Shipt does not accept EBT cards as payment

Shipt, the same-day delivery service owned by Target, does not take EBT (SNAP benefits) directly through their app or website. You cannot link an EBT card to your Shipt account or use it to pay for orders. This applies whether you're ordering groceries, household items, or anything else Shipt delivers.

The reason is straightforward: Shipt is a third-party delivery service, not a retailer. SNAP rules allow benefits only at stores authorized to accept them directly — meaning the store itself processes the EBT transaction. When you order through Shipt, Shipt's employees do the shopping and handle the payment, which breaks the direct-purchase requirement.

However, there are ways to use SNAP benefits to get groceries delivered. Understanding which services work and which don't can save you time and frustration.

Key Takeaways

  • Shipt does not accept EBT cards, and you cannot use SNAP benefits through their app or website.
  • Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods (which Amazon owns) accept EBT in some states, though availability varies by location.
  • Walmart and Target both offer grocery delivery and accept EBT when you order directly from their websites or apps, not through third-party services.
  • The key difference is whether you're paying the retailer directly or paying a delivery service that shops on your behalf.

Which delivery services do accept EBT

Amazon Fresh accepts EBT in select states including California, Washington, New York, Illinois, and others. You can use your EBT card to pay for may be able to access groceries through the Amazon Fresh app or website. However, Amazon Fresh is not available in all areas, and availability changes. Check whether it operates in your zip code before assuming you can use it.

Whole Foods Market, also owned by Amazon, accepts EBT in-store in most locations. Some areas have begun offering Whole Foods delivery with EBT payment, but this is not yet nationwide. Call your local Whole Foods to ask whether they deliver and whether EBT is accepted on delivery orders.

Walmart accepts EBT for grocery delivery through Walmart.com and the Walmart app when you order directly from Walmart. You cannot use EBT through third-party delivery apps like DoorDash or Instacart when ordering from Walmart, but Walmart's own delivery service does take it.

Target does not accept EBT for delivery orders placed through Target.com or the Target app. You can use EBT in Target stores for may be able to access items, but not for online orders or delivery.

Why third-party delivery services don't accept EBT

SNAP rules require that you purchase food directly from an authorized retailer. When you use a third-party delivery app — whether Shipt, DoorDash, Instacart, or Uber Eats — the app is the merchant processing your payment, not the grocery store. From SNAP's perspective, you're buying a service (delivery and shopping), not buying groceries directly.

The exception is when a retailer runs its own delivery service and processes the EBT payment themselves. Walmart and Amazon do this, which is why their own delivery services can accept EBT. Shipt cannot, because Shipt is a separate company that shops on behalf of multiple retailers.

How to use SNAP benefits for grocery delivery

Start by checking what services operate in your area. Go to Amazon Fresh's website and enter your zip code. Check Walmart.com to see whether grocery delivery is available where you live. Call your local Whole Foods to ask about delivery options.

Once you've confirmed a service is available, you'll need to link your EBT card to your account. For Amazon Fresh and Walmart, this happens during checkout — you select EBT as your payment method and enter your card details. The process is the same as paying in a store, except you're doing it online.

Keep in mind that EBT only covers food items, not household supplies, alcohol, hot foods, or prepared meals. If your order includes non-food items, you'll need a second payment method (debit card, credit card, or cash) to cover those.

What if delivery isn't available in your area

If none of these services deliver to your location, you have other options. Many local grocery stores offer their own delivery services — call ahead and ask whether they accept EBT for online orders. Some accept it, some don't, and policies vary by store.

You can also use SNAP benefits to shop in-store at any authorized retailer, then use a separate delivery service (paid with your own money) to get groceries home. This costs more out of pocket, but it's an option if delivery with EBT isn't available.

Another route is to check whether your state runs a SNAP Online Purchasing Pilot. Some states have expanded which retailers and delivery services can accept EBT online. Your state's SNAP office or local food bank can tell you whether new options have become available in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Instacart with my EBT card?

Instacart does not accept EBT directly through the app. However, some Instacart orders from certain retailers may be may be able to access for EBT payment in limited states as part of pilot programs. Check Instacart's website or contact your state's SNAP office to see whether this is available where you live.

What if I already have a Shipt membership?

Your Shipt membership remains active and works as usual. You simply cannot use EBT as a payment method. You can still use Shipt with a debit card, credit card, or other accepted payment methods.

Does Target's website accept EBT for grocery orders?

Target.com does not accept EBT for online grocery orders or delivery. You can use EBT to buy may be able to access groceries in Target stores, but not online. If you need delivery, Walmart or Amazon Fresh are better options in most areas.

Can I use EBT for Shipt orders if I shop at Target?

No. Even though Shipt is owned by Target and shops at Target stores, Shipt itself does not accept EBT. The payment goes to Shipt, not directly to Target, which is why EBT cannot be used.

How do I know if Amazon Fresh is available in my zip code?

Go to amazonfresh.com, enter your zip code in the search bar, and the site will tell you whether delivery is available. You can also download the Amazon Fresh app and check availability there. Availability changes, so check before assuming it's available.