Does Instacart Accept EBT Cards For Payment Processing If you are someone who relies on the federally funded Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program you’ll be thrilled to know that the popular online delivery service Instacart is now accepting EBT cards as a method of payment from SNAP beneficiaries. This makes it convenient and easier to access groceries and get them delivered to your doorstep without much hassle.
Getting to the grocery store every day and shopping in person becomes a challenge for those with old age, disability, transportation barriers or limited mobility. 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 SNAP recipients and helps them to purchase food items and groceries at participating locations. In this guide, we will explore the process of using your EBT card on Instacart.
Highlights of this Post
Key Takeaways:
- Instacart accepts EBT in select states for SNAP recipients.
- Buy EBT-eligible groceries and get them delivered.
- Link your EBT card and a separate payment method for non-EBT fees.
Recommended: Does El Pollo Loco Take EBT?
What is EBT?
Electronic Benefit Transfer is a system that allows people who receive government benefits to access them using a card instead of paper checks. Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) is an electronic system that allows SNAP participants to pay for food using SNAP benefits. When a participant shops at a SNAP authorized retail store, their SNAP EBT account is debited to reimburse the store for food that was purchased. This card can be used at participating stores and ATMs to withdraw cash or make purchases.
Fortunately, the US Department of Agriculture which oversees the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program has launched the Online Purchasing Pilot Program that enables states to add online purchasing as an option for EBT cardholders. Walmart and Amazon accept EBT payments online from almost every state. However, there are certain rules and regulations when it comes to purchasing goods that are EBT-eligible. You can only buy EBT eligible items and cannot pay tips, delivery fees or any other associated charges using the EBT card. The extra charges have to be paid from another form of payment.
Recommended: Does Denny’s Take EBT?
What is Instacart?
Instacart is an online platform that helps you to go online grocery shopping and delivery. you need to go totally online. There are many groceries stores that are linked with instacart service.
Instacart is a grocery delivery service that employs personal shoppers to shop for you and then deliver the groceries to your home. It partners with several large grocery store chains and offers same-day delivery in a number of cities. You just need to order groceries through this app to make sure on time delivery at your home.
Does Instacart Take EBT?
Yes, Instacart accepts EBT payments under the SNAP program. You can use your EBT benefits for purchasing EBT-eligible food items using the Instacart grocery delivery and pickup platform. It is important to note that the SNAP program enables EBT cardholders to buy specific food items like milk, meat, fruits, vegetables, snacks, non-alcoholic drinks, poultry, baking products and many other goods.
The beneficiaries of the SNAP are not eligible to buy non-food items such as tobacco products, household supplies, cosmetics, alcoholic beverages and others using their EBT card from Instacart. This is because the primary objective of the SNAP or EBT program is to cover basic food and feed millions of hungry people in America. If you’re enrolled in the SNAP program and belong to the low-income category then you can access grocery food items from Instacart with the help of your EBT card.
Few Limitations For EBT Card Holders At Instacart
While Instacart accepts EBT payments it is important to note a few requirements and limitations while shopping at Instacart.
- Instacart does not accept any EBT cash. They are also not accepting cash, store gift cards or international payments.
- You have to link your Electronic Benefits Transfer card to your Instacart account
- Your card details must be valid and current
- You must live in a state that is participating in the SNAP online purchasing pilot.
In a few states, grocery stores or convenience stores do not participate in the SNAP Online Pilot Program involving Instacart. These states include the following:
- Alabama
- California
- Connecticut
- Illinois
- Georgia
- New York
- Pennsylvania
- Vermont
- Virginia
It is also important to note that a few grocery stores from participating states do not accept EBT card payments for in-person or online grocery shopping. You need to ask the staff of the grocery store whether they accept EBT payment before shopping.
Recommended: Does KFC Take EBT?
Who Is Eligible To Use EBT Card On Instacart?
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is a federal initiative that offers nutritional benefits to low-income families and individuals. Instacart accepts the federal SNAP benefits through EBT cards at selective stores in various states. Instacart participates in the Online Pilot Program run by the United States Department of Agriculture and accepts EBT payments online.
Presently SNAP recipients with a valid EBT card in all states except Alaska can use their SNAP benefits on Instacart at approved retailers. The SNAP government funds can be used in the state in which they are provided. In case you do not see SNAP EBT as an option at your local grocery store or participating retailers then be sure to get the latest version of the Instacart app. You can learn more details about SNAP EBT eligibility on the USDA SNAP recipient website here: https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap.
Recommended: Does Trader Joe’s take EBT
What Are The Benefits Of Using Instacart?
Instacart is a popular grocery delivery service that appoints staff to shop for groceries and food items for you and deliver the ordered items to your doorstep. It has partnered with many big box chains throughout the country. Following is the list of benefits of shopping with Instacart:
- Instacart food delivery services remove the need for transportation and physical store visits and this makes it easier for elderly people or those with limited transportation or mobility options
- Instacart food delivery service helps SNAP recipients save time by eliminating the need for personal grocery shopping and meal preparation and enabling them to focus on other vital tasks
- Instacart services prioritize providing nutritious and healthy food options and giving SNAP recipients access to healthy and balanced diets.
- Instacart provides same-day delivery option in various cities in America
- The company provides discounted service fees and provides free delivery on orders that exceeds $35
- Instacart services are widely available in the metro areas in the United States of America.
- Instacart services are now accepting SNAP benefits or EBT cards as a method of payment.
Recommended: Does Popeyes Take EBT?
List Of Stores That Accept EBT On Instacart
There are some states that allow online grocery shopping with EBT SNAP. Following is the list of stores that accept EBT on Instacart.
- Ahold Delhaize USA (Food Lion, Hannaford, Giant, GIANT Food Stores, Giant Heirloom Market, Martin’s, Stop & Shop)
- Aldi
- Brookshire’s Food & Pharmacy, Spring Market, Super 1 Foods, Fresh by Brookshire’s
- Earth Fare
- Fairplay Foods
- Food Bazaar
- Harps Food Store
- Homeland, United Supermarkets, CashSaver, Food-World
- Little Giant Farmers Market
- Niemann Foods (County Market)
- PAQ, Inc. (Food 4 Less, Rancho San Miguel Markets)
- Piggly Wiggly
- Publix
- Price Chopper Supermarkets (Price Chopper, Market 32, Market Bistro)
- Price Rite
- Save Mart, FoodMaxx, and Lucky Supermarkets
- Schnucks and EatWell
- Strack & Van Til, Van Til’s Supermarket, Town and Country
- Tops Friendly Markets
- Woodman’s Market
With the latest version of the Instacart online you can see local grocery stores that accept EBT SNAP cards. Instacart aims to expand the number of states and retailers accepting online EBT payments through its platform. You can check your Instacart account from time to time to get a list of more retailers and states from where you can purchase groceries using your EBT card.
Recommended: Does UberEats Take Ebt
Which Grocery Items Can You Purchase at Instacart Using Your EBT Card?
As per the rules and guidance of the SNAP program only qualified food items can be purchased using SNAP benefits or EBT card at Instacart. Instacart online platform offers a wide array of food options for SNAP recipients starting from fresh fruits and vegetables to fish, poultry, dairy products, meat, cookies, and crackers to name a few.
The following is the list of EBT-eligible food that you can purchase using your EBT card on Instacart.
- Milk And Dairy Products: Instacart users can purchase all types of milk including dairy products like butter, cheese and yogurt using their EBT card.
- Breads And Cereals: All types of breads, cereals, oatmeal, pasta, rice and crackers are allowed.
- Meat Poultry And Fish: This comprises all kinds of meat such as pork, turkey, fish, chicken, lamb and beef.
- Fruits and Vegetables: Instacart users can purchase all types of fresh, canned and frozen fruits and vegetables on the platform with the help of their EBT card. This also comprises dried fruits and vegetables.
- Snacks and Desserts: You can also purchase snacks like chips, cakes cookies and desserts as long as they do not have any vitamins or minerals in them. Candy, soft drinks and gum are not eligible to purchase on Instacart using your EBT or SNAP benefits.
Recommended: Does Del Taco Take EBT?
Which Grocery Items Can’t You Buy At Instacart With Your EBT?
There are a few items that you cannot purchase using your SNAP or EBT card on Instacart. The non-eligible goods include the following.
- Alcoholic beverages
- Prepared hot food
- Tobacco products
- Vitamins
- Non-food items like pet foods
- Cleaning supplies
- Laundry detergent
- Diapers
- Shampoo
- Personal hygiene items
- Cosmetics
- Paper products
Individuals can put non-eligible products along with SNAP-eligible food items and groceries in their online shopping cart but to pay for the non-EBT-eligible items they have to use another form of payment like a debit or credit card if they want them to get them delivered with their EBT order.
Recommended: Does Taco Bell Take EBT?
How To Add Your EBT Card To Your Instacart Account?
To use your SNAP EBT card you have to add the card details as a method of payment within your Instacart account settings. A separate debit or credit card should also be linked to your Instacart account to cover taxes, bottle deposits, fees, delivery tips or any other non-EBT eligible items as per the federal government regulation.
Here is the step-by-step guide to link your EBT card to your Instacart account:
- Go to Instacart Account Settings
- Click payment method
- Choose EBT card and click the Add icon
- Next enter your EBT card number and other pertaining details
- Click Save.
Recommended: Does Wendy’s Take EBT?
How To Use Your EBT Card On Instacart?
Using your EBT Card is a pretty simple procedure just like checking with your regular debit or credit card. You just need to ensure you have already connected your Electronic Benefits Transfer card to your Instacart account. You have to follow the below-mentioned steps to purchase the food items and request home delivery.
- Place your EBT card information in the appropriate field
- Select the Edit option to change the amount you want to apply to your EBT card
- Click on the ‘Confirm Payment Method‘ icon once you check the accuracy of the card and your details
- Visit the ‘Place Order’ web page and review your order including other pertinent information
- Click on the Place Order option if the details that you have entered are correct
- Enter your EBT card’s PIN to finalize the payment
Being an EBT cardholder you can also use the card to purchase eligible food items at Instacart stores by proceeding to the checkout counter, swiping up the card at the counter on Instacart payment terminals and entering the PIN just like you enter any other debit or credit card.
Recommended: Does ALDI -Take EBT
How To Remove Your EBT Card From An Instacart Account?
In some cases, SNAP beneficiaries may need to remove their EBT card from the Instacart account to replace it with new card details. It is important to note that EBT or SNAP recipients can use only one card at a given point in time. You can follow the simple guide to replace or remove an old EBT card.
- Open your Instacart application and click the hamburger menu in the top left corner to get a drop-down list from where you have to select an account
- Next select your account settings. Click on ‘Your Payment method’ and click Edit to enter the details of your current EBT card
- Choose the card that you want to remove and click ‘Delete and Save’ to remove the old EBT card.
- Next add your new EBT Card
EBT cardholders will get a new card if they have the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and make a comeback in the future. Another instance in which you will get a new EBT or SNAP card is when your card gets stolen or lost.
Recommended: Does Pizza Hut Take EBT?
Where To Find Instacart Stores That Accept EBT Cards Near Me?
One of the easiest and convenient aspects of using the EBT card while shopping groceries on Instacart is the ability to shop from various stores located throughout the country. Instacart has partnered with many grocery chains and retailers across the nation to help EBT card holders access their services seamlessly.
In other words you can use your EBT card for online grocery shopping at various popular stores like Safeway, Walmart, Kroger etc.
To find an Instacart store that accepts EBT cards near you, you just need to download the Instacart app or else visit their official website. The next step is to enter the location details and navigate to the Online EBT accepted section to find out participating stores of Instacart in your local area.
Not every location is equipped with specific features like same-day delivery along with EBT acceptance; however you can get your groceries delivered to your doorstep with the help of your EBT benefits. Whether it’s a local supermarket, national chain, or convenience store, finding an Instacart store that accepts EBT payment near you is easier and simpler and helps you to enjoy the convenience of online grocery shopping.
Recommended: Does Circle K Take EBT?
Alternate Grocery Stores/ Grocery Delivery Services That Accept EBT
Following is the list of Grocery Delivery Services or Grocery Stores/ that accept EBT apart from Instacart.
Walmart
Walmart accepts EBT card payments from SNAP recipients for online grocery delivery as well as a pick-up in all 50 states throughout the country. Customers can place an order by visiting the official Walmart website or by downloading the app. The free curbside pickup service costs only $35 and if your order falls below this amount then you will be charged a pickup fee.
Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods Market
Whole Foods Market and Amazon Fresh provide online grocery delivery services that accept EBT payments. SNAP recipients can order groceries and make payments using their EBT card during checkout. The orders will be delivered by the companies at your doorstep and this provides more accessibility and convenience.
Top Box
A community-driven meal delivery service that accepts EBT payments from customers is the Top Box. Top Box operates an online marketplace where you can browse and buy fresh produce, individual ingredients as well as healthy proteins. The company focuses on providing nutritious and affordable food auctions to qualified SNAP recipients.
DoorDash
A popular food delivery service known as DoorDash enables people to shop with their EBT card for eligible food items like meat, fresh produce, pantry staples and many more. This is a delivery giant that has partnered with grocery stores such as Meijer and Safeway in particular areas.
You can consider checking their official website to see if DoorDash accepts EBT cards in your area. The company joins big chains like Instacart, Amazon, Walmart and Target to help SNAP recipients use EBT cards to pay for online grocery delivery and pick up.
ALDI
If you enjoy shopping for groceries at ALDI then you will be pleased to know that it accepts EBT cards for in-store purchases, grocery pickup and delivery orders in almost all locations throughout the country however online grocery delivery and all pickup are not available at ALDI stores.
Following is the list of more retailers that provide EBT online grocery delivery and/ or pick-up With Aldi. You need to check with your local store to know about the services available in your area:
- Albertsons
- H-E-B
- Hy-Vee
- Kroger
- Safeway
- Stop & Shop
- ShopRite
Recommended: Does Jack in the Box Take EBT?
Conclusion
In today’s digital world food delivery services have become increasingly popular. If you’re an Instacart user who has enrolled in the SNAP program then you’re definitely in luck since Instacart accepts EBT payments. Along with Instacart, many other food delivery services such as Amazon Fresh, Walmart, and FreshDirect allow SNAP recipients to pay for their ordered groceries with their EBT card during online checkout and get them delivered to their doorstep. It is critical to know that EBT acceptance by Instacart services may vary depending on your location.
We hope this article has been informative enough to give you all the details you need regarding EBT and Instacart. You can learn more about the government grants and financial assistance program at the Get Government Grants’ blog section today.
Frequently asked questions
What Is An EBT Card?
Electronic Benefits Transfer cards are cards on which benefits such as SNAP and Cash Assistance are issued to clients. EBT cards function similarly to debit cards, however, the funds loaded onto the card can only be used at certain retailers and for certain goods.
Does Instacart take EBT?
Instacart only supports the use of EBT SNAP benefits in a limited number of states. The states that are currently supported are California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Washington. Customers can add their EBT information to their Instacart accounts and use it when checking out.
What Is the Difference Between SNAP and EBT?
SNAP or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is a program whose benefits are loaded on an EBT card. EBT or Electronic Benefits Transfer is merely the process through which eligible citizens receive SNAP benefits.
Can I use my EBT card on Instacart?
Yes, but only in states participating in the SNAP Online Purchasing Pilot. You can use your EBT card to pay for EBT-eligible groceries on Instacart, but you’ll need a separate payment method for delivery fees and non-EBT items.
