Instacart accepts EBT for some orders, but not all items or locations

Instacart does accept SNAP benefits (EBT) in most U.S. states, but the rules are strict. You can use your EBT card to pay for may be able to access food items — fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, bread, and other groceries — but not for alcohol, hot prepared food, vitamins, or household supplies. The availability of EBT on Instacart varies by state and by which store you're ordering from through the app. Some states and store partnerships don't yet support EBT payments.

When you check out on Instacart, you'll see which items in your cart are EBT-may be able to access. The app will let you know if your state or the store you've selected doesn't accept EBT. If you live in a state where Instacart accepts EBT, you can add your EBT card information during checkout the same way you would add a credit card.

Key Takeaways

  • Instacart accepts EBT in most states, but you can only buy food items that SNAP covers — no alcohol, hot food, or non-food goods.
  • Not every store available on Instacart accepts EBT payments, so you may need to choose a different retailer in the app to use your card.
  • You add your EBT card to Instacart at checkout, and the app shows you which items are may be able to access before you pay.
  • Delivery fees and tips cannot be paid with EBT — you'll need a separate payment method for those costs.
  • Some states do not yet support EBT on Instacart, so check whether your state is included before you try to use your card.

Which stores on Instacart accept EBT payments

Instacart partners with different grocery stores in different regions. EBT is accepted at some of these partners but not all. Stores that currently accept EBT on Instacart include Whole Foods, Safeway, Kroger, Albertsons, and others, but this list changes and varies by location. When you open the app and select your delivery address, you'll see which stores are available in your area. Only stores marked as accepting EBT will let you pay with your card.

If your preferred store doesn't show EBT as a payment option, you have two choices: order from a different store that does accept EBT, or shop in person and use your EBT card directly. Some areas have very few Instacart partners that accept EBT, so it's worth checking what's available before you set up an order.

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 and vegetables, meat and poultry, fish and seafood, dairy products, breads and cereals, snacks like nuts and seeds, and beverages like milk and juice. You cannot use EBT for alcohol, tobacco, hot or prepared foods, vitamins and medicines, pet food, or household items like paper towels or cleaning supplies.

When you add items to your Instacart cart, the app marks which ones are EBT-may be able to access. If an item isn't may be able to access, you'll see a note next to it. At checkout, Instacart will separate your may be able to access items from ineligible ones and ask you to choose a payment method for each group. Your EBT card covers only the may be able to access food items; you'll need a credit card, debit card, or other payment method for anything else, including delivery fees and tips.

How to add your EBT card to Instacart

To use EBT on Instacart, you need to add your card information to your account. Open the Instacart app, go to your account settings, and select "Payment Methods." Choose "Add Payment Method" and select "EBT Card." Enter your card number, expiration date, and PIN. Instacart will ask you to verify the card, which usually happens instantly.

Once your EBT card is saved, you can use it at checkout for any may be able to access items at stores that accept EBT. You don't have to use it every time — you can choose which payment method to use for each order. If your EBT card is declined at checkout, it usually means your balance is too low, the card has expired, or the store you selected doesn't accept EBT in your state.

States where Instacart does not yet accept EBT

Instacart's EBT program is still rolling out across the country. Most states now support EBT on Instacart, but a few do not yet. The list of states that don't support EBT on Instacart changes as the company expands the program. Before you try to add your EBT card, check Instacart's website or contact their customer service to confirm whether your state is included.

If your state doesn't support EBT on Instacart, you can still use your SNAP benefits at other grocery delivery services. Amazon Fresh, for example, accepts EBT in some states. You can also shop in person at any store that accepts SNAP, or look into whether your state runs its own grocery delivery program for SNAP recipients.

Delivery fees, tips, and other costs you cannot pay with EBT

Your EBT card can only pay for the may be able to access food items themselves. Instacart's delivery fee, service fee, and any tip you want to leave for the shopper must be paid with a credit card, debit card, or other non-EBT payment method. This means you'll need at least two payment methods on file if you want to use EBT on Instacart.

The total cost of your order will be higher than the food items alone because of these fees. Instacart shows you the breakdown at checkout so you know exactly what you're paying with EBT and what you're paying with your other card. Some people find that the fees make delivery more expensive than shopping in person, so it's worth comparing the total cost before you place an order.

What happens if your EBT card is declined

If Instacart declines your EBT card at checkout, the most common reason is that your SNAP balance is too low to cover the may be able to access items in your cart. Check your balance through your state's EBT website or customer service line before you try again. Other reasons for a decline include an expired card, an incorrect PIN, or a temporary hold on your account.

If you've confirmed your balance is sufficient and your card is valid, the problem may be that the store you selected doesn't accept EBT in your state, even though it appears in the Instacart app. Try selecting a different store and see if that works. If you're still having trouble, contact Instacart customer service or your state's EBT customer service line for help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use EBT to pay for Instacart's delivery fee?

No. EBT only covers the may be able to access food items in your order. You must pay the delivery fee, service fee, and tip with a credit card, debit card, or other payment method. This is the same rule that applies when you use SNAP in a physical store — the card covers food, not fees.

What if I have items in my cart that aren't EBT-may be able to access?

Instacart will separate your may be able to access and ineligible items at checkout. You'll pay for the may be able to access food with your EBT card and for everything else with another payment method. You can also remove ineligible items from your cart before checkout if you prefer.

Does Instacart accept EBT in my state?

Most states support EBT on Instacart, but not all. Check Instacart's website or contact their customer service to confirm your state is included. You can also try adding your EBT card during checkout — the app will tell you if your state isn't supported.

Can I use my EBT card on Instacart if I'm ordering from a store that doesn't normally accept SNAP?

No. Instacart only allows EBT at stores that have agreed to accept it. Even if a store sells SNAP-may be able to access items, it won't accept your EBT card on Instacart unless it's part of the program. You'll need to choose a different store or shop in person.

What if my EBT balance runs out mid-order?

Instacart checks your balance when you enter your PIN at checkout. If your balance is too low to cover the may be able to access items, the transaction will be declined. You can add funds to your EBT account through your state's system and try again, or remove some items from your cart to lower the total.