Online Grocery Stores That Accept EBT

Amazon Fresh, Walmart, and Target accept EBT online for grocery delivery and pickup. Instacart also works with EBT, but only at certain partner stores in your area — not all Instacart retailers take it. The USDA maintains a list of authorized online retailers on their website; as of now, the main ones are Amazon, Walmart, Target, and Instacart, though this list has expanded and may continue to change.

Each retailer has its own rules about which items you can buy with EBT and how the payment process works. Some require you to enter your EBT card information during checkout; others ask you to pay with EBT at pickup or delivery. You cannot use EBT for alcohol, hot foods, vitamins, or non-food items like paper towels or soap, even if you order from a store that takes EBT online.

Key Takeaways

  • Amazon Fresh, Walmart, Target, and Instacart are the main national retailers that take EBT online, though availability varies by location.
  • You can only buy food items with EBT online — the same rules apply as in-store: no alcohol, hot foods, vitamins, or household goods.
  • Some retailers let you enter your EBT card at checkout; others require payment at pickup or delivery, so check the store's process before you order.
  • Not all Instacart locations accept EBT, so you need to check whether your local partner stores participate before placing an order.
  • The USDA's list of authorized online retailers is the official source for which stores can legally accept EBT for online orders.

How to Pay with EBT Online

The payment process depends on which retailer you use. On Amazon Fresh and Walmart, you typically enter your EBT card number, expiration date, and PIN during checkout, just as you would at a physical register. Target works similarly — you add your EBT card to your account and select it as your payment method when you check out.

Instacart's process is different. You cannot enter your EBT card directly into Instacart's system. Instead, you pay with EBT at the partner store's checkout — either in person if you pick up your order, or the Instacart shopper may ask you to pay when they deliver. This means you need to coordinate with the shopper or plan to be home at delivery time.

Before you place an order, check the retailer's website or app for their specific payment instructions. Some stores have changed their processes, and a few may require you to call customer service to set up EBT payment the first time.

Which Stores Work in Your Area

Online EBT acceptance is not available everywhere. Amazon Fresh operates in select cities and regions; Walmart's online grocery service is available in most areas but not all; Target's same-day delivery and pickup services accept EBT in many states but not nationwide. Instacart's EBT acceptance depends entirely on which stores in your area are Instacart partners and whether those partners have agreed to take EBT.

The fastest way to find out what works near you is to visit the store's website or app and enter your zip code. If the store offers online grocery service in your area, it will usually say whether EBT is accepted. If you do not see EBT listed as a payment option, it is not available in your location yet.

You can also call the store's customer service line and ask directly. They can tell you whether online EBT orders are available in your zip code and walk you through the setup process if you need help.

What You Can and Cannot Buy

The rules for what EBT covers online are exactly the same as in-store. You can buy fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, poultry, dairy, bread, cereals, snacks, and other food items meant to be eaten at home. You cannot buy prepared foods, hot items from a deli counter, alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, medicines, pet food, or household supplies.

Some online stores make this clear during checkout — they will show you which items are EBT-may be able to access and which are not. Others do not flag ineligible items until you try to pay. If you have questions about a specific product, check the product description or call the store before you order.

If you accidentally order ineligible items, the store will either remove them from your order or ask you to pay for them separately with another payment method. This can delay your delivery, so it is worth double-checking before you submit your order.

Delivery and Pickup Options

Most retailers that take EBT online offer both delivery and pickup. Delivery times vary — Amazon Fresh and Walmart typically deliver within one to three days in areas where the service is available, though this can be longer during busy periods. Target's same-day delivery is usually faster if you order early in the day. Pickup is often available the same day or next day.

Delivery fees and minimum order amounts vary by store. Some stores waive delivery fees for orders over a certain amount or for members who pay a subscription fee. Pickup is usually free, but you may need to go to the store at a specific time window to collect your order.

Check the store's website for current delivery times and fees in your area before you order. Fees and availability change seasonally and by location.

Setting Up Your EBT Card for Online Orders

To use EBT online, you need an active EBT card with a PIN. If you do not have a PIN or have forgotten it, contact your state's EBT customer service line — the number is on the back of your card. You will need to set up or reset your PIN before you can make an online purchase.

When you are ready to order, go to the retailer's website or app and create an account if you do not have one. During checkout, select EBT as your payment method and enter your card number, expiration date, and PIN. Some stores may ask you to verify your identity or confirm your address before the first purchase goes through.

If you run into trouble entering your card information, try a different browser or clear your browser's cache. If that does not work, call the store's customer service line — they can sometimes process the order over the phone or help you troubleshoot the online system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use EBT to buy groceries on Amazon Prime Now or other Amazon services?

No. Only Amazon Fresh accepts EBT. Amazon Prime Now, Whole Foods, and other Amazon services do not take EBT. Make sure you are ordering from Amazon Fresh specifically, not from the main Amazon store.

What happens if I do not have a delivery address or cannot receive packages?

Use pickup instead. Most retailers that take EBT online offer free in-store pickup. You place your order online, pay with EBT, and pick up your groceries at a set time. This works even if you do not have a permanent address, as long as you can get to the store.

Can I use EBT to pay for delivery fees or tips?

No. EBT only covers the food items themselves. You must pay delivery fees and tips with a credit card, debit card, or other payment method. Some stores let you add a tip at checkout; others ask the delivery driver to collect it.

Do I need a bank account or credit card to order groceries with EBT online?

You need a way to pay for delivery fees and tips if applicable, but you do not need a bank account. A debit card works. If you do not have either, pickup is your best option — you only pay with EBT for the groceries themselves.

What if my EBT card is declined online?

Check that you entered your card number, expiration date, and PIN correctly. Make sure your EBT account has funds available. If the card is still declined, contact your state's EBT customer service line to confirm your card is active. The store's customer service can also help troubleshoot payment issues.