WIC does not work on Amazon, and Amazon does not accept WIC payments for any products

WIC benefits can only be used at authorized brick-and-mortar stores — grocery stores, supermarkets, and farmers markets that have signed up with your state's WIC program. Amazon is not an authorized WIC retailer, so you cannot link your WIC card to an Amazon account or use it to pay for groceries delivered to your home.

This is a federal rule, not a state choice. The USDA, which oversees WIC nationwide, requires that WIC transactions happen in person at approved locations. Online grocery delivery services like Amazon Fresh, Instacart, and Walmart+ do not participate in WIC, even though some of them deliver items that would otherwise be WIC-approved foods.

If you have a WIC card and need groceries, you will need to shop in person at a store in your state's WIC network. Your WIC agency can give you a list of authorized retailers near you, or you can search online using your state's WIC program website.

Key Takeaways

  • WIC benefits only work at physical stores that are authorized by your state's WIC program, not online retailers.
  • Amazon, Amazon Fresh, Instacart, and other delivery services do not accept WIC payments.
  • You must shop in person and swipe your WIC card at the register to use your benefits.
  • Your state WIC office can provide a list of authorized stores near you where you can use your card.
  • Some farmers markets accept WIC, and you can use your benefits there to buy fresh produce directly from vendors.

Where you can actually use your WIC card

Your WIC card works at grocery stores and supermarkets that have registered with your state's WIC program. These include large chains like Kroger, Safeway, Whole Foods, and regional grocers, as well as independent grocery stores and corner markets. The exact list of authorized stores varies by state and sometimes by county.

Farmers markets are another option in many states. If a farmers market is authorized for WIC, you can use your card to buy fresh fruits, vegetables, and sometimes dairy or meat directly from vendors. Some states also allow WIC at food co-ops and specialty stores that meet program requirements.

To find authorized retailers in your area, contact your state WIC program or check your state's WIC website. Many programs have an online store locator where you can enter your zip code and see which locations near you accept WIC.

Why WIC does not work online

The USDA designed WIC to work only at authorized retailers where a cashier can verify that you are buying approved foods. WIC has strict rules about which items you can purchase — certain brands of infant formula, whole grain bread, eggs, milk, cheese, beans, peanut butter, and fresh produce. A cashier at a physical store can check your receipt against these rules and make sure your purchase is correct.

Online retailers cannot easily perform this verification in real time. Amazon does not have the systems in place to confirm that every item in your cart meets WIC requirements before you check out. This is why even grocery delivery services that partner with physical stores — like Instacart or Amazon Fresh — do not accept WIC, even though they sell WIC-approved foods.

The USDA has not changed this rule to allow online WIC purchases, and there is no indication that it plans to. Some states experimented with online WIC during the COVID-19 pandemic, but those programs were temporary and have ended.

What to do if you cannot get to a store

If you have mobility issues, transportation problems, or other barriers to shopping in person, talk to your WIC agency. Some programs offer phone-in ordering at authorized retailers, where you call the store, place an order for WIC-approved items, and pick it up at a designated time. Not all stores offer this, but it is worth asking whether any retailers near you do.

You can also ask your WIC caseworker whether there are authorized stores closer to your home or on a bus route you use. WIC agencies sometimes know about smaller retailers or specialty stores that are not widely advertised but do accept WIC.

If you are housebound or have severe mobility limitations, your WIC agency may be able to refer you to local food banks or other community resources that can help you get groceries. These are separate from WIC but can supplement your benefits.

How to use your WIC card at the store

When you shop at an authorized retailer, put only WIC-approved items in your cart. At checkout, tell the cashier you are paying with WIC. Swipe your WIC card like a debit card, and the register will deduct the cost from your WIC balance. You will see your remaining balance on the receipt.

If you buy items that are not WIC-approved, you will need to pay for those separately with another payment method — cash, debit card, or credit card. The WIC card will only cover the approved items. Make sure you know which foods are approved before you shop so you do not end up with items you cannot pay for.

Your WIC card has a monthly balance that resets each month. Any unused balance does not carry over, so use your benefits before the month ends.

WIC-approved foods you can buy

WIC covers a specific list of foods designed to support nutrition for pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and young children. The approved items include infant formula (specific brands and types), whole grain bread, eggs, milk, yogurt, cheese, canned beans and peas, peanut butter, canned fish, and fresh fruits and vegetables.

The exact list and brands approved vary by state. Some states allow more varieties of produce or different brands of formula than others. When you first get your WIC card, your caseworker will give you a list of approved foods and brands. You can also check your state's WIC website or call your local WIC office if you are unsure whether a specific item is covered.

Items that are never covered include prepared foods, hot foods, candy, soda, meat (except canned fish), poultry, and most dairy products beyond milk, yogurt, and cheese.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use WIC on Walmart.com or other grocery websites?

No. WIC does not work on any online shopping site, including Walmart.com, Target.com, or Kroger's online ordering system. You must shop in person at a physical store location that is authorized for WIC. Some stores may offer phone-in ordering for pickup, but you still cannot use WIC to pay for online orders.

What if I buy something by mistake that is not WIC-approved?

You will need to pay for it with cash, a debit card, or a credit card. The WIC card will only cover approved items. If you realize before checkout that you have non-approved items, you can remove them from your cart. If you already paid, you cannot get a refund on the WIC portion.

Can someone else use my WIC card to shop for me?

Rules vary by state. Some states allow a family member or caregiver to use your WIC card on your behalf, while others require the cardholder to be present. Contact your state WIC program to find out the policy in your state. If a proxy shopper is allowed, you will usually need to sign a form authorizing them.

Do I lose my WIC balance if I do not use it each month?

Yes. WIC benefits reset each month, and any unused balance does not carry over. If you have $50 left on your card at the end of the month, that $50 is gone. Plan your shopping so you use your full balance before the month ends.

What happens if a store says they do not accept WIC anymore?

Report it to your state WIC program right away. Authorized retailers are required to accept WIC, and if a store has stopped, your WIC agency needs to know. You can also ask your caseworker for a list of other authorized stores in your area where you can shop instead.