Yes, Walmart accepts SNAP benefits at most locations

Walmart is an authorized retailer for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly called food stamps. You can use your SNAP card to buy may be able to access food items at nearly all Walmart stores and Walmart.com. The card works like a debit card at checkout — you tell the cashier you're paying with SNAP, and they process it through the system.

Not every Walmart location accepts SNAP online, though most do. If you plan to order groceries through Walmart.com using SNAP benefits, check your state's SNAP program website or call your state's SNAP customer service line to confirm your local store participates in online ordering. Some rural Walmart locations and smaller format stores may not have the infrastructure set up yet.

Key Takeaways

  • Walmart accepts SNAP cards in-store at the vast majority of locations nationwide, and many Walmart.com orders can be paid with SNAP benefits.
  • You can only buy food items with SNAP — not household supplies, toiletries, alcohol, hot foods, or items prepared in the deli or bakery.
  • Your SNAP card works at the register just like a debit card; you do not need to show ID or provide any special information beyond your PIN.
  • If your card is declined, contact your state SNAP office to check your balance and account status before returning to shop.

What you can and cannot buy with SNAP at Walmart

SNAP covers food you prepare at home. This means you can buy fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, breads, cereals, snack foods, and non-alcoholic beverages. You can also purchase seeds and plants that produce food.

SNAP does not cover hot or prepared foods, even if they're in the grocery section. At Walmart, this means you cannot use SNAP to buy rotisserie chicken, deli sandwiches, hot pizza, or items from the hot food bar. You also cannot buy alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, medicines, pet food, soap, paper products, or anything from the general merchandise section. If you're unsure whether an item is covered, the cashier can look it up in the system before you check out.

How to use your SNAP card at Walmart checkout

Bring your SNAP card (also called an EBT card) to the register along with any other payment method you want to use for non-food items. Tell the cashier you're paying with SNAP. They will ask you to swipe your card or insert it into the card reader, then enter your four-digit PIN. The system will deduct the cost of may be able to access items from your SNAP balance.

If you're buying both SNAP-may be able to access food and items SNAP does not cover (like paper towels or shampoo), the cashier will ring everything separately. Your SNAP card pays for the food, and you'll pay for the other items with cash, a credit card, or a debit card. This is called a split transaction and happens automatically — you don't have to do anything special to request it.

Using SNAP online at Walmart.com

Walmart.com allows SNAP payments in most states through a program called SNAP Online Purchasing. You create an account, add may be able to access items to your cart, and select SNAP as your payment method at checkout. The system will deduct the cost from your SNAP balance, and you can pick up your order at a nearby Walmart or have it delivered to your home, depending on your location.

Not all states participate in SNAP Online Purchasing yet, and availability varies by store. Before you start shopping online, check whether your state and store are included. You can find this information on your state SNAP program's website or by calling the customer service number on the back of your SNAP card. If your store doesn't participate, you can still shop in person.

What to do if your SNAP card is declined

If your card doesn't work at checkout, several things could be happening. Your account may have insufficient funds, your card may have expired, or there could be a temporary system issue. Ask the cashier to try the transaction again. If it's declined a second time, step aside and contact your state SNAP office using the number on your card or your state's SNAP website.

Do not leave the store without knowing why the card was declined. Your state SNAP office can tell you your current balance, whether your card is active, and whether there are any holds on your account. If the balance is low, you may be able to reapply for benefits if you meet the income and resource limits. If the card has expired, your state office can issue a replacement.

Other stores that accept SNAP

SNAP works at most grocery stores, supermarkets, and farmers markets across the country. Target, Kroger, Safeway, Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, and most regional grocery chains accept SNAP. Convenience stores, dollar stores, and some pharmacies also participate, though their selection of fresh food is usually limited. Costco and Sam's Club do not accept SNAP.

You can find a complete list of authorized retailers near you by visiting the USDA's SNAP Retailer Locator at fns.usda.gov or by calling your state SNAP office. The locator shows which stores accept SNAP and whether they offer online ordering with SNAP benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to show ID when I use my SNAP card at Walmart?

No. You only need to enter your four-digit PIN. Walmart cashiers are not allowed to ask for ID when you use SNAP. If a cashier asks for ID, politely decline and ask to speak to a manager.

Can I use someone else's SNAP card if they give me permission?

No. SNAP cards are for the person whose name is on the card only. Using someone else's card is fraud and can result in criminal charges and repayment requirements. Each household member with their own SNAP case has their own card.

What happens if I buy non-food items by mistake with my SNAP card?

The system will not allow it. When you swipe your SNAP card, the register only accepts payment for may be able to access food items. Non-food items must be paid for separately with another payment method. If an item rings up as SNAP-may be able to access by mistake, the cashier can remove it and ring it up as a separate transaction.

Can I get cash back from my SNAP card at Walmart?

No. SNAP cards cannot be used to withdraw cash. Your SNAP benefits can only be spent on may be able to access food. If you need cash, you may be able to use your card at an ATM if your state offers the ATM feature, but this varies by state. Contact your state SNAP office to ask whether ATM access is available in your state.