Grocery shopping can be a real hassle, especially when you’re trying to stick to a budget. For those using EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) to buy food, knowing where you can use it is super important. This guide will break down whether you can use your EBT card on Instacart when you’re buying groceries from Walmart. We’ll explore the details and make sure you understand the rules of the game.
The Simple Answer: Does Walmart Accept EBT On Instacart?
Yes, Walmart does accept EBT cards for online orders through Instacart in some areas, but it’s a bit more complicated than just swiping your card. You can use your EBT card to purchase eligible food items, but there are some limitations to keep in mind. Not every item in your cart will be covered, and you might need to make some adjustments during checkout.
What You Need to Know Before You Start Shopping
Before diving into Instacart and Walmart, it’s important to do a little prep work. First, make sure your EBT card is active and has funds available. Second, confirm that the Walmart location you’re shopping from through Instacart participates in EBT payments. Not all locations offer this service yet. Lastly, understand what EBT covers. Generally, EBT can only be used for food items, not things like household supplies or personal care products.
Here’s a quick checklist to help you get started:
- Check your EBT card balance.
- Confirm EBT acceptance at your Walmart location.
- Familiarize yourself with EBT-eligible food items.
How to Use Your EBT Card on Instacart for Walmart
The process of using your EBT card on Instacart isn’t too difficult, but it does have a few extra steps compared to using a regular credit or debit card. First, you’ll need to add your EBT card information to your Instacart account. Make sure you’re logged in and go to the payment settings. After that, add the items you want to buy to your cart, keeping in mind the EBT-eligible items. During checkout, you’ll select your EBT card as the payment method.
During checkout, you will likely have to split your payment between EBT and another form of payment, such as a credit or debit card, because of non-eligible items. Your EBT card will only be used for the items that qualify. You might have to manually adjust the payment amounts to ensure everything is sorted out correctly. It’s also possible that you might not be able to use tips on your EBT card; tips usually require a separate payment.
Here’s how it generally works in a few steps:
- Add your EBT card to your Instacart account.
- Shop for groceries, making sure to select eligible items.
- Proceed to checkout.
- Select your EBT card as payment.
- Pay for the remaining amount with another card.
Eligible and Non-Eligible Items with EBT
Knowing which items are and aren’t covered by your EBT card is key to a smooth shopping experience. Typically, EBT cards can be used for groceries. This includes things like fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy products, and bread. You’ll find these in the “food” sections of Walmart on Instacart.
However, EBT can’t be used to buy non-food items. Here’s a small example:
| Eligible Items | Non-Eligible Items |
|---|---|
| Produce (Fruits, Vegetables) | Household Cleaners |
| Meat and Poultry | Pet Food |
| Dairy and Eggs | Alcohol and Tobacco |
Non-eligible items include things like household cleaning supplies, alcohol, tobacco products, pet food, and sometimes even things like paper towels and diapers. Make sure you’re checking the label or the online description to see if an item is EBT-eligible. If you accidentally add something that isn’t covered to your cart, you’ll have to pay for it separately.
Dealing With Delivery Fees, Tips, and Other Extra Costs
Instacart charges various fees, including delivery fees and service fees. Unfortunately, EBT cards typically don’t cover these extra costs. You’ll need to pay these fees with another form of payment, like a credit or debit card. Also, tips for your shopper are usually not covered by EBT, and you’ll need to pay those separately as well.
Here is some advice to help manage these costs:
- Check for promotions to reduce delivery fees.
- Plan your order carefully to avoid extra trips.
- Make sure to have a credit or debit card ready to pay for fees and tips.
Keep in mind that when you place your order, Instacart will show you a breakdown of all the costs. This way, you can see exactly what your EBT card will cover and what you’ll need to pay with another method.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting Tips
Sometimes, things don’t go perfectly when using EBT on Instacart. You might encounter problems, like the system not recognizing your card or the payment not going through. If this happens, don’t panic. First, double-check that you’ve entered your EBT card information correctly. Also, make sure your card has enough funds to cover the eligible items.
If the problem persists, you should contact Instacart’s customer support. They have people that can help. Provide them with the details of your issue. It also can be helpful to contact your local EBT support center to make sure your card isn’t blocked or has any issues on their end.
Here are some things to try when your EBT card isn’t working:
- Double-check your card details.
- Confirm you have enough funds.
- Contact Instacart customer service.
- Contact your local EBT support.
The Future of EBT and Instacart at Walmart
The world of online grocery shopping is always changing, and the same goes for EBT and Instacart. As more people rely on online grocery services, the way EBT is used is likely to evolve. We may see more Walmart locations adding EBT support, as well as improvements in how fees and tips are handled with EBT cards. This could mean more streamlined payment processes and better ways to manage your budget when shopping online.
Staying informed about these changes will ensure you can continue using your EBT card easily. Keeping up with Walmart and Instacart announcements, as well as any new rules or changes in the rules around using EBT can help you. Keep checking the Instacart website or Walmart’s website for updates to keep in the know.
Here are some ways to stay updated:
- Check the Instacart website.
- Check the Walmart website.
- Sign up for email updates.
Conclusion
Using your EBT card on Instacart for Walmart can be a great way to shop for groceries, but you’ll need to understand the rules. You can use your card for eligible food items, but other fees will require a separate payment. Remember to confirm EBT acceptance, understand eligible items, and plan for those extra costs. By staying informed and prepared, you can successfully use your EBT card and make the most of online grocery shopping.