Shopping for groceries can be a real chore! And sometimes, you just can’t make it to the store. That’s where services like Instacart come in handy. You can order your groceries online, and someone else does the shopping and delivers them to your door. But, if you use EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) for your food shopping, you might wonder: Does Walmart accept EBT on Instacart? Let’s dive in and find out how it all works, especially if you’re trying to use your SNAP benefits.
Yes, Walmart Does Accept EBT on Instacart, But There’s a Catch!
Yes, you can absolutely use your EBT card to pay for Walmart orders through Instacart, but it’s not always as straightforward as using it in the Walmart store. You can use your EBT card to purchase eligible food items, just like you would in person. This means you can stock up on groceries like fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy products, and other approved items. It’s a great way to have your essentials delivered right to your doorstep!
Understanding the Process: How to Pay with EBT on Instacart for Walmart
The process is pretty simple, but it’s crucial to understand the steps involved. First, you’ll need to create an Instacart account (or log in if you already have one). Then, you’ll select Walmart as your store. Browse the virtual aisles and add your groceries to your cart. Once you’re ready to checkout, you’ll need to link your EBT card.
When you get to the payment section, you’ll typically see options for credit/debit cards. You will then need to add your EBT card information. This is where it’s important to keep in mind that Instacart handles payments in a specific way. Instacart usually splits the payment into two different types.
- One for the groceries themselves (the EBT-eligible items).
- The other for fees, tips, and any non-eligible items (like cleaning supplies or paper products).
This is a really important step. You might need to use a regular credit or debit card for all of the non-eligible items and fees. Otherwise, you won’t be able to complete your order. This could be why it seems complicated to some. It helps to prepare and have these two forms of payment ready for you.
Finally, confirm your payment methods, and place your order! Once your order has been placed, Instacart will notify you when your groceries are on their way.
What Can You Buy With EBT on Instacart?
So, what can you actually purchase with your EBT card when using Instacart? The rules are the same as when you shop in a physical Walmart store. Your EBT card will only cover the cost of eligible food items that the SNAP program approves. Remember that SNAP is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which helps people with limited incomes buy food.
This includes a wide range of items, such as fresh produce, meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, and grains. But, it doesn’t include items like alcohol, tobacco products, vitamins, supplements, or non-food items. These are things like cleaning supplies and pet food. To make sure you’re staying within the guidelines, it’s always good to double-check the SNAP guidelines or, more specifically, the Walmart guidelines, as you’re shopping on the Instacart website or app.
Here’s a helpful list of some items that you can typically purchase with EBT on Instacart:
- Fruits and Vegetables
- Meats, Poultry, and Fish
- Dairy Products (milk, cheese, yogurt)
- Breads and Cereals
- Eggs
- Snack Foods
Knowing what’s covered is key to managing your budget effectively. You don’t want any surprises at checkout! Being familiar with the list will help you avoid any issues at checkout. It’ll save you time and frustration.
Dealing with Fees and Delivery Costs
Here’s where things can get a little tricky. While you can use your EBT card to pay for eligible food items, there are often fees associated with using Instacart, such as delivery fees, service fees, and tips for your shopper. These fees are not usually covered by your EBT card and must be paid using another form of payment, like a credit or debit card. This means you’ll need to have a second payment option available.
Delivery fees will vary depending on your location, the size of your order, and the delivery speed you choose. Service fees are a percentage of your order total, and are charged by Instacart. Tipping your shopper is optional, but it’s a good way to show your appreciation for their work. The tips are usually considered a nice gesture.
Before you finalize your order, make sure you review all the fees to avoid any surprises. Instacart’s website or app will break down the cost of each fee before you check out. Here’s an example table:
| Fee Type | Payment Method |
|---|---|
| Eligible Groceries | EBT Card |
| Delivery Fee | Credit/Debit Card |
| Service Fee | Credit/Debit Card |
| Tip | Credit/Debit Card |
Understanding these fees is really important so you can make informed decisions about your grocery shopping. It also allows you to plan for the total cost of your order!
Tips for a Smooth EBT and Instacart Experience
Want to make your Instacart experience as easy as possible? Here are a few helpful tips to help you along. First, be sure to double-check the payment methods. Make sure that the eligible food items are being paid with your EBT card and the non-eligible items and fees are covered by another card. This helps to avoid any issues at checkout.
Next, plan your order carefully. Check your cabinets and fridge to make a list of what you need before you start shopping. This will prevent you from having to make multiple orders and pay extra fees. Another great tip is to compare prices. While Instacart offers convenience, it’s always a good idea to compare prices with in-store prices to make sure you’re getting the best deals possible.
Also, be sure to use any available coupons. Instacart often has digital coupons that you can clip and apply to your order. This can help you save money on your groceries.
- Create a List: Planning your list will save you money!
- Check Payment Methods: Always know which method you are using.
- Compare prices: If you can, compare prices to make sure you are getting the best deal.
Finally, communicate with your shopper. If you have any special requests or substitutions, be sure to let your shopper know! They can contact you if anything is out of stock and work to find a replacement. Communication can help to make the experience as smooth as possible.
Potential Problems and How to Solve Them
Even with careful planning, things don’t always go perfectly. Sometimes you might run into problems when using EBT on Instacart. One common issue is a rejected card. This could be due to an incorrect card number, insufficient funds, or a problem with the card itself. Double-check your card information and confirm that you have enough money on your EBT card to cover the cost of the eligible food items.
If your EBT card is declined, you can try to contact Instacart’s customer service. They will be able to help you figure out what went wrong. Another issue that could come up is finding that the total at checkout is higher than expected. This could be because of hidden fees or extra charges that you weren’t aware of. Always make sure that you review all the fees before you place your order. This way, you can avoid any surprise charges.
Sometimes, you might experience problems with substitutions. Your shopper might have to replace an item with something similar if your original choice is out of stock. You always have the option to decline the substitution.
- If your card is rejected, verify your card number.
- If the total is higher than expected, check for additional fees.
- If an item is substituted, check to see if that’s okay.
If you’re not happy with a substitution, you can always contact Instacart’s customer support. Overall, a good thing to remember is to be prepared for anything and have a plan for resolving any issues that might come up. Don’t hesitate to contact Instacart customer service if you need help.
The Bottom Line
In short, does Walmart accept EBT on Instacart? Yes, it does, but there are a few things to keep in mind. You can use your EBT card to buy eligible food items, but you’ll need a different payment method for fees and non-eligible products. Planning your order, understanding the fees, and knowing what items are covered will help you have a smooth and convenient shopping experience. Instacart can make life easier, and knowing how to use your EBT card is a great way to make the most of it!