- Instacart accepts EBT for SNAP beneficiaries at select locations and retailers.
- Eligible retailers include Publix, Food Lion, Amazon, Walmart, Aldi, and Price Chopper.
- EBT covers basic food items; additional cards are needed for taxes, tips, and non-eligible items.
- Add and use your EBT card on Instacart easily through the Payment Methods section in your account settings.
Instacart’s EBT policy →
Does Instacart Take EBT?
Yes, Instacart accepts EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) payments for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) beneficiaries as a part of a pilot program with the USDA.
This program is available in select locations and with select retailers.
Certain users are able to use their EBT cards to pay for specific types of food and groceries on the Instacart platform. However, there are limitations based on location and participating retailers.
Some retailers working with Instacart via EBT SNAP benefits include the following.
- Publix
- Food Lion
- Amazon
- Walmart
- Aldi
- Price Chopper
Always check first to make sure your selected retailer accepts EBT payments.
What Items Are Available Using EBT SNAP?
Typically, the program covers only basic foods, providing additional support for grocery orders to families with tight food budgets. Usually, these are grocery essentials and cold foods.
A basic overview of what Instacart customers may purchase that are SNAP-eligible with their EBT card would be items like the following:
- Dairy/Eggs
- Fruit/Meat
- Bread/Cereal
- Snack foods
- Non-Alcoholic Beverages
Items you can’t buy with EBT include the following.
- Cleaning supplies
- Pet food
- Hygiene Items/Cosmetics
- Alcoholic drinks
- Tobacco
General Rule of Thumb
Some grocery delivery services like Amazon, Walmart, and Instacart accept EBT for eligible items.
However, traditional food delivery services (e.g., restaurant meals via DoorDash or Uber Eats) do not accept EBT.
EBT can usually only be used for grocery delivery, not for prepared food deliveries and hot food.
Keep in mind that while you can add non-eligible food items to your shopping cart, you’ll need to pay for them separately with a non-EBT SNAP card at the end of the transaction if you want them delivered with your EBT order.
If you plan to use your EBT account to make purchases through Instacart, you first need to be aware of a few critical points.
- Your state must participate in the SNAP Online Purchasing Pilot
- Instacart doesn’t take EBT cash
- The card information must be current and valid
- You must link your EBT card to your Instacart account.
Make sure you check to ensure you’re meeting all criteria before trying to make a purchase or complete a transaction with your EBT card.
There are rules of use outlined by the SNAP program stating what can or can not be purchased using an EBT card.These guidelines govern what items you can buy through Instacart.
What Are The Fees For Using EBT or SNAP Payments With Instacart?
If you choose to use EBT with Instacart, you’ll also need to have another credit or debit card on file.
This card is how the retailer assesses various fees such as bottle deposits, taxes, delivery tips, and non-eligible EBT items.
There is no fee for using an EBT card; however, depending on the state you live in, you may have specific fees applied for services.
Also, consider that delivery drivers work for tips, so you’ll want to consider this factor when placing an order each time.
How To Add Your EBT Card To An Instacart Account
Adding an EBT card to your account on Instacart is fast and easy. Follow these easy instructions to link your accounts.
You’ll want to click or tap the three lines in the top corner of your screen. It’s a drop-down menu with options.
- Go to Account settings.
- Click “Payment Methods”.
- Locate “EBT SNAP card” and select “Add”.
- Enter your EBT card details and card number in the appropriate fields.
- Choose “Save”.
Once you finish this process, you’ll be able to do your shopping.
How to Check Out With Your EBT Card
Checking out with an EBT card is pretty straightforward, much like using a regular debit or credit card.
Before you begin, ensure you’ve successfully connected your EBT card to your Instacart account. Next, follow these steps to successfully check out and have your order delivered to your location.
- First, enter your credit or debit details in addition to your address.
- Enter your EBT card details in the appropriate field.
- Use the “Edit” features to change the amount you want to apply to your EBT card.
- If the information is correct, click or tap the “Confirm Payment Method” prompt.
- Go to the “Place Order” page and make sure all details about your information and the order are correct.
- If the information is correct, click or tap “Place Order.”
- Once the order goes through successfully, you’ll need to enter your EBT card PIN to finalize the purchase.
If you follow these steps, you’ll be able to place your order and have it delivered to your location by the specified time Instacart quotes once your order is received and picked up by a delivery driver.
Have you been able to add your EBT card to Instacart and use it to pay for groceries? Let us know your experience in the comments below.
About The Author
Brett Helling
Brett Helling has been a rideshare driver since early 2012, having completed hundreds of trips for companies including Uber, Lyft, and Postmates.Since that time, he has expanded his knowledge into the Teach Me Delivery site, as well as writing the book Gigworker: Independent Work and the State of the Gig Economy Paperback, now available on Amazon.
