Shopping online has become super popular, and Walmart is a go-to for many people. If you’re getting groceries or other essentials and use EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) for payment, you might be wondering: can you use EBT on the Walmart app? This essay will break down everything you need to know about using your EBT benefits when shopping on the Walmart app, so you can easily get what you need.
Does Walmart App Accept EBT?
Yes, you can use EBT on the Walmart app. Walmart understands the importance of making shopping accessible to everyone, including those using EBT benefits. They’ve worked to make it a convenient and straightforward process, so you can easily manage your food purchases.
Setting Up EBT Payment
To get started, you’ll need to set up your EBT card as a payment method. This part is pretty simple. First, make sure you’ve downloaded the Walmart app on your phone or tablet. Then, you’ll need to add your EBT card information to your account. This is similar to how you’d add a debit or credit card. It’s also important to note that, even though you can use EBT for eligible items, you can’t pay for things like delivery fees with your EBT.
Here’s a basic idea of how to add your EBT card in the app:
- Open the Walmart app and sign in.
- Go to your account settings.
- Look for “Payment Methods” or something similar.
- Add a new payment method and select “EBT.”
You’ll typically need to enter your EBT card number, expiration date, and sometimes your billing address. Double-check all the information for accuracy before saving. After you save it, you’ll be all set to shop!
Once your card is entered, you can designate it as your default payment method for eligible food items or select it at checkout.
What Can You Buy with EBT?
EBT benefits typically cover food items. This means you can use your EBT card to purchase groceries like fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy products, and bread. This is great because it provides access to healthy and nutritious food items that families need. However, it’s important to know what items are not covered by EBT.
Here are a few examples of things that ARE covered:
- Fresh produce: Apples, bananas, lettuce, etc.
- Meat and seafood: Chicken, beef, fish.
- Dairy products: Milk, cheese, yogurt.
- Grains: Bread, rice, pasta.
This list is not exhaustive, but it covers the major food groups. EBT is specifically designed to help people access healthy food options.
So, the next time you’re using the app, pay attention to the items in your cart! If you’re unsure, you can sometimes see whether an item is EBT-eligible by looking for a special tag or icon on the product page.
What Can’t You Buy with EBT?
While EBT covers a wide range of food items, there are some things that you can’t buy with it. The restrictions ensure that EBT benefits are used for their intended purpose, which is to provide access to healthy food options. This helps to ensure that the benefits are used responsibly and effectively.
Some of the items that are not typically covered by EBT include:
- Non-food items: Paper towels, cleaning supplies, diapers, pet food, etc.
- Alcoholic beverages.
- Tobacco products.
Also, the rules can be different in each state, so make sure you’re up to date on what your state considers to be a covered item.
It’s also important to know that you can’t use EBT to pay for delivery fees or other non-eligible charges. When you’re checking out, you’ll likely need to use a different payment method for these extra costs.
Using EBT for Online Grocery Pickup and Delivery
Walmart offers both grocery pickup and delivery services, and the good news is that you can use your EBT card for either option! This provides a lot of flexibility. It makes shopping more convenient if you can’t get to a physical store. This can be really helpful for families or individuals who have limited transportation options.
Here’s a breakdown of the differences:
- Grocery Pickup: You order online, and then you drive to your local Walmart to pick up your groceries.
- Delivery: Your groceries are delivered to your home.
The process for using EBT is very similar for both. During checkout, you’ll select your EBT card as the payment method. You’ll have to use another form of payment for fees such as delivery fees, or tips for delivery drivers. Delivery charges are *not* covered by EBT.
Make sure you know your local Walmart’s rules for online orders. They often have information on their website or app about the specific services available in your area and how to best utilize your EBT benefits.
Splitting Payments with EBT and Another Method
You can totally split your payment between your EBT card and another payment method, like a debit card or credit card, on the Walmart app. This can be helpful if you have a mix of EBT-eligible items and other things in your cart, or if you don’t have enough EBT funds to cover your entire order.
Let’s say you’re buying groceries and some non-food items. You can use your EBT card for the food, and then pay for the other items with a different card. Here’s a general idea of how that might look:
- You select your food items and add them to your cart.
- Then, you add non-food items to your cart.
- At checkout, you choose your EBT card as the payment method for the eligible food items.
- The app may then prompt you to select a second payment method to cover the remaining balance.
This makes your shopping trip very flexible! It helps you keep track of your spending and ensures you’re using your EBT benefits appropriately.
Here’s a quick table:
| Item Type | Payment Method |
|---|---|
| Food | EBT Card |
| Non-food | Another Payment Method |
| Delivery Fee (if applicable) | Another Payment Method |
Tips for a Smooth EBT Shopping Experience
To make sure your experience using EBT on the Walmart app is smooth and easy, there are a few things you should keep in mind. These tips can save you some headaches. Before you start shopping, double-check that you have enough balance on your EBT card.
Here’s some advice to help you along the way:
- Check your EBT balance. You can do this through your state’s EBT website or app.
- Make sure your app is up-to-date. Updates often include bug fixes and improvements that can make the shopping process smoother.
- Review your cart carefully before you finalize your order.
If you have any questions or need help, Walmart’s customer service is available to assist you.
Walmart is always working to improve its services! By following these simple tips, you can make the most of your EBT benefits while enjoying a convenient shopping experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, yes, you absolutely can use EBT on the Walmart app to purchase eligible food items. Walmart has made it easy to use your EBT benefits, offering both pickup and delivery options, with the ability to split payments if needed. By understanding the rules and following the tips outlined, you can easily and efficiently shop for your groceries using the Walmart app. This makes grocery shopping accessible and convenient for those who rely on EBT, providing a user-friendly way to get the essentials.