Where You Can Use Your EBT Card to Buy Groceries Online
Which Online Grocery Stores Accept EBT Cards
You can use your EBT card to buy groceries online at Amazon Fresh, Walmart, and Instacart — but only at certain stores within those platforms, and the rules differ between them. Amazon Fresh accepts EBT in most states but not all; Walmart's online grocery pickup and delivery both take EBT in participating locations; Instacart works with EBT at some partner stores like Safeway, Kroger, and Whole Foods, depending on your state and which store you choose.
The catch is that not every store in these services accepts EBT, and availability changes by state and sometimes by individual location. Before you add items to your cart, you need to check whether that specific store or service takes EBT in your area. Each platform has a way to filter for EBT-accepting stores, though the process is different on each one.
Your EBT card works online the same way it works in a physical store — you enter it as your payment method at checkout, just like a debit card. The transaction goes through instantly if the store and items are both may be able to access. You cannot use EBT for delivery fees, tips, or non-food items, even if they are in the same order.
Key Takeaways
- Amazon Fresh, Walmart, and Instacart accept EBT in many states, but you must check whether your specific store location participates before ordering.
- EBT covers only food items — not delivery fees, service charges, tips, or household goods — so your order total will split at checkout.
- You enter your EBT card information at checkout just as you would in a physical store, and the transaction processes immediately.
- Some states do not yet allow online EBT purchases at all, so if you cannot find an option, your state may not participate in the federal pilot program.
How to Find EBT-Accepting Stores on Each Platform
On Amazon Fresh, go to the store locator on Amazon's website and filter by "EBT may be able to access" before you search for your zip code. The map will show you which Fresh locations near you accept EBT. If no locations appear, EBT is not yet available in your state through Amazon Fresh.
On Walmart.com, add your zip code to the store finder, then look for the grocery pickup or delivery option at each location. Walmart's website shows an EBT badge next to stores that accept it for online orders. You can also call the store directly to confirm before you place an order.
On Instacart, search for the specific grocery store you want to shop at (Kroger, Safeway, Whole Foods, etc.), and Instacart will tell you whether that location accepts EBT. Not all Instacart partner stores take EBT, and it varies by region, so you may need to try a few different stores in your area to find one that does.
What You Can and Cannot Buy With EBT Online
The same rules apply online as in a physical store: you can buy fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, bread, cereal, snacks, and other food items. You cannot buy prepared foods, hot foods, vitamins, medicine, pet food, or household supplies like paper towels or cleaning products.
When you check out, the system will automatically separate may be able to access food items from ineligible ones. Your EBT card will only be charged for the food items. You will need to pay for delivery fees, service charges, and tips with a different payment method — a credit card, debit card, or digital wallet. Some people are surprised by this split at checkout, so it helps to know it is coming.
Delivery and Pickup Options for EBT Orders
Most online grocery services that accept EBT offer both delivery and pickup, but the availability depends on the store and your location. Pickup is often faster and sometimes free, while delivery usually has a fee that you pay separately from your EBT purchase.
Delivery times vary: Amazon Fresh typically delivers within hours in some cities but may take a day or two in others. Walmart grocery delivery and pickup both usually take one to three days. Instacart's speed depends on which store you are ordering from and how busy that store is.
If you choose pickup, you will go to the store at your scheduled time and an employee will bring your groceries to your car. This option is often faster than delivery and avoids the separate delivery fee, though you do have to make the trip to the store.
What Happens If Your State Does Not Participate Yet
Online EBT purchases are part of a federal pilot program that has expanded over time but does not yet cover every state. If you cannot find any EBT-accepting online grocery options in your area, your state may not be part of the program yet, or your specific region may not have participating stores.
You can check the USDA's list of states that participate in the online purchasing pilot to see whether your state is included. If it is not, you can still use your EBT card at physical grocery stores, farmers markets, and some farm stands in your area. Some states have added online options in recent years, so it is worth checking back periodically if your state is not yet listed.
Troubleshooting Common Problems at Checkout
If your EBT card is declined online, the most common reasons are: the store does not actually accept EBT in your state (even though it appeared to), you entered your PIN incorrectly, or your account does not have enough balance. Double-check your PIN and your account balance first. If both are correct, contact the store's customer service to confirm they accept EBT in your location.
If your order was partially declined — some items went through on EBT and others did not — it means some items in your cart are not may be able to access for EBT. Review the receipt or order confirmation to see which items were rejected, remove them, and place a new order with only may be able to access food items.
If you have trouble adding your EBT card as a payment method, try a different browser or clear your browser's cache and cookies. Some older browsers do not process EBT payments smoothly. If that does not work, call the store's customer service line and ask whether they can take your order by phone instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use EBT to pay for delivery fees or tips?
No. Your EBT card only covers may be able to access food items. Delivery fees, service charges, and tips must be paid with a credit card, debit card, or digital wallet. At checkout, the system will separate the food total (EBT) from the fees (other payment method).
Do I need a special account or password to use EBT online?
No. You use your existing EBT card and PIN just as you would at a physical store. You do not need to register your card or create a separate account with the grocery service. Simply enter your card number and PIN at checkout.
What if I do not have a debit card to pay for delivery fees?
You can use any payment method the store accepts for the non-food portion of your order — a credit card, digital wallet like Apple Pay or Google Pay, or even a prepaid card. Some stores also offer free pickup, which eliminates the delivery fee entirely.
Can I use EBT at farmers markets or farm stands online?
Some farmers markets and farm stands have started accepting EBT online, but it is less common than the major grocery platforms. Check your local farmers market website or call directly to ask whether they take EBT for online orders or curbside pickup.
Will using EBT online affect my monthly balance or benefits?
No. Online purchases work exactly the same as in-store purchases — the amount is deducted from your monthly balance immediately, just as it would be at a checkout register. Your total monthly benefit does not change based on how you spend it.