Does Amazon Accept EBT Card, Snap or Food Stamp – Most of us love to shop on Amazon which is one of the top online retailers today. Thanks to its amazing selection of products and affordable prices people can buy almost anything here from necessary groceries to cosmetics, electronics and everything in between.
If you’re enrolled into the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program you might be curious to know if Amazon accepts food stamps or EBT. If you are just getting started using EBT on Amazon, understanding the shoppable items and verification process can seem overwhelming. This comprehensive blog will cover whether or not this online platform accepts food stamps or EBT cards as a viable method of payment and what items you can buy here.
Highlights of this Post
Key Takeaway
- Yes, Amazon accepts SNAP EBT benefits for online grocery purchases in most states (except Alaska, Hawaii, Louisiana, and Montana).
- You can use EBT to buy a variety of SNAP-eligible food items on Amazon.
- You don’t need a Prime membership to use EBT on Amazon.
- EBT cannot be used to cover delivery fees or non-food items.
What Is Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT)?
A digital method adopted by the federal government to transfer SNAP benefits to eligible low-income households is known as Electronic Benefits Transfer or EBT card. Both SNAP and EBT are the upgraded versions of food stamps. Being a SNAP recipient you can use your EBT or food stamp benefits to purchase items just like you use any other regular debit or credit card.
The difference is that while you can purchase almost anything with a regular debit card, an EBT card allows recipients to purchase only USDA SNAP-eligible items from participating stores. SNAP recipients use food stamp benefits for in-store purchases however today a lot of online retailers are accepting food stamps or SNAP benefits as a method of payment including Amazon.
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Does Amazon Accept EBT or SNAP Benefits?
Yes, SNAP EBT benefits are accepted by Amazon on Amazon Grocery and Amazon Fresh purchases. Amazon provides Electronic Benefits Transfer recipients an amazing opportunity to purchase eligible-items on their online platform. With endless product selections on Amazon, it can sometimes be difficult to know what is EBT eligible and not.
Customers often get free shipping if they can meet the minimum order requirements set by Amazon.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has expanded SNAP benefits in the form of a pilot program known as Online Purchasing Pilot through which SNAP beneficiaries can use their food stamps or EBT card to purchase eligible food items and groceries from authorized retailers in specific states including Amazon.
Which States Are Using EBT On Amazon?
SNAP recipients can use their EBT card on Amazon if they are living in authorized states and participating in the U.S’s Online Purchasing Pilot Program. Following are the states that are participating in SNAP Online Purchasing Pilot and you can order groceries with your EBT card on Amazon if you’re a resident of any one of them.
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- lowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Mississippi
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode
- Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming.
SNAP recipients can use their EBT card on Amazon in all states apart from Alaska, Hawaii, Louisiana and Montana. If you’re a resident of any of these four states, you cannot use your EBT as a method of payment on Amazon. Amazon has recently picked SNAP EBT as a method of payment due to the USDA Online Pilot Program which is not available in all states throughout the country and there is no news of these four states accepting SNAP benefits on Amazon as a method of payment.
Read also: What can you Shop Online With EBT?
How Does Amazon Verify Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) Transactions?
To verify your SNAP benefits or EBT card and start receiving the food stamp funds that come along with it you need to verify your identity with Amazon by providing your picture. Once you submit your photo and EBT card you can choose to become a Prime member and start placing your orders.
The verification process by Amazon is quite easy without requiring you to wait for a long time to receive verification for your account. You can start receiving online grocery deliveries once you complete the EBT verification process.
Interested in knowing: Does H Mart Accept Food Stamp or EBT? Find the answer in our next guide.
What Can I Purchase With My EBT Card At Amazon?
EBT funds can be used by SNAP beneficiaries on eligible food items that are shipped and sold by Amazon.com. If you have any confusion about the type of items that you can buy on Amazon you can look for a SNAP EBT eligible label placed on the product.
Here’s what you can purchase with your EBT card
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Fortunately, there are products from popular brands that are covered by EBT on Amazon including
- Quaker
- Planters
- Gatorade
- Frito-Lay
- Pop Tarts
- Pure Protein
- Oreo
- Welch’s and many more
With plenty of options to choose from on Amazon, you need not worry about finding EBT-eligible items while using food stamps or checkout. Amazon offers a wide array of products and accepts EBT payments to boost the accessibility of its platform and products to all households.
Read also: Does Lidl Accept Food Stamps or EBT?
Which Food Items Can’t You Buy With Your SNAP or EBT On Amazon?
It is critical to note that SNAP or EBT benefits can be used to purchase SNAP-eligible items on Amazon only so if you’re shopping for any product that is not covered by the SNAP program then you can cover them using an alternate payment method. Following is the list of items that you cannot cover with your SNAP on Amazon.
- Non-grocery items such as clothing, home décor or technology
- Alcoholic beverages like wine, liquor or beer
- Non-edible products like pet food
- Household essentials such as napkins, paper towels, toilet paper
- Personal hygiene products
- Vitamins, supplements and medicines
- Cigarettes and other tobacco products
Read also: Does Piggly Wiggly Accept Food Stamps, SNAP, or EBT?
Can I Pay With SNAP/ EBT Using My Amazon Business Account?
No Amazon business account is not qualified for EBT or SNAP payments. If you want to use your EBT card as a method of payment on Amazon then you have to sign in to your personal Amazon account and shop for eligible items to access EBT labels. Individuals having a Business Amazon account can open a personal account for free and enter their EBT card details into the payment section to access amazing deals through Amazon Fresh.
Can I Use EBT or Food Stamps On Whole Foods Online?
Whole Foods Market is offered through Amazon however it is not possible to use your EBT or food stamps online through Whole Foods Marketplace. For those who are opting for Whole Foods delivery have to use an alternate source of payment. However, there are many Whole Foods products offered through Amazon Groceries as well as Amazon Fresh that you can order with your SNAP benefits card if they are eligible items.
For instance, the Whole Foods 365 brand is one of the most eligible brands that you can cover with your food stamp funds. However, not all 365 items are available through Amazon nor can be covered by EBT so before heading to your Whole Foods ensure to check online about the eligible items that can be covered by EBT and are listed on Amazon.
Can I Get Amazon Prime Free With EBT?
Shoppers who are qualified to use their food stamps or EBT cards on Amazon can get a wide array of perks and options to choose from. For instance, they can become Amazon Prime Members at a discounted rate.
Moreover, they can access free shipping and exclusive deals on Amazon Fresh orders if their purchase order exceeds $35 or more.
Even though you will not be able to get free access to Amazon Prime you can receive amazing deals and other sales which would otherwise have not been possible.
This makes using EBT or food stamps on Amazon a worthwhile choice. Moreover, SNAP recipients can access Amazon Fresh and use their EBT card to shop for groceries without requiring a Prime account. Amazon Fresh has a unique feature similar to Amazon Prime and you can access major benefits while using your EBT for grocery deliveries while accessing exclusive features.
Read also: Does Publix Take EBT Cards?
How To Use SNAP Benefits or EBT Card On Amazon?
In the below section, we have covered a few steps that you have to follow to use your food stamps or EBT card on Amazon.
- The first step is to log into your personal Amazon account either on a web browser or on the mobile app
- Next navigate to the top right corner and look for the ‘Account’ option
- On clicking the Account option you will again see the same word ‘Account’ under ‘My Account’ icon
- Once you select the account you’ll be taken to a screen with various options from where you have to select your payments
- Add a new card for instance your EBT card to your account.
- Enter your EBT card details in the payment input and save the payment information. This will save the card automatically to your account and will enable you to use it at any point in time.
- Now you can start shopping on Amazon and meet your grocery needs. Add all the grocery items to your cart and continue to check out.
- During the checkout process you can enter your 4-digit EBT card PIN to pay for the eligible items
- On entering the PIN you will see the purchase total to be deducted from your EBT account.
SNAP recipients also look for: Does Winn Dixie Accept Food Stamps or EBT
How Can I Get Free Delivery With My SNAP/ EBT Card On Amazon?
In the Grocery and Gourmet Food section of Amazon, you can find a wide area of non-perishable pantry staples as well as shelf-stable food items that are EBT eligible and you have to look for items that are labeled as SNAP EBT eligible.
Amazon Prime members get free shipping on orders of any size whereas non-prime members get free delivery on orders of $25 or more. On placing a small order you have to pay a shipping fee that cannot be covered with the EBT card.
Amazon Fresh is available in select cities throughout the country and operates similarly to the traditional grocery store that sells perishable items like dairy products, fruits vegetables, poultry, meat and more. With the help of Amazon Fresh, you can schedule online grocery delivery within an hour or two. The minimum order value for free delivery with Amazon Fresh is $35 in a few regions whereas for small delivery you have to pay a small delivery fee.
Is The Return Policy On Amazon The Same While Using EBT?
Customers who are not satisfied with Amazon Grocery items or Amazon Fresh store items can return them to get a refund if they are paid using an EBT card. To return your items for a refund that you have covered with your EBT card you need to follow the below-mentioned steps carefully.
- Go to your Amazon account and visit ‘Your Orders’ option
- Navigate to the products that you have brought using EBT and wish to return
- Select the Requested Item Refund Option
- Follow the additional instructions that appear on the screen.
It is critical to note that it generally takes 10 business days for the refund to be issued back on food stamps or EBT cards once the refund gets processed.
Are EBT Orders On Amazon Eligible For Free Shipping or Delivery?
SNAP benefits cards cannot be used to cover delivery or shipping charges. However, EBT orders are eligible to get free shipping if you can meet the minimum order requirements. Both EBT-eligible and non-eligible items count towards the Amazon free shipping minimum.
This is irrespective of the method of payment you choose or SNAP eligibility. Delivery, tips and service charges or items sold by third-party sellers require an alternate source of payment that cannot be covered with your EBT card. Amazon provides discounted membership for SNAP households.
What Are The Alternate Payment Methods Accepted At Amazon?
Besides EBT payments, Amazon accepts various other forms of payment to provide convenience and flexibility to its customers. Let’s take a look at the alternate payment method that you can use at Amazon:
- Major credit cards such as MasterCard, Discover, Visa, Diners Club, American Express, China UnionPay, JCB
- Debit cards
- Amazon Pay Later
- Amazon Secured Card
- Amazon Pay Balance
- Amazon Store Card
- Prepaid credit or gift cards
- FSA or HSA accounts (for the purchase of FSA or HSA eligible items)
Amazon does not accept paper coupons from other manufacturers or competitors. However, you can use Amazon online coupons that are available to several customers including SNAP recipients. You can use an Amazon coupon towards SNAP-eligible items and stretch your food budget further on this platform.
Read also: Does Shipt Accept Food Stamps, SNAP, or EBT?
Additional Stores That Accept EBT For Online Grocery Delivery And Pickup
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program helps low-income households to stretch their food budget further every month. If shopping trips are difficult for you because of less access to transportation or limited mobility then you can use your EBT card online for grocery delivery and pickup from the following online retailers as better alternatives to Amazon.
Instacart
Like Amazon Instacart accepts EBT cards as a method of payment and is a popular online grocery delivery service that is available in all states except Alaska, Hawaii, Montana, Louisiana. EBT cardholders also get a discount on Instacart + membership. You can shop for groceries from top retailers like ALDI, Stop and Shop, Price Right, Price Chopper, Market 32 and Hannaford Supermarket through Instacart.
Walmart
Another alternative to Amazon is Walmart which accepts SNAP EBT cards throughout the country. You can get free curbside pickup service here with a minimum order of $35 or else you have to pay a small pickup fee. You can place water through Walmart.com or by downloading the Walmart app.
Target
Target accepts online EBT payment through its delivery service called Shipt. You need to create an account on Target to place an order using your EBT card. Shift members get free delivery on orders more than $35 whereas same-day grocery delivery comes with a cost of $9.99.
DoorDash
The latest app is a delivery service that accepts online snap payments like Amazon is DoorDash. You can add your EBT card details to your DoorDash accounts and then shop with the DoorDash website or app. Look for products that feature SNAP labels when shopping with DoorDash.
Other Additional Stores That Accept EBT Online
- Sam’s Club
- Costco
- Albertsons
- H-E-B
- Hy-Vee
- Kroger
- Safeway
- Stop & Shop
- ShopRite
Conclusion
Amazon is a part of the USDA Online Purchasing Pilot Program as of 2022 that allows SNAP recipients to use their EBT benefits online on eligible items. According to Amazon, SNAP recipients with a valid EBT card can shop on Amazon using state benefits in all states apart from Alaska, Hawaii, Louisiana and Montana. To use your EBT funds you have to add your card information to your Amazon account or add the EBT card during checkout. If you have difficulty with shopping due to lack of transportation or limited mobility options you have the option to use your EBT for online grocery delivery and pickup. Besides Amazon, other digital retailers like Target, and Walmart are also providing online grocery delivery services.
We hope this article has been informative enough to give you all the details you need regarding Amazon that accepts EBT online. You can learn more about the government grants and financial assistance program at the Get Government Grants’ blog section today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Amazon EBT Work In All 50 U.S. States?
Amazon EBT is working in all states except Alaska, Hawaii, Louisiana and Montana since these states are not enrolled in the Online Purchasing Pilot Program. You can even use your EBT card in Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam and the District of Columbia.
Can I Purchase My Annual Amazon Prime Membership With Food Stamp Benefits?
No, you cannot purchase your annual Amazon Prime membership with your EBT card. However, you can get a 50% discount from Amazon Prime if you can prove that you are an EBT recipient. To get a prime discount and verify you are a valid SNAP EBT recipient you have to enter the EBT number and upload an image of your EBT card.
Do I Have To Be An Amazon Prime Member To Use My EBT Card?
No, you need not be an Amazon Prime member to use EBT benefits for Amazon items. You can access Whole Foods Market and Amazon Fresh without becoming a Prime member. By becoming a Prime member you can get free delivery on SNAP and eligible orders.
Can I Use My Cash EBT Card On Amazon?
No, unfortunately Amazon accepts only regular Electronic Benefits Transfer cards and does not accept Cash EBT cards presently. Cash EBT cards can be used for withdrawing cash from an ATM while EBT cards can be used for SNAP-eligible purchases only.