Shopping online is super convenient, and that includes buying groceries! If you get SNAP benefits (that’s what we often call Food Stamps), you can use them to order groceries from Walmart’s website or app. It’s not quite as simple as using a regular credit card, but it’s definitely doable. This essay will walk you through the steps, explain a few important things, and help you shop for your groceries online using your EBT card at Walmart.
Can I Use My EBT Card on Walmart.com?
Yes, you can absolutely use your EBT card to pay for eligible groceries on Walmart’s website and app! It’s a great way to shop without going to the store, especially if you have limited mobility, transportation issues, or just prefer the ease of online shopping. Not all items on Walmart.com are eligible, though, so it’s important to know what you can and can’t buy with your EBT benefits.
Checking Your EBT Eligibility
Before you start shopping, it’s smart to make sure you know how much money is on your EBT card. You can do this in a few ways:
- Check the balance on your last receipt from a store purchase.
- Call the phone number on the back of your EBT card.
- Use your state’s EBT online portal (usually found on your state’s Department of Human Services website).
Knowing your balance will help you stay within your budget when you shop. Also, remember that if you’re using your EBT card to pay, you’ll need to use a different payment method for any non-eligible items or for the portion of your order that goes over your EBT balance. It’s easy to split your payment at checkout.
Always keep an eye on your EBT balance. It’s easy to lose track of how much you have left to spend.
This will help you plan your shopping and make sure you have enough funds.
Creating a Walmart Account and Linking Your EBT Card
Create a Walmart Account
First, you’ll need a Walmart account. If you don’t already have one, go to Walmart.com or open the Walmart app. Look for a button that says “Sign In” or “Create Account.” Follow the steps to create a new account, providing your email address, creating a password, and any other required information. It’s free to create an account. Once you have an account, you can link your EBT card.
Linking Your EBT Card
Next, you’ll need to link your EBT card to your Walmart account. During checkout, you’ll be given the option to add a new payment method. Choose “EBT” or “Food Stamps.” You’ll be asked to enter your EBT card number and other information. Be sure to have your EBT card handy, and make sure you enter the information accurately.
Walmart will typically prompt you to enter your EBT card information during the checkout process. It’s crucial to enter all details correctly. If you make a mistake, it might cause your payment to be rejected. Always double-check your information before submitting it.
Once your EBT card is linked, you should be able to select it as your payment method when checking out. Remember that you may need to use a separate payment method (like a credit card or debit card) for any items not covered by your EBT benefits, such as non-food items.
Picking Eligible Items
Understand the Eligibility Rules
Not everything you see on Walmart.com can be purchased with your EBT card. Food stamps primarily cover food items. This usually includes things like:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Dairy products
- Breads and cereals
- Snack foods
- Non-alcoholic beverages
However, you can’t use your EBT card to buy things like alcohol, tobacco, pet food, vitamins, or paper products. Also, prepared foods (like hot meals) are often not eligible, unless your state has a special program. Before you add items to your cart, make sure they are eligible for EBT payment.
Identifying EBT-Eligible Items
Walmart.com usually makes it easy to identify EBT-eligible items. Look for a label or tag on the product page that indicates it’s eligible for SNAP/EBT. This label will vary, but it might say something like “EBT Eligible” or “SNAP Eligible.” If you’re not sure if an item is eligible, you can always check the product description or contact Walmart customer service.
One helpful hint is to use the search filters on Walmart.com. You can usually filter your search results to show only EBT-eligible items. This makes it much easier to browse and shop for groceries. Take your time and read the product descriptions to make sure you are buying what you think you are.
For example, if you are buying a frozen dinner, check if it is labeled as “EBT Eligible.” If not, you may not be able to buy it using your EBT card.
Shopping Cart and Checkout Process
Filling Your Cart
Add the items you want to purchase to your online shopping cart. As you shop, pay attention to the labels to make sure everything is EBT-eligible. Keep track of the total cost of your items so you can estimate how much of your EBT balance you’ll be using. Before checking out, review the contents of your cart.
Make sure you are only including items that are eligible for purchase with your EBT card. If you mistakenly add non-eligible items, you’ll need to remove them or pay for them separately.
Double-check the quantities of each item to avoid accidentally ordering too many of something. Also, ensure the prices are accurate. Unexpected price changes can throw off your budget.
Once you’ve filled your cart, it’s a good idea to do one last check to make sure you didn’t accidentally add any non-food items. If you did, remove those items, or they will need to be paid for with a separate form of payment.
Splitting Payments and Addressing Ineligible Items
Splitting Payments
When you check out, you’ll select your EBT card as your primary payment method. If your order includes items that are not EBT-eligible, or if the total cost of your order exceeds your EBT balance, you’ll need to split your payment. Walmart allows you to pay with multiple payment methods, so you can use your EBT card for eligible items and a separate credit or debit card for the rest.
During checkout, the system will typically prompt you to specify how much you want to pay with your EBT card and how much with another method. You can easily adjust the amounts to ensure your EBT funds are used effectively. Make sure your available balance can cover the cost of the items you selected. If not, you will have to pay for the rest.
Ensure that you have a secondary payment method available (like a credit card or debit card) if you want to purchase both EBT-eligible and non-eligible items. This way, you can ensure you can pay for everything in your order without any issues.
Splitting payments is a normal part of using your EBT card online. Walmart makes it straightforward. Just follow the prompts, and you’ll be all set.
Delivery and Pickup Options
Choosing Delivery or Pickup
Walmart offers both delivery and pickup options for online grocery orders. With delivery, your groceries are brought right to your door. With pickup, you drive to the store and pick up your order. The availability of each option depends on your location. Delivery may come with a delivery fee, while pickup is often free.
When selecting delivery, pay attention to the delivery fees and estimated delivery times. Choose a delivery window that works for you. Make sure someone will be available to receive the groceries at your delivery address during the specified time. Delivery is more convenient, but pickup is also a great choice.
For pickup, you’ll receive a notification when your order is ready. Drive to the designated pickup location at the store and check in. A Walmart employee will bring your order to your car. This can save time and also gives you a chance to inspect the items before you leave.
Consider these factors when deciding on delivery vs. pickup:
- Convenience: Delivery is more convenient but comes with a fee.
- Cost: Pickup is often free, saving you money.
- Availability: Delivery and pickup availability vary by location.
- Time: Both options save time compared to shopping in the store.
Troubleshooting and Tips
Common Issues and Solutions
Sometimes, things don’t go perfectly. Here are a few common problems you might encounter:
- Payment Errors: If your EBT card is declined, double-check the card number, expiration date, and security code. Make sure you have enough funds available and that you haven’t exceeded your monthly benefit amount.
- Item Availability: Sometimes, items might be out of stock. Walmart will usually offer a substitution or a refund.
- Technical Issues: If you have trouble with the website or app, try restarting the app, clearing your browser cache, or contacting Walmart customer service.
Always have your EBT card and any other payment methods ready, just in case. This will reduce any frustration when shopping online.
If you encounter any problems, be sure to contact Walmart customer service for assistance. They can help you troubleshoot issues and find solutions.
Also, when your order is delivered, check it over. That helps you find out immediately if anything is wrong or missing.
Using your EBT card on Walmart.com is a useful way to shop for groceries. By following these steps, understanding the rules, and being prepared, you can easily order your groceries online and have them delivered or picked up, saving you time and making shopping more convenient. Happy shopping!