Shopping online is super convenient these days, especially with apps like Walmart’s. You can order groceries, household items, and even clothes all from your phone! But what if you need to pay with your EBT card, also known as food stamps or SNAP benefits? That’s where things can get a little confusing. This essay will break down whether you can you use EBT on the Walmart app and what you need to know to make it happen.
Can You Pay with EBT Online at All?
Yes, you absolutely can use your EBT card to pay for eligible items on the Walmart app and website! Walmart has made it possible to use EBT for online grocery orders, making it easier for people to access the food they need.
What Can You Buy with EBT on the App?
Not everything you see on the Walmart app is eligible for purchase with EBT. The types of items you can buy are generally the same as what you can buy in the physical store. This includes food items like:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt)
- Breads and cereals
It’s important to double-check the specific items in your cart before you check out to make sure they’re covered. If an item isn’t EBT-eligible, you’ll need to pay for it with another payment method.
Items such as:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tobacco products
- Vitamins and supplements
- Pet foods
are usually not covered.
Setting Up Your EBT Card for Online Use
Before you can use your EBT card on the Walmart app, you’ll need to make sure it’s linked to your account. This is usually a pretty straightforward process. You’ll need to go into your Walmart account settings and find the payment methods section.
From there, you’ll likely see an option to add an EBT card. You’ll need to enter your EBT card number and the expiration date. You might also be prompted to enter the name associated with the EBT card and potentially other information to verify your eligibility. Take your time and make sure you enter everything accurately to avoid any issues during checkout.
Walmart offers several ways to shop on the app, including grocery delivery and pickup.
- Choose a shopping method:
- Select grocery pickup or delivery.
- Select items.
If you are using EBT, choose the grocery pickup or delivery option, and add your items to your cart and proceed to checkout!
Checking Out and Using Your EBT
When you’re ready to pay, navigate to the checkout page. You should see an option to select your EBT card as a payment method. If you have multiple payment methods saved, make sure you select your EBT card. You might need to confirm that you want to use your EBT card for the eligible items in your cart.
During checkout, the app will calculate the total cost of your eligible EBT items. You may need to split your payment if you have items in your cart that are not EBT eligible.
Here’s a simple table to illustrate how a payment might work if you have both EBT-eligible and non-eligible items:
| Item | Cost | Payment Type |
|---|---|---|
| Apples (EBT Eligible) | $5.00 | EBT |
| Cereal (EBT Eligible) | $4.00 | EBT |
| Shampoo (Non-EBT Eligible) | $7.00 | Other Payment |
| Total | $16.00 |
Dealing with Delivery Fees and Other Charges
Keep in mind that some charges on the Walmart app, like delivery fees or service fees, might not be covered by your EBT card. These fees will need to be paid with another form of payment, like a debit or credit card. Make sure you check the final cost before you complete your order so there are no surprises.
You should also be aware of any potential fees. Here are common Walmart fees:
- Delivery Fee: If you choose delivery, there is a fee based on your order total and time.
- Service Fee: Walmart may have a service fee for your orders.
- Tipping: If you choose delivery, you can tip the driver.
Make sure you read all the information when ordering, before paying.
You are not required to tip, but you can.
Picking Up Your Order or Getting it Delivered
Once you’ve completed your order, the app will give you instructions on how to pick up your groceries (if you chose that option) or provide a delivery timeframe. If you are picking up your groceries in person, you’ll go to the designated pickup area at your Walmart store. You’ll need to show your ID to verify your order and often the card that paid for items that were not covered by EBT.
If you chose delivery, the delivery person will bring your order to your doorstep. Remember that if you do need to pay a portion of the order with another card, have it available for the driver.
- For pickup: Follow the app’s instructions.
- For delivery: Make sure the delivery time and area are valid.
- Present ID and payment method when applicable.
Make sure you have everything you need so there are no surprises!
Troubleshooting and Getting Help
If you have any trouble using your EBT card on the Walmart app, don’t worry! There are resources to help. You can start by checking the Walmart app’s help section or FAQs. You can also contact Walmart customer service directly through the app or website. They should be able to assist with any issues you’re experiencing.
If there are problems with your EBT card itself, you may need to contact your local EBT office or the government agency that issues EBT cards. They can help you with any card-related issues, such as lost cards, stolen cards, or problems with your benefits balance.
When contacting customer support, have these items ready:
- Your Walmart account information
- Your EBT card information
- A description of the issue.
Provide as much detail as possible.
In conclusion, you absolutely can use your EBT card to make purchases on the Walmart app for eligible food items. It’s a convenient way to shop for groceries, especially for people who may have difficulty getting to a physical store. By understanding the rules and following the steps, you can easily use your EBT benefits to shop online and have your groceries delivered or ready for pickup. Remember to check the specific details of your local EBT program and to keep an eye out for any updates or changes to Walmart’s policies. Happy shopping!