Amazon accepts EBT for groceries through Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods Market, but only for food items and only in certain states
Amazon does accept EBT cards for may be able to access food purchases, but with real limits. You can use your EBT card on Amazon Fresh (Amazon's grocery delivery service) and at Whole Foods Market locations, but only to buy food items that may have access to under the SNAP program. You cannot use EBT to pay for non-food items, prepared foods, or delivery fees. The service is available in some states and regions but not everywhere.
The federal government expanded online SNAP purchasing in 2020, and Amazon became one of the approved retailers. However, the rollout has been gradual, and availability depends on where you live and which Amazon service you use.
Key Takeaways
- Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods Market both accept EBT cards for SNAP-may be able to access groceries, but the service is not available in all states.
- You can only use EBT to buy food items—not household supplies, vitamins, prepared foods, or delivery and service fees.
- To use EBT on Amazon Fresh, you must add your EBT card as a payment method in your Amazon account and select it at checkout.
- Whole Foods accepts EBT in-store at participating locations; you cannot use it for Whole Foods online orders.
- Check your state's SNAP program website or contact your local benefits office to confirm whether online SNAP purchasing is available in your area.
How to use EBT on Amazon Fresh
To pay with EBT on Amazon Fresh, start by signing into your Amazon account and going to Your Account > Your Payments. Add your EBT card as a payment method by entering the card number, expiration date, and CVV. Save it to your account.
Once your EBT card is linked, shop for may be able to access groceries on Amazon Fresh as you normally would. At checkout, select your EBT card as the payment method. The system will separate SNAP-may be able to access items from ineligible ones—you will only be charged EBT for the food items that may have access to. You will need to pay with a different payment method for any non-may be able to access items in your cart.
Amazon Fresh is available in select cities and regions. If you do not see Amazon Fresh as an option in your area, the service may not have launched there yet. Check the Amazon Fresh website to see if it serves your zip code.
What you can and cannot buy with EBT on Amazon
SNAP covers most foods you eat at home: fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, dairy, grains, snack foods, and beverages. You can buy frozen, canned, and fresh versions of these items. Seeds and plants that produce food are also covered.
SNAP does not cover prepared foods, hot foods, vitamins, medicines, pet food, household supplies, or alcohol. On Amazon Fresh, you also cannot use EBT to pay for delivery fees, service fees, or subscription costs like Amazon Prime. If your cart contains both may be able to access and ineligible items, you will be asked to pay for the ineligible items separately.
Using EBT at Whole Foods Market
Whole Foods Market accepts EBT cards in-store at most locations. You can use your EBT card to buy any SNAP-may be able to access food items, just as you would at any other grocery store. The same rules apply: food items only, no prepared foods, no household goods.
Whole Foods does not currently accept EBT for online orders or delivery through Amazon Fresh or Whole Foods' own website. If you want to use EBT at Whole Foods, you must shop in person at a participating location. Not every Whole Foods store accepts EBT, so call ahead or check the Whole Foods website to confirm your local store participates.
Checking if online SNAP is available in your state
Online SNAP purchasing is not available everywhere. The program has rolled out to most states, but some states have not yet joined or have limited availability. To find out whether you can use EBT online in your state, contact your state's SNAP program office or local benefits office. You can also search the USDA's list of approved online retailers by state on their website.
If online SNAP is not yet available in your state, you can still use your EBT card at physical grocery stores, farmers markets (in some cases), and other in-person retailers. Your state benefits office can tell you which retailers near you accept EBT.
Troubleshooting common issues with EBT on Amazon
If your EBT card is declined on Amazon Fresh, the most common reasons are: the card is not linked correctly to your account, your EBT balance is too low, or online SNAP is not available in your state. Try removing the card from your account and adding it again, making sure you enter the number and expiration date exactly as they appear on the card.
If you see an error message saying your card is not accepted, check whether Amazon Fresh delivers to your zip code. If it does not, you will not be able to place an order. If you have questions about your EBT balance or whether your card is active, contact your state's SNAP program or the customer service number on the back of your card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use EBT to pay for Amazon Prime delivery on Fresh?
No. EBT covers only the food items themselves, not delivery fees or Prime membership costs. If your order includes both may be able to access food and a delivery fee, you will be charged EBT for the food and asked to pay the delivery fee with a different payment method.
Does Amazon Fresh accept EBT in all states?
No. Online SNAP purchasing is available in most states, but not all. Availability also depends on your zip code—Amazon Fresh may not deliver to your area even if your state participates. Check the Amazon Fresh website or your state SNAP office to confirm.
Can I use EBT to buy prepared foods or hot foods from Amazon Fresh?
No. SNAP does not cover prepared, cooked, or hot foods. You can buy raw ingredients and ready-to-eat foods that are not heated, like deli salads or cold sandwiches, but not items prepared in a kitchen or heated for sale.
What happens if I have both may be able to access and ineligible items in my Amazon Fresh cart?
Amazon Fresh will separate them at checkout. You will be charged EBT for the may be able to access food items and asked to pay with a different payment method for ineligible items like household supplies or vitamins.
Can I use EBT at Whole Foods online?
No. Whole Foods only accepts EBT for in-store purchases. You cannot use EBT for Whole Foods online orders or delivery. You must shop in person at a participating Whole Foods location.