Grocery shopping can be a hassle, right? Especially when you’re trying to stick to a budget. A lot of people use EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) cards to help them buy food. EBT is a program that helps people with low incomes afford groceries. You might be wondering if you can use your EBT card to shop at Walmart using Instacart, which is a grocery delivery service. Let’s dive in and find out all the details about Does Walmart Accept EBT On Instacart.
Does Walmart Accept EBT On Instacart?
Okay, so the big question: Yes, Walmart does accept EBT cards for online orders through Instacart in many locations. That’s great news! This means if you qualify for EBT, you can have your groceries delivered right to your door without ever stepping foot in the store. This can be super helpful for people who have trouble getting to the store, are busy, or just want a more convenient way to shop.
How to Use EBT on Instacart for Walmart
To use your EBT card on Instacart, there are a few steps you need to follow. First, you’ll need to make sure Instacart is available in your area and that the Walmart location you’re ordering from accepts EBT online. Luckily, it usually does! Next, you’ll need to link your EBT card to your Instacart account. This is pretty easy to do, and Instacart has clear instructions to guide you through the process.
When you start shopping, you’ll add the groceries you want to your cart. Make sure to choose items that are EBT-eligible. These are generally food items. Instacart will let you know which items qualify. Once you’re ready to check out, you’ll need to split your payment. This is important! You’ll use your EBT card for the EBT-eligible items and another payment method (like a credit or debit card) for non-eligible items, delivery fees, and tips. The split payment step might be confusing at first, but it’s necessary to get your groceries delivered.
You’ll likely be asked to enter your EBT card information during checkout, similar to how you’d enter a credit card number. Double-check that everything is correct before submitting your order. Instacart will then process your order, and Walmart will pack it for delivery. You’ll receive updates about your order’s status, just like any other Instacart order. Finally, your groceries will arrive at your doorstep! Remember to tip your delivery person if you’re happy with their service.
Here’s a simplified version of the steps:
- Check Instacart availability in your area.
- Make sure your Walmart store accepts EBT online.
- Link your EBT card to your Instacart account.
- Shop for EBT-eligible groceries.
If the above steps are completed correctly, your EBT card will be ready to use.
What Can You Buy With EBT on Instacart?
Not everything at Walmart is eligible to be purchased with EBT. Generally, you can use your EBT card to buy food items. This includes things like fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, bread, cereals, and other staple foods. It’s basically the same as what you can buy with your EBT card in the store. However, there are some restrictions, just like in a regular Walmart store.
You cannot use your EBT card to purchase non-food items. That means no diapers, pet food, household supplies, or alcohol. Also, you can’t use your EBT card to pay for delivery fees, tips, or any other service charges related to your Instacart order. Those things must be paid for with a separate payment method. It’s important to be aware of this when planning your shopping trip, so you don’t accidentally try to pay for something with your EBT card that’s not allowed.
The Instacart app usually does a good job of identifying EBT-eligible items. Look for a label or icon that indicates whether an item can be paid for with your EBT card. If you’re unsure about an item, it’s always a good idea to double-check the product description or ask customer service. Planning your shopping list ahead of time can also help prevent any surprises at checkout.
Here’s a table to show the type of products eligible or ineligible for purchase with an EBT card.
| EBT Eligible | EBT Ineligible |
|---|---|
| Fruits | Diapers |
| Vegetables | Pet food |
| Meat | Alcohol |
| Dairy | Household Supplies |
Payment Splitting: The Key to Using EBT on Instacart
The biggest thing to remember when using EBT on Instacart is payment splitting. Because your EBT card can only be used for certain items, you’ll need to divide your payment between your EBT card and another form of payment, like a debit card or credit card. This means you’ll need two payment methods on file with Instacart to complete your order.
When you’re ready to check out, Instacart will guide you through the process of splitting your payment. You’ll select which items are eligible for EBT and choose your EBT card as the payment method for those items. The rest of your order, including non-eligible items, delivery fees, and tips, will be charged to your other payment method.
Make sure you have enough funds on both your EBT card and your other payment method before placing your order. If there’s not enough money on your EBT card for the food items or on your other card for the other items, your order might not go through. Pay attention to the order summary at checkout to make sure everything is being charged to the correct cards. It is crucial to do this step to ensure that your order is processed correctly.
Here are some simple steps to help with the payment splitting:
- Add eligible and ineligible items to your cart.
- Choose your EBT card as your payment method for the EBT-eligible items.
- Choose your other payment method for ineligible items, delivery fees, and tip.
- Review your order to make sure the charges are applied to the right cards.
Make sure to follow these steps carefully for an easy and efficient shopping experience.
Delivery Fees and Other Charges
As mentioned earlier, your EBT card can only be used for the purchase of eligible food items. Delivery fees, service fees, and tips for your Instacart order are not covered by your EBT benefits. This means you’ll need to pay those charges using a separate payment method, such as a credit card, debit card, or other accepted payment options. The delivery fees depend on a few things, like how far away you live from the store and how busy Instacart is at the time.
Delivery fees can vary, so it’s good to check the Instacart app to see how much they’ll cost. Sometimes, Instacart offers promotions, like free delivery for orders over a certain amount or reduced delivery fees during certain times. Make sure you factor in the delivery fee when budgeting for your groceries. It’s an important cost to consider, especially if you’re on a tight budget.
Tipping your delivery person is also important. While it’s not required, it’s a nice way to show your appreciation for their hard work. You can tip through the Instacart app after your order is delivered. Consider tipping based on the quality of service, the distance they traveled, and the weather conditions. A good tip helps support the delivery person and encourages them to continue providing great service to other customers.
Things you can and cannot pay for with EBT:
- Can pay for:
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Cannot pay for:
- Delivery fees
- Tips
- Service charges
Potential Problems and Troubleshooting
While using EBT on Instacart is generally pretty straightforward, there might be a few hiccups along the way. One common issue is difficulty linking your EBT card to your Instacart account. Double-check that you’re entering the card information correctly and that your address matches the one associated with your EBT card. If you’re still having trouble, contact Instacart customer service; they can help resolve the issue.
Another potential problem is a declined EBT card. This could be due to a few reasons: there might not be enough money on your card to cover the cost of the food items, the card might have expired, or there could be an issue with the payment processing system. Before placing your order, it’s a good idea to check your EBT balance. If you see your card has been declined, call customer service. There are often easy solutions.
Sometimes, there might be errors with the payment splitting process. Make sure you’re selecting the correct items to be paid for with your EBT card and that you’re using a different payment method for non-eligible items and fees. If you notice any mistakes during the checkout process, double-check everything before submitting your order.
If there are issues, here is a simple guide to help troubleshoot:
- Double-check card details and your address.
- Check your card balance.
- Ensure that you are splitting payments properly.
- Contact Instacart customer service.
Benefits of Using EBT on Instacart
There are lots of benefits to using your EBT card on Instacart, especially if you have a busy schedule or limited mobility. One of the biggest advantages is convenience. You can shop for groceries from the comfort of your home and have them delivered right to your doorstep. No more long trips to the grocery store or carrying heavy bags!
Instacart offers a wide selection of groceries from Walmart, allowing you to choose from a vast array of products. This can be helpful if you have dietary restrictions, food allergies, or specific preferences. Shopping online also gives you more time to compare prices and read product reviews, making it easier to stick to your budget and make informed choices. This is a good way to not get overwhelmed in the store.
Using Instacart can also save you time. You don’t have to spend time traveling to the store, wandering the aisles, or waiting in line at checkout. It’s a convenient option for busy individuals, families, and anyone who appreciates the efficiency of online shopping. It is also a good option for people who have trouble getting to the store or have any other reasons that make a grocery store visit difficult.
Here are some advantages of shopping with Instacart with your EBT card.
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Convenience | Groceries are delivered right to your doorstep. |
| Selection | Access to a wide variety of products. |
| Time Saving | No need to spend time traveling or in the store. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the answer to the question “Does Walmart Accept EBT On Instacart?” is a resounding yes! This can be a huge help for those who want to make grocery shopping easier and are eligible for EBT benefits. By understanding the steps involved, the items you can buy, and potential problems you might encounter, you can use Instacart to shop for groceries from Walmart. Remember the importance of payment splitting and consider the delivery fees when creating your budget. It’s a great way to get your food delivered, and the convenience will make a big difference!