If eligible, you can get extra money for food on an EBT card through the SNAP program, which can be used to purchase food online through Instacart with EBT SNAP.
SNAP Program Details
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides financial assistance to eligible individuals and families, helping them purchase nutritious food and groceries.
If you’re eligible, you’ll get extra money for food on an EBT card, which can be used to purchase EBT SNAP-eligible items.
Through SNAP Online Purchasing, you can buy groceries online with your EBT card, making it convenient to get the food you need.
Instacart is part of a pilot run by the USDA to accept EBT benefits online, making it easier for you to access nutritious food with your EBT card.
Benefits and Application
How do your financial circumstances align with the SNAP program‘s eligibility standards? Take a less than 2-minute eligibility screener to find out if you may be eligible for SNAP, a nutrition assistance program that helps eligible participants buy nutritious food.
| Eligibility | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Meet income guidelines | Get extra money for food on an EBT card |
| Have limited resources | Use a valid EBT card for online grocery orders |
| Are a US citizen or meet immigration rules | Receive SNAP funds for eligible food items |
If eligible, you can get extra money for food on an EBT card, which can be used to pay for online grocery orders containing eligible items with a valid EBT card.
Your EBT SNAP Funds Now Work From Home
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, accessing essential groceries has become a significant challenge, especially for those relying on EBT SNAP benefits.
With Instacart, you can now use your EBT SNAP-eligible items for online grocery shopping and delivery. Participating retailers like ALDI, BJ’s Wholesale, and Brookshire’s accept EBT SNAP benefits for online grocery orders containing eligible items.
You’ll need to link a separate credit or debit card to cover non-EBT SNAP-eligible items, fees, and taxes. As part of the USDA’s pilot, Instacart allows you to use your EBT SNAP funds from the comfort of your own home.
Instacart’s EBT Payment Expansion
You can now tap into Instacart’s expanded EBT SNAP benefits acceptance, which covers 40 stores across 39 states.
This means you can use your EBT SNAP benefits for online grocery orders at participating stores like ALDI, BJ’s Wholesale, and Homeland.
Instacart is also offering free delivery for EBT customers from January 1, 2022, to March 31, 2022, making it even more convenient for you to access fresh food and pantry staples from the comfort of your own home.
How to Use EBT on Instacart
Your Instacart account is now EBT-ready, allowing you to shop for eligible items online and get them delivered or picked up at your convenience.
To use your EBT SNAP card, follow these steps:
- Add your EBT card as a payment method and shop for items marked with an ‘EBT’ label.
- At checkout, select EBT as your payment method and choose the amount to be paid by EBT.
- Link a separate credit or debit card to cover fees, taxes, and non-EBT-eligible items.
- Adjust the payment split between your EBT card and credit or debit card on the Place Order page or in the Instacart app.
Now you can use EBT SNAP benefits online for your online grocery orders containing eligible items.
Benefits of Online Grocery Shopping
How does online grocery shopping benefit your community? It can alleviate food deserts, which are low-income neighborhoods with no grocery stores, as found in a Yale University study. Online grocery shopping can also help manage chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease, which are linked to food insecurity.
| Benefits | Description | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Food Desert Alleviation | No grocery stores in low-income areas | Healthier community |
| Chronic Disease Management | Food insecurity linked to diabetes and heart disease | Improved health outcomes |
| COVID Safety | Vulnerable populations exposed to COVID | Safer option for vulnerable populations |
Delivery Fees and Options
Delivery fees are a crucial consideration when using online grocery shopping services like Instacart EBT.
You’ll want to factor in these costs when budgeting for groceries.
- Most stores charge a delivery fee, which can’t be paid with EBT benefits.
- Some stores offer free curbside pickup if you spend a minimum, usually $25 or $30.
- Some stores offer free delivery with a paid membership, such as Instacart+, which waives delivery fees on orders over $10.
- From January 1, 2022, to March 31, 2022, Instacart is offering free delivery for EBT customers.
Charges to EBT Card or Credit/Debit Card
When you’re ready to check out, you’ll need to contemplate how the charges will be split between your EBT card and credit or debit card. Your EBT card will cover EBT-eligible items, while your credit or debit card will cover non-EBT items, delivery and service fees, bottle deposit fees, taxes.
| Charge Type | EBT Card | Credit/Debit Card |
|---|---|---|
| EBT-eligible items | ||
| Non-EBT items | ||
| Delivery and service fees |
You can adjust the payment split on the Place Order page, and even after checking out, up until delivery. Remember to confirm adjustments with your EBT PIN.
Program Details
When you use Instacart EBT, you’ll need to know which food items are eligible for purchase,
you’ll need to know what requirements your EBT card must meet, and which stores participate in the program.
To get started, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with these details.
Eligible Food Items
Through Instacart’s EBT SNAP program, you can access a wide range of eligible food items online from participating retailers.
You’ll find staple foods and non-alcoholic beverages marked with an ‘EBT’ label when browsing.
- Fresh produce like fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and seafood
- Dairy products like milk, cheese, and eggs
- Bread, cereals, and pantry staples like rice and pasta
EBT Card Requirements
Now that you’ve examined the variety of eligible food items available through Instacart’s EBT SNAP program, it’s time to understand the requirements for using your EBT card.
To use EBT SNAP on Instacart, you’ll need to create a customer profile and enter your EBT food card information as a form of payment.
You’ll also need a secondary form of payment for non-food items like taxes and tips.
Make sure you have a valid EBT SNAP card to confirm adjustments and replacements of items.
With these requirements met, you can start shopping for EBT-eligible products and place orders for delivery or pickup.
Participating Store List
You can shop with your EBT SNAP benefits at various retailers across the country.
Instacart accepts SNAP benefits online via EBT cards at select stores in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
- ALDI
- BJ’s Wholesale
- Brookshire’s
- Homeland
These participating stores allow you to use your EBT SNAP benefits for online shopping.
You can browse participating retailers by location to find the nearest store that accepts your benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Use EBT as Payment on Instacart?
To use EBT as payment on Instacart, you’ll add your EBT card as a payment method, linking it to cover eligible items, then split payments as needed, and adjust charges up until delivery.
Who Accepts EBT on Instacart?
You can shop from EBT participating retailers like ALDI, Brookshire’s, and Homeland, which are EBT accepting and EBT enabled on Instacart, allowing you to use your benefits to purchase groceries online and get them delivered.
Can Instacart Shopper See if You Use EBT?
When you use EBT on Instacart, you’re assured of payment anonymity, as the shopper doesn’t see that you’ve used EBT; they only know it’s a covered item, maintaining your EBT privacy and upholding shopper discretion.
Is Instacart Free for EBT Users?
You’re wondering if Instacart is free for you as an EBT user. For a limited time, you’ll get free delivery, and though you can’t use EBT for fees, you might snag free curbside pickup or discounted fees at some stores.
Conclusion
As you delve into Instacart’s EBT payment option, it’s interesting to note that the program’s expansion coincides with a growing need for convenient, affordable grocery shopping. By offering EBT SNAP benefits, Instacart bridges the gap between online shopping and food assistance programs, making healthy groceries more accessible.
