Yes, you can use EBT with Instacart, but only for certain items and only in some states

Instacart accepts SNAP benefits (the food part of EBT) in most states, but the rules are strict. You can buy groceries for delivery, but not alcohol, hot foods, vitamins, or anything prepared in the store. You also cannot use EBT to pay the Instacart delivery fee or membership cost — only the food itself. The catch: not every state allows it yet, and not every store on Instacart accepts EBT payments.

If your state does allow it, you link your EBT card to your Instacart account the same way you would a debit card. When you check out, the system splits the payment automatically — EBT covers what it can, and you pay out of pocket for everything else.

Key Takeaways

  • Instacart accepts SNAP benefits in most states, but you must check whether your state participates and whether your local store partner accepts EBT.
  • You can only buy unprepared groceries with EBT through Instacart — no hot foods, alcohol, vitamins, or non-food items.
  • Delivery fees and Instacart+ membership costs cannot be paid with EBT; you pay those separately with another payment method.
  • You add your EBT card to Instacart like a regular debit card, and the app splits the payment between EBT and your other payment method at checkout.

Which states allow EBT on Instacart

Instacart has rolled out EBT acceptance in most states, but the list changes. As of now, the majority of states participate, though a few do not. The best way to know for certain is to try adding your EBT card to your Instacart account — the app will tell you immediately if your state is supported.

Even if your state allows it, your specific store may not. Instacart partners with different grocery chains in different areas, and not all of them have signed on to accept EBT yet. When you search for stores in your area, Instacart shows you which ones take EBT with a small badge or label.

How to add your EBT card to Instacart

Open the Instacart app or website and go to your account settings. Look for "Payment Methods" or "Add Payment Method." Select the option to add a debit card, then enter your EBT card number, expiration date, and CVV the same way you would for any debit card. Instacart will ask you to confirm a small test charge (usually under $1) to your EBT account to verify the card works.

Once your EBT card is linked, you can use it to pay for groceries. At checkout, if you have multiple payment methods saved, make sure your EBT card is selected as the primary payment. The system will charge may be able to access items to your EBT balance first, then ask you to pay for ineligible items with another card.

What you can and cannot buy with EBT on Instacart

SNAP covers the same items on Instacart as it does in a physical store. You can buy fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, bread, cereal, canned goods, frozen vegetables, and other unprepared foods. You can also buy seeds and plants that produce food.

You cannot use EBT for hot or prepared foods, even if they are sold in the grocery section — this includes rotisserie chicken, deli items, or anything heated in the store. Alcohol and tobacco are not covered. Vitamins, medicines, and health supplements are not covered. Non-food items like paper towels, soap, or pet food are not covered, even though some grocery stores sell them.

Instacart's app usually marks ineligible items clearly so you know before you check out. If you add something by mistake, the system will remove it or ask you to pay for it separately.

How the payment split works at checkout

When you have both EBT and another payment method saved, Instacart charges may be able to access items to your EBT card first. If your EBT balance is not enough to cover all may be able to access items, the remaining may be able to access items go to your other card. Ineligible items (like alcohol or delivery fees) always go to your non-EBT payment method.

You will see a breakdown at checkout showing how much is being charged to each card. Review it before you confirm the order. If the split does not look right, you can edit your cart or change which payment method is primary.

Delivery fees and membership costs

Instacart charges delivery fees and service fees separately from the groceries themselves, and these cannot be paid with EBT. You must have another payment method (debit card, credit card, or PayPal) to cover these costs. If you have an Instacart+ membership, that subscription fee also comes from your non-EBT card.

This means even if your groceries are fully covered by your EBT balance, you still need enough on another card to pay the delivery fee. The fee varies depending on the store, the size of your order, and how busy Instacart is at the time you order.

What to do if your state or store does not accept EBT

If Instacart does not accept EBT in your state or at your local stores, you have other options. Many states now allow SNAP benefits through Amazon Fresh or other grocery delivery services — check your state's SNAP program website to see which services are available to you. You can also shop in person at any store that accepts SNAP, or use a local delivery service that your state has approved.

Some areas have community programs or food banks that offer delivery services. Your local 211 service can tell you what is available in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an Instacart+ membership to use EBT?

No. You can use EBT to pay for groceries whether or not you have a membership. The membership is optional and costs extra, but it is not required to shop with EBT.

Can I use EBT to pay the delivery fee?

No. Delivery fees, service fees, and any membership costs must be paid with a separate card or payment method. EBT covers only the may be able to access groceries themselves.

What happens if I do not have enough EBT balance to cover my groceries?

Instacart will charge what it can to your EBT card, then ask you to pay the rest with another payment method. You can also edit your cart before checkout to remove items if you want to stay within your EBT balance.

Can I use EBT for alcohol or hot foods?

No. SNAP does not cover alcohol, tobacco, hot or prepared foods, vitamins, or non-food items. Instacart will not let you pay for these with EBT, though you can buy them with another card if you want.

How do I know if my local store accepts EBT on Instacart?

When you search for stores in your area on Instacart, stores that accept EBT are marked with a badge or label. You can also try adding your EBT card to your account — Instacart will show you which stores in your area support it.