Does Albertsons Take EBT Cards, SNAP Or Food Stamps – The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formally known as Food Stamps offer food benefits to eligible low-income households throughout the country. The food benefits are deposited into SNAP accounts each month and enable beneficiaries to shop at authorized grocery stores and retail outlets. A popular shopping destination for a lot of SNAP recipients is Albertsons since it is one of the biggest Food and Drug retailers in America.
If you’re wondering whether you can use your EBT card or food stamp benefits here then you have come to the right place. Fortunately, Albertsons accepts EBT payments at physical stores and online for delivery as well as drive-up and go-pick-up orders. If you’re shopping in-store at Albertsons you can use your debit card just like you use any other debit or credit card at the register. This guide will provide an overview of Albertsons’ policy on EBT and how you can purchase eligible goods from this popular retail chain.
Key Takeaways
- Albertsons accepts EBT for in-store and online grocery purchases (delivery or pickup) in select states.
- SNAP recipients can use their EBT cards like debit cards at checkout.
- Eligible food items include fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, and bread.
- Non-eligible items include hot meals, alcohol, tobacco, and cleaning supplies.
- Check your state’s regulations for online EBT purchases.
What Is Albertsons Store Brand?
Albertsons is a popular American grocery company that was founded and headquartered in Boise, Idaho. This retail grocery chain searches for various products such as bakery, deli, dairy, frozen food, meat, general grocery, produce, pharmacy, snacks, liquor and seafood. The subsidiaries of Albertsons Companies Inc. are Acme Markets, Carrs Safeway Haggen, Jewel Osco, Kings, Pavilions, Plated, Randalls, Safeway, Tom Thumb, Shaws Star Market, United Supermarkets and Vons.
Do you love to shop with HelloFresh and want to know whether they accept EBT or not? Learn about HelloFresh and its EBT policies in our next guide.
How Many Albertsons Stores Are There In The United States of America?
As of 16th April 2024, 378 Albertson stores are operating in 15 U.S. states and territories throughout America. The state and statuary with the most number of Albertsons store locations in America is California with nearly 124 store locations which accounts for 33% of the entire Albertsons stores in America. Here is a list of the top ten U.S. states and territories with the most Albertsons store locations.
- California– 124 or 33% of the U.S Albertsons stores
- Texas- 43 or 11% of the U.S Albertsons stores
- Idaho- 37 or 10% of the U.S Albertsons stores
- Nevada- 35 or 9% of the U.S Albertsons stores
- Montana- 31 or 8% of the U.S Albertsons store
- Arizona- 30 or 8% of the U.S Albertsons stores
- Oregon- 24 or 6% of the U.S Albertsons stores
- Louisiana– 16 or 4% of the U.S Albertsons stores
- Washington- 16 or 4% of the U.S Albertsons stores
- Wyoming- or 3% of the U.S Albertsons stores
There are 41 U.S. states and territories without any Albertsons stores in America such as the following: South Carolina, Wisconsin, New York, Maine, Georgia, Rhode Island, Indiana, Delaware, US Virgin Island, Northern Mariana Island, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Missouri, Alaska, Massachusetts, Virginia, Kentucky, South Dakota, Tennessee, Ohio, Vermont, Alabama, Nebraska, Michigan, North Carolina, Iowa Illinois, Mississippi, Florida, Virginia, Oklahoma, District of Columbia, Maryland, American Samoa Guam and New Jersey.
Cities with the most number of Albertsons stores in the United States of America are: Last Vegas, Boise, El Paso, Bakersfield, Fort Worth, buildings, Baton Rouge, Tucson, Eugene and Mesa.
What Are The Benefits And Challenges of Using EBT At Albertsons?
Albertsons accepts EBT or food stamps for in-store transactions and online purchases at select locations. This increases the accessibility for EBT recipients however there can be certain limitations due to platform capabilities and state regulations.
Benefits
- Convenience: Albertsons provides a great deal of convenience to food stamp recipients who can use EBT benefits to shop for eligible food items and groceries just like a debit card. In states where EBT payments online are accepted, you can benefit from the convenience of delivery and pickup services and overcome all the transportation barriers.
- Accessible Nutrition: Albertsons enables SNAP recipients to purchase essential and nutritious groceries like fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, dry fruits, bread, and fish and juice with their EBT benefits.
Common Concerns
- State Restriction: Not all states enable EBT payments online and this restricts the benefits to physical store locations only. You need to check the state regulation and Albertsons online platform to determine if you can purchase goods online.
- Platform Limitations: Another concern is that not every item available at Albertsons is allowed for purchase with EBT benefits. This potentially limits selection of items for online shoppers. Albertsons is updating its online services to include more eligible items that you can cover with your EBT benefits so you can reach out to Albertson customer service for more assistance and learn about their latest offerings.
Apart from grocery stores there are even bakeries that are accepting EBT payments throughout the country. You can read them in our next guide.
What Are The Eligible Items For EBT Purchases At Albertsons?
There are a wide variety of food items for shoppers to choose from at Albertsons throughout the United States of America.
- Bread and cereals: This includes all types of bread, crackers, cereals, pasta, oatmeal and rice.
- Meat, poultry and fish: This comprises all forms of meat such as pork, beef, turkey, chicken, fish and lamb
- Milk and Dairy Products: This includes all types of milk, yogurt, cheese and butter
- Fruits and vegetables: All types of fresh, canned or frozen fruits and vegetables are allowed for EBT purchase.
- Beverages: You can purchase brew-it-yourself tea and coffee using SNAP Benefits including cold beverages like cold drinks, fountain drinks, smoothies, and iced coffees that are intended for human consumption.
- Protein powders, shakes and bars: You can purchase meal replacement shakes, protein powders, bars or any other shakes that come with a Nutrition Facts label instead of a Supplements Facts label
- Plant, seeds and seedlings: You can use your food stamp benefits to pick up plants, seeds or seedlings that can help you produce fruits, vegetables or herbs at your home.
- Baby Formula: You can use SNAP benefits to purchase infant formula including cereals, baby food and juices to feed your baby.
- Live Lobsters and Seafood: You can use your SNAP benefits to purchase live seafood such as lobsters, clams, and shrimp including live fish removed from the water.
- Snack Items: This includes bakery cakes, chips, cheese, crackers, and gift baskets comprising eligible food items.
Do you love to shop with Walgreens? Take a look at our next guide to know whether Walgreens accept EBT payments or not.
What Are The Items That You Cannot Cover With Your EBT Card at Albertsons?
Following is the list of items that you cannot cover with your EBT card at Albertsons.
- Hot Prepared Food: This includes hot cocoa, chili stew, prepared meats or any restaurant meals.
- Live Animals: You cannot purchase live animals using your EBT card however there are exceptions such as live shellfish, live fish removed from water, animals slaughtered before pickup from the store etc.
- Non-Food Items: This includes cleaning supplies from pet food, cosmetics, hygiene items for cooking utensils etc.
- Alcohol And Tobacco Products: This includes beer, wine, tobacco, cigarettes, liquor, low-alcohol beers labeled as liquor-filled chocolates, non-alcoholic, alcoholic wine, e-liquid for electronic cigarettes etc.
- Medicine, Vitamins and Supplements: Any item that comprises the Supplement Facts Label is a supplement and cannot be purchased with EBT or SNAP benefits. You cannot buy vitamins, medicines and supplements with your EBT card.
Purchase Minimums and Fees At Albertsons
- Delivery: The customers who are used to purchasing online from Albertsons may have to pay delivery fees that they cannot cover with their EBT funds. This requires them to use an alternate source of payment like debit or credit card.
- Pick up: Customers encounter minimum purchase requirements if they go for drive-ups and pick-up orders from Albertson.
- Combating Payment Methods: EBT recipients can split their payment if their purchase order from Albertsons includes both SNAP-eligible and non-eligible items.
Do you know whether ARCO gas stations accept food stamps or not? Read them in our next guide.
Which Other Payment Methods Are Accepted By Albertsons?
Besides EBT payments, Albertsons accepts various other payment methods to provide convenience and flexibility to all its customers. Let’s take a look at the following alternate source of payment that you can use:
- Major credit cards like Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover
- Bank issues debit cards
- Safeway Pay
- Albertson gift cards
- E-wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay in select locations
- Personal checks
Arizona residents who are living with disabilities and use EBT cards to shop for groceries can opt for online grocery ordering service from Albertson. To know more details you can contact customer service at 877-505-4040.
How Does Albertsons Manage Refunds?
Customers can request a refund from Albertsons for any item that they are not satisfied with. For instance, if you have used EBT as a payment method to shop for eligible goods from Albertsons then the change will follow USDA guidelines to process SNAP-eligible refunds.
If your item to be refunded is SNAP-eligible and you have used SNAP to pay for the order, Albertsons will refund the payment back to your SNAP account.
Once the SNAP funds have been refunded, Albertson will refund the remaining type of payment used in the order. For instance, non-SNAP eligible refunds will be processed according to EBT cash and all other payment card amounts that have been used to pay for the order.
How To Pay With EBT At Albertsons For In-Store Purchases?
Albertsons has made it easy and convenient for a lot of customers who depend on food stamp benefits to pay for their food and grocery shopping online and then pick up the groceries from the local Albertsons store. Using your EBT here is a simple process you can follow the below-mentioned steps to complete your transaction seamlessly.
Choose SNAP-Eligible Items And Proceed To The Checkout
The first and foremost step is to understand the eligible items that you can cover with your EBT benefits at Albertsons. You can refer to the EBT-eligible and ineligible items listed above if you are not sure. When it comes to paying head to the checkout area. Fortunately, Albertsons is providing both cashier-assisted checkout and self-checkout options.
Swipe Your EBT Card And Enter 4-Digit PIN
SNAP recipients need to swipe their EBT card through the card reader at the payment terminal. Those who are using the self-checkout station need to press the EBT button on the screen to activate the SNAP benefits payment option. Once you swipe the EBT card you have to enter the four-digit PIN to authorize the transaction.
Confirm The Transaction And Collect The Receipt
You will see the total amount of your SNAP-eligible items at the payment terminal. Make sure the amount is correct and then complete the transaction. If you have eligible and non-eligible items in your order then you have to use an alternative source of payment to cover the in-eligible items.
Once you complete the transaction collect the receipt so you can know the remaining EBT balance. It can be helpful for you to budget accordingly in future.
Do you know which retailers in California accept EBT payments? Head over to our next guide to learn about the comprehensive list.
How To Use EBT Card At Albertsons For Online Pickup Orders?
Step 1: Sign-In or Create an Account
Customers are required to sign up for an account or sign into the local Albertsons store to place online orders. They are required to enter the SNAP or EBT card numbers to link their accounts.
Signing into an existing Albertsons account is easy using your email address. You also have to use a password or have the website send you a one-time verification code.
Step 2: Select Pickup or Delivery
Once you sign in you need to choose between online delivery or pickup options from Albertsons. You can click the ‘Change Link’ under the search product area to toggle a selection.
It is important to know that the delivery service may not be available at all stores and may vary depending on your location. If you’re opting for pickup then you need to pick the nearest location and reserve a pickup time.
Step 3: Shop For SNAP-Eligible Grocery Items
Albertsons comes with a menu that categorizes items on the website making it easy for customers to shop. It also offers a featured item selection.
Simply click on the shop link to toggle it in the main menu bar at any time during your online visit. Keep clicking on the blue add button by each grocery item to fill your cart. Using the + will help to increment the number of each selected item.
Step 4: Proceed To Check Out
Once you are done adding the items to the cart click on the cart button located in the upper right corner of the page and review all the selected items. Then you can start the checkout process. Click on the blue checkout button which will help you to place your order and confirm your payment.
Step 5: Add Your EBT Card Details And Payment Information
When it comes to paying for your ordered purchase you need to choose EBT or food stamp as a payment option. You can also enter debit card or credit card payment information as an alternate source of payment to cover other expenses like fees, tips and taxes. You need to choose an EBT card as a primary payment method and choose the eligible items to which your card will be applied.
Step 6: Place Order And Receive The Groceries
Once you are done setting the payment option simply click the place order button to finish shopping. Once you place the order you will be prompted to enter the four-digit PIN to verify the purchase.
If you’re choosing pickup then you have to drive to the selected Albertsons location to collect the groceries. Look for the curbside space and follow the instructions on the signage. If you’re choosing delivery mode then an Instacart personal shopper will deliver groceries to your doorstep.
If you love to shop with Family Dollar then take a look at the discount retail chain’s EBT acceptance policies in our next guide.
Which States Accept EBT Online At Albertsons?
Presently there are 14 states in the United States of America where Albertsons enables EBT cardholders to use food stamp benefits online for delivery and pickup options. Here is the list of states.
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Idaho
- Louisiana
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Mexico
- Oregon
- Texas
- Utah
- Washington
- Wyoming
You can also read about whether the popular warehouse company Costco accepts EBT or not in our next guide.
Which Other Retail Stores Accept EBT Online?
Albertson is a leading grocery store here in America and a popular choice when it comes to use EBT for shopping online and in-store purchases. If you’re unable to find an Albertsons store in your local area you can take a look at the major retailers that are accepting EBT online and have enrolled in the USDA Online Purchasing Pilot Program in the below section of the article.
Amazon
Amazon is accepting food stamps in the state of California through two of its popular online portals— Amazon Fresh and Groceries On Amazon. There is no need to go for an Amazon Prime membership to use your EBT benefits however SNAP recipients get membership discounts. You can get free delivery through Amazon Fresh in case your SNAP-eligible purchases are for $35 or more.
Walmart
Walmart is another popular online retailer that works for the United States of America including California. Californians can use their EBT card to purchase groceries online from Walmart. The retailer is committed to helping SNAP beneficiaries access healthy, affordable and nutritious food by enrolling in the U.S Online Purchasing Pilot Program.
Target
Target is a popular grocery retailer in America that accepts SNAP benefits as a form of payment both in-store and online from SNAP beneficiaries. Shoppers can buy eligible grocery items and products on Target.com and get them delivered through its delivery service known as Shipt. The same-day grocery delivery option comes with the cost of $9.99 whereas Shipt members get free delivery on orders above $35.
DoorDash
DoorDash is another online platform where EBT is accepted as a method of payment online for Californians. Sources on DoorDash that accept cards are Pavilions, Vons, Star Market, Albertson, Safeway, ALDI, Meijer etc. You need to create an account with DoorDash to use the online platform to purchase goods with EBT cards.
Instacart
You can use your EBT card for online grocery delivery and pickup with Instacart. Being one of the biggest grocery chains in the United States of America, Instacart accepts payments from CalFresh recipients and helps them purchase food items and groceries at participating locations.
Safeway
Safeway is an American supermarket chain that is operating today as a banner of the Albertsons company and is one of the largest drug and food retailers in the United States of America. Safeway is one of the United States retailers that has been approved by the Department of Agriculture to accept EBT or SNAP benefits online from SNAP beneficiaries.
Additional Grocery Stores That Are Accepting EBT
The following is the list of additional stores or grocery chains that are accepting EBT as a method of payment from SNAP beneficiaries.
- ALDI
- Harris Teeter
- HEB
- Wegmans
- Weis Markets
- Whole Foods
- Jewel-Osco
- King Soopers
- Kings Food Markets
- Kroger
- Dollar Tree
- Acme Markets
- AJ’s Fine Foods
- Foodtown
- Fred Meyer
- Stater Bros
- Fry’s Food Stores
- Giant Eagle
- Giant Food
- Hannaford Supermarkets
- Lowe’s Grocery
- Sprouts
- BJ’s Wholesale Club
- Bravo Supermarkets
- Brookshire’s
- CVS
- Dillons Stores
- Meijer
- Piggly Wiggly
- Pick N Save
- Price Chopper
- Fareway Meat & Grocery
- Fine Fare Supermarkets
- Food 4 Less
- Food City
- Food Lion
- Publix
- QFC Supermarkets
- Raley’s
- Shaw’s
- ShopRite
- Smith’s Food and Drug
- WinCo
- Ralphs
- Save Mart
- Schnucks Market
- Speedway
- Stop & Shop
- Super 1 Foods
- H Mart
- Kroger
- Jubilee Foods
- Superior Grocers
- Tops Markets
- Trader Joe’s
- Vons
- Publix
- Associated Food Stores
- Bashas
- Sprouts
- Big Y Foods etc.
Get a comprehensive list of SNAP-eligible goods and grocery stores that accept EBT payments online in our next guide.
Conclusion
Navigating the world of food and grocery shopping with food stamps or Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards can be challenging for SNAP beneficiaries at times. It is important to know the type of stores that are accepting EBT in your state to ensure a convenient and smooth experience. Albertsons is one of the largest grocery chains in America that is committed to serving customers who rely on food stamps or EBT benefits to buy groceries and food items for their families. With nearly 2200 store locations throughout the United States of America, Albertsons is providing an extensive variety of groceries and products for SNAP recipients to choose from. The grocery chain is not only accepting EBT online but also for in-store purchases. Our guide has listed the eligible items for EBT purchase at Albertsons and has also thrown light on the alternate major retailers that are accepting EBT online just like Albertsons.
With this comprehensive guide to using EBT cards at Albertsons, you can shop with confidence and ease knowing that you have all the information you need to make the most of your EBT benefits. Visit the Get Government Grants to learn more about places that are accepting EBT.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use My EBT Card For Online Purchases At Albertsons?
Albertson accepts EBT cash and SNAP benefits cards as online payment methods. It is important to note that the EBT purchase can be subjected to certain restrictions or guidelines so it is critical to know the rules for your state. Albertsons is accepting SNAP in some states that offer online delivery and pickup services.
Which Albertsons Location Provide You With Grocery Delivery And Pickup?
Albertsons is committed to providing EBT grocery delivery and pickup at all of its store locations. You need to visit the store locator page at Albertsons to find a participating location and click on the view mode option under ‘Services’ to find a store within your area that accepts EBT for online payment.
Does Albertsons Take Credit Cards?
Yes, Albertson accepts major credit cards like Visa, Discover Card MasterCard and American Express credit cards. They also accept bank-issued EBT cards, SNAP EBT or EBT cash payment cards for in-store purchases and, at select locations, for online orders scheduled for pick up and delivery.