Shopping for groceries online can be super convenient, and if you use food stamps (also known as SNAP benefits), you might be wondering if you can use them at Walmart.com. The good news is, yes, you absolutely can! This guide will walk you through the steps and provide all the info you need to successfully shop for your groceries using your EBT card on Walmart’s website. We’ll cover everything from eligibility to the checkout process. Let’s get started!
Is My EBT Card Accepted at Walmart.com?
The most important question is whether you can actually use your benefits. Yes, Walmart.com accepts EBT cards for online grocery purchases in most states. This means you can shop for SNAP-eligible foods from the comfort of your home and have them delivered or picked up at your local Walmart store. However, keep in mind that not all items are SNAP-eligible. We’ll talk about that later.
Setting Up Your Walmart.com Account and Profile
Before you can start shopping, you’ll need a Walmart.com account. If you don’t already have one, creating an account is easy. Go to Walmart.com and click the “Sign In” button in the top right corner. Follow the prompts to create a new account using your email address and choosing a password. Make sure to use an email address you check regularly, as this is how Walmart will communicate with you about your orders.
Next, you’ll want to add your address and other important information to your profile. This ensures that your orders can be properly delivered or prepared for pickup. You will also be able to set a default payment option. This setting allows for a faster checkout experience. You’ll also be able to view your order history and manage your shopping lists.
When you’re ready to add your EBT card, you’ll do this during the checkout process. Don’t worry, we’ll get to that in a minute. For now, just focus on having a valid Walmart.com account.
Keep in mind that you can also shop using your Walmart app on your phone. You will still need an account and the process of using your EBT is similar. It’s just a matter of personal preference!
What Can I Buy with Food Stamps Online?
Not everything you see on Walmart.com is eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits. Generally, SNAP benefits are intended for food and non-alcoholic beverages. This means you can buy the essentials to cook meals, such as fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, and grains. The list of what is and isn’t covered can sometimes be tricky, so always double-check before you order.
Here’s a general idea, but remember to check the specific product details on Walmart.com for the most accurate information. SNAP generally covers:
- Fruits and Vegetables (fresh, frozen, canned)
- Meat, Poultry, and Fish
- Dairy Products (milk, cheese, yogurt)
- Breads and Cereals
- Seeds and Plants (to grow food)
Items that are usually *not* covered include: alcohol, tobacco products, vitamins, supplements, pet food, paper products, household supplies, and prepared foods that are hot at the point of sale.
If you’re unsure about an item, look for the “SNAP Eligible” label on the product page. This label confirms that the item can be purchased with your EBT card. Walmart.com will also automatically filter your search results to show only eligible items if you indicate that you are using SNAP. You can adjust your search filters to make it easier to find items that you can purchase with your food stamps.
The Checkout Process Using Your EBT Card
Once you’ve filled your online cart with your desired SNAP-eligible groceries, it’s time to checkout! This process is pretty straightforward, but it’s important to pay attention to the details to ensure your order goes through successfully.
First, proceed to the checkout. You’ll be prompted to select a delivery method (delivery to your home or pickup at the store). Choose the option that works best for you. The pickup option is free, while delivery may have a fee.
On the payment page, you’ll see options for different payment methods. This is where you’ll enter your EBT card information. You’ll typically need to provide the card number, expiration date, and the name on the card. You may also need to enter the security code found on the back of your card. Remember that EBT cards are not able to be saved to a profile for security reasons, so you will have to enter the card information each time you make a purchase.
For items *not* covered by SNAP, like diapers or cleaning supplies, you’ll need to use a separate payment method, such as a debit or credit card. Walmart.com will usually split your payment between your EBT card and another form of payment. Here’s how the payment splitting typically works:
- Add all your items to your cart.
- During checkout, select EBT as your payment method.
- The website will automatically separate the eligible and non-eligible items.
- Enter your EBT card information.
- Pay for the remaining non-SNAP items with another form of payment.
Understanding Delivery and Pickup Options
Walmart offers two main ways to receive your online grocery order: delivery and pickup. Both options have their own benefits, so choose the one that best fits your needs.
Delivery: With delivery, your groceries are brought directly to your doorstep. Keep in mind that delivery fees may apply, and they vary depending on your location and the order total. Check the Walmart website for the specific delivery fees in your area.
Pickup: Walmart Grocery Pickup is a free service that lets you order groceries online and pick them up at your local store. When your order is ready, you’ll receive a notification, and you can simply drive to the designated pickup area at the store. Someone will load your groceries into your car, and you won’t even have to leave your vehicle! Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | Delivery | Pickup |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | May have delivery fees | Free |
| Convenience | Groceries delivered to your door | Pick up at a designated area |
| Availability | Varies by location | Available at most Walmart stores |
Before selecting a delivery or pickup time, make sure that the items you’ve selected are available at your selected location. You will receive notifications on your phone or email with any changes to your order.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even though the process is usually smooth, sometimes you might run into a few snags when using your EBT card on Walmart.com. Don’t worry, these issues are usually easy to fix.
Declined EBT Card: If your card is declined, it could be due to a few reasons: insufficient funds, an incorrect card number or expiration date, or a temporary problem with the card processing system. Always double-check your balance before shopping. If the information is correct, there might be a problem with the payment processing system, so you might want to try again later. You can also contact your EBT card’s customer service number (usually found on the back of your card) to check your balance and verify that your card is active.
Order Cancellation: Sometimes, items in your order might be out of stock. If this happens, Walmart will usually offer substitutions or remove the item from your order and adjust the total. Occasionally, an order might be canceled. Walmart will usually notify you if your order has been cancelled. In the event of cancellation, make sure your EBT funds are returned to your card in a timely manner.
Incorrect SNAP Eligibility: If you believe an item was incorrectly marked as not SNAP-eligible, you can contact Walmart customer service to inquire about the item. The customer service representatives are usually happy to assist you.
If you run into any other issues, Walmart’s customer service can help. You can usually find contact information on the Walmart.com website or app. Being aware of these common problems can help ensure a smooth shopping experience.
Conclusion
Using food stamps on Walmart.com is a convenient and easy way to purchase groceries online. By following these simple steps and understanding the eligibility requirements, you can make sure that you’re getting the food you need while utilizing your SNAP benefits effectively. Remember to always double-check your order and your EBT card balance before completing your purchase. Happy shopping!