Grocery shopping is a big part of life, and figuring out the best way to do it can be tricky! These days, lots of people use Instacart, a service that lets you order groceries online from stores like Walmart and have them delivered to your door. If you’re receiving benefits through EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer), you might be wondering if you can use those benefits to pay for your Instacart order from Walmart. This essay will answer that question and explore some other important details about using EBT for Walmart orders on Instacart.
The Big Question: Does Walmart Take EBT on Instacart?
So, what’s the deal? Yes, Walmart accepts EBT payments for eligible food items when you order through Instacart. This is good news if you rely on EBT to help you buy groceries! It makes it easier and more convenient to get the food you need without having to go to the store yourself.
What Can You Buy With EBT Through Instacart?
When you use EBT on Instacart, you can only purchase items that are considered “SNAP-eligible.” SNAP stands for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and it’s the government program that provides EBT benefits. This typically includes a wide variety of foods, but it *doesn’t* include things like:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tobacco products
- Vitamins and supplements
- Pet food
- Household supplies (like paper towels or cleaning products)
You’ll see a little “EBT” badge on Instacart next to the items that are eligible. This is a great way to ensure you’re spending your benefits on the right things. Remember, EBT is specifically for food, so anything that isn’t a food product will need to be paid for separately.
When you’re shopping for EBT-eligible items, you’ll notice that Instacart makes it easy to find what you need. You can use the search bar to look for specific foods like milk, eggs, or bread.
Also, keep in mind that each state has its own specific rules about what is allowed. Be sure to look for the items that have a green checkmark to verify that they are eligible.
How to Use EBT on Instacart for Walmart Orders
Using your EBT card on Instacart is pretty straightforward, but there are a few steps to follow. First, you’ll need to make sure you have an Instacart account. If you don’t already have one, you’ll need to create one and add your Walmart store of choice as a place to shop.
After you’ve chosen your groceries and are ready to check out, look for the option to add your EBT card information. You’ll usually find this under the payment options section. The Instacart website or app will prompt you to enter your EBT card number, expiration date, and billing address.
Then, you have to make sure to use your EBT funds for the appropriate items. Instacart will separate the eligible items from the ineligible items.
Here’s a basic rundown of the steps to using your EBT card on Instacart:
- Create an Instacart account.
- Add Walmart as your preferred store.
- Shop for your groceries.
- During checkout, enter your EBT card information.
- Pay for eligible items with EBT.
- Pay for ineligible items with a different payment method.
Dealing with Delivery Fees and Other Charges
This is a key point: EBT covers the cost of the food, but it *doesn’t* usually cover other fees. Instacart has charges for things like delivery fees, service fees, and sometimes even tips for the shopper (who is delivering the groceries).
You’ll need to pay those extra fees with a separate payment method. This can be a credit card, debit card, or even a different type of government assistance like cash-back programs or refunds you get. You should always check the payment details carefully before you place your order to see exactly what you’ll be charged. Also, tips are usually not covered by EBT.
Before you order, double-check that the correct payment method is selected for both your groceries (using EBT) and any extra fees (using another payment method). If you’re unsure about how to do this, Instacart has a FAQ section and customer support to help you.
Here’s a simple breakdown of what’s usually covered and what isn’t:
| Charges | Payment Method |
|---|---|
| SNAP-eligible food items | EBT |
| Delivery fees | Credit/Debit Card |
| Service fees | Credit/Debit Card |
| Tips | Credit/Debit Card |
Finding Out-of-Stock Items and Replacements
Sometimes, when your Instacart shopper goes to Walmart, they might find that an item you ordered is out of stock. Don’t worry, the shopper can usually suggest a replacement!
You’ll get a notification from Instacart about the replacement options, and you can approve them or choose not to have them. Make sure to keep an eye on your phone or the Instacart app while your shopper is shopping so you can quickly respond to any questions about replacements.
If you don’t like any of the proposed replacement items, you can also tell the shopper to skip that item and not get anything for it. Keep in mind that in the case of EBT purchases, you can not pay for any items that are ineligible with your EBT card.
The following is a quick guide on how to handle out-of-stock issues:
- You’ll receive a notification.
- Review replacement options.
- Approve the replacement, or tell the shopper no.
- The shopper completes your order.
Tips for a Smooth Instacart and EBT Experience
To make sure everything goes smoothly when using EBT on Instacart, there are a few things you can do. The first thing is to create a clear budget! Plan what you’re going to buy before you shop, so you don’t accidentally go over your EBT balance.
Also, be sure to keep track of your EBT balance. Instacart doesn’t directly show you your balance, so you might have to check it through your state’s EBT portal or by calling the customer service number on the back of your EBT card. That way, you can be sure that you have enough money in your account to cover the cost of your groceries.
Here’s a quick tip:
- Make a list!
- Track your balance.
- Check the payment details.
- Stay in contact with your shopper.
Lastly, make sure you check the payment details before you finalize your order. This is a great way to prevent any surprises at checkout!
What if There Are Problems?
Even with the best planning, sometimes things don’t go as planned. What do you do if there’s an issue with your order or payment? Instacart has customer support to assist you, and they can help if you have any questions or issues.
You can contact them through the Instacart app or website. You might also want to make sure your EBT card is activated, and it has enough funds on it. There may also be an issue with your internet or Wi-Fi.
If you notice a mistake in your bill or a problem with your order, contact Instacart right away. The company’s team is pretty good at trying to help resolve any issues, but the best thing to do is to be polite and be as clear as possible about the problem you’re having.
Here’s a short rundown of the steps you can take if there’s an issue:
- Contact Instacart customer support.
- Provide order details.
- Explain the problem.
- Follow the support team’s instructions.
In conclusion, yes, you can absolutely use EBT to purchase eligible food items on Instacart from Walmart! It’s a convenient option that allows you to have your groceries delivered to your door while still utilizing your SNAP benefits. Just remember to plan your shopping, understand what is and isn’t covered by EBT, and keep an eye on those delivery and service fees. With a little planning, you can make the most of your EBT benefits and get the groceries you need!