WIC purchases on the Walmart app work through a separate payment method called SNAP/WIC that you add to your account

The Walmart app does not process WIC the same way it processes regular debit or credit cards. Instead, you link your WIC card (also called an EBT card) to your Walmart account, then use it at checkout. The app will show you which items in your cart are WIC-approved and which are not — items that don't match your state's WIC food list will be flagged and removed before payment.

You can only use WIC through the Walmart app for in-store pickup or delivery, not for online-only orders. This matters because some items available on the website may not be available for pickup at your local store, even if they are WIC-approved foods.

Key Takeaways

  • Add your WIC card to your Walmart account under payment methods before you shop, using the card number on the front of your EBT card.
  • The Walmart app automatically removes non-WIC items from your cart at checkout and tells you which foods are approved in your state.
  • You can use WIC only for in-store pickup or delivery orders through the app, not for items shipped to your home.
  • Your WIC balance and remaining benefits show in the app after you link your card, so you can check what you have left before you shop.

Steps to add your WIC card to the Walmart app

Open the Walmart app and go to Account (usually a person icon at the bottom of the screen). Tap Payment Methods or Manage Payment, then select Add Payment Method. Choose EBT/SNAP from the list — do not choose a regular debit or credit card option.

Enter the 16-digit card number from the front of your WIC card, then the expiration date and CVV (the three-digit number on the back). Tap Add Card. Walmart will ask you to enter your PIN — this is the same four-digit PIN you use at the store to access your WIC balance. After you enter it, the card is linked and ready to use.

Your WIC balance will now show in the app under your payment methods. Check this balance before you shop to know how much you have left for the month. The balance updates after each purchase, though it may take a few hours to reflect in the app.

How to shop for WIC foods on the Walmart app

Search for items or browse categories as you normally would. As you add items to your cart, the app checks them against your state's WIC food list. Items that are not WIC-approved will show a small label or icon — the exact label depends on your state and the Walmart app version, but it will clearly mark non-approved items.

At checkout, select your WIC card as the payment method. The app will remove any non-WIC items automatically and show you the total for approved foods only. You will see a breakdown of what is being paid with WIC and what (if anything) you are paying with another method. Review this carefully before you confirm the order.

For pickup orders, you choose a pickup time and location. Walmart staff will gather your approved WIC items and hold them for you. For delivery, you choose a delivery window. In both cases, you do not need to be present to pay — the payment is processed when you place the order through the app.

What WIC foods you can and cannot buy through the app

WIC covers specific foods only: milk, cheese, yogurt, eggs, beans and peas, peanut butter, cereal, bread, juice, and produce like carrots, apples, and broccoli. The exact brands and package sizes approved vary by state. Your state's WIC program publishes a list of approved items, and Walmart's app uses that same list to filter what you can buy.

You cannot use WIC to buy hot foods, prepared foods, vitamins, formula (unless you are in a state that covers infant formula through WIC), or anything not on the approved list. If you add an unapproved item to your cart, the app will flag it and remove it at checkout. You can still buy those items with a different payment method if you want.

Some Walmart locations may not stock all WIC-approved items, especially fresh produce. If an item is approved but not in stock at your local store, it will not appear in the app's search results for that location. You can check a different store's inventory or choose delivery if your store does not have what you need.

Troubleshooting common problems with WIC on the Walmart app

Your WIC card will not link: Make sure you entered the 16-digit card number correctly — it is on the front of your physical card. Check that the expiration date and CVV match what is printed on the card. If the app still rejects it, your card may not be activated yet. Contact your state's WIC program to confirm your card is active before trying again.

Items are being removed at checkout: This happens when Walmart's system does not recognize an item as WIC-approved in your state. Check your state's WIC food list to confirm the item is approved. If it is, the issue may be that Walmart's database has not updated yet. Try searching for a different brand or size of the same food. If the problem continues, contact Walmart customer service and your state WIC program.

Your balance shows as zero or very low: WIC benefits reset on a specific date each month — usually the first or a date assigned to your case. If your balance is zero and you know you should have benefits, check the reset date in your WIC paperwork or call your state WIC program. The app balance may also lag behind your actual balance by a few hours after a purchase.

You cannot complete a pickup or delivery order: Walmart may not offer pickup or delivery at your location, or the service may be temporarily unavailable. Try a different store location if one is nearby. If you are trying to order for delivery, check that your address is within the delivery zone. You can always shop in the store with your physical WIC card instead.

When to use the Walmart app versus shopping in the store

The Walmart app is faster if you know exactly what you want and your store offers pickup or delivery. You avoid checkout lines and can shop from home. However, pickup and delivery orders take time to prepare — usually a few hours to a day — so plan ahead if you need groceries urgently.

Shopping in the store with your physical WIC card is still the most reliable option. You can see all available items, check quality and freshness, and take your groceries home immediately. The app works well for repeat orders or when you want to avoid crowds, but it does not replace in-store shopping for all situations.

If you are new to using WIC or new to the Walmart app, try shopping in the store first to understand which items are approved. Once you are familiar with the approved foods, using the app becomes easier because you already know what to look for.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use WIC on the Walmart website instead of the app?

No. WIC only works through the Walmart mobile app for pickup and delivery orders. The website does not process WIC payments. You must download the Walmart app and link your WIC card there to use it for online orders.

What happens if I try to buy a non-WIC item with my WIC card?

The app removes non-approved items from your cart automatically before checkout. You will see a list of what is being removed. If you want to buy those items, you can add them back and pay with a different payment method — debit card, credit card, or cash at pickup.

Does my WIC balance show in real time on the app?

Your balance updates after each purchase, but it may take a few hours to show in the app. The balance you see when you first link your card is accurate, but after you shop, wait a few hours before checking again to see the updated amount.

Can I use WIC for Walmart+ delivery or same-day delivery?

This depends on your state and Walmart location. Some states allow WIC for standard delivery but not for Walmart+ or same-day options. Check your state's WIC rules or contact Walmart customer service to confirm which delivery speeds accept WIC at your store.

What do I do if my WIC card is lost or stolen?

Contact your state WIC program immediately to report it. They will deactivate the old card and issue a replacement. Until you receive the new card, you cannot use WIC on the app or in stores. Your state program can tell you how long a replacement takes.