Grocery shopping has changed a lot over the years! You can now order food online and have it delivered to your door. Instacart is a popular service that lets you do just that, partnering with stores like Walmart. But if you use EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) benefits, you might be wondering: Can you use your EBT card to pay for Walmart orders placed through Instacart? Let’s dive in and find out!
Does Instacart Accept EBT for Walmart Orders?
Yes, Instacart does accept EBT cards for Walmart orders, but there’s a catch. The catch is, you can only use your EBT benefits to pay for eligible food items. Things like snacks, drinks, and other groceries that the government covers with EBT are usually good to go. Anything that isn’t a food item, like diapers or household supplies, has to be paid for with a different payment method like a credit or debit card.
Setting Up Your EBT Card on Instacart
To get started, you’ll need to link your EBT card to your Instacart account. This process is pretty straightforward. First, go into the Instacart app or website and go to your account settings. Look for a payment options section. You’ll typically see an option to add a new payment method, and from there, you’ll be able to input your EBT card details.
Once you add your card, you’ll be able to start adding items to your cart. Not every item sold at Walmart will be eligible for EBT purchase. That means there are things your card will not be able to pay for. Instacart will clearly show you which items are EBT-eligible. Make sure you are paying attention to your cart before checking out.
The process for linking your EBT card with Instacart usually looks like this:
- Go to “Account” settings.
- Select “Payment methods”.
- Add your EBT card information.
- Save your payment information.
This ensures that when you check out with your groceries, the correct payment method is selected. If you have trouble, make sure the information you enter is accurate, or contact Instacart’s customer support.
Identifying EBT-Eligible Items on Instacart
One of the most important things to keep in mind is which items are actually allowed for purchase using EBT benefits. You don’t want to be surprised at checkout! Instacart makes it pretty easy to figure out what you can and can’t buy with your EBT card. The app will show you a little badge or tag on the items that are eligible.
EBT-eligible foods usually include things like fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, poultry, fish, dairy products, and breads. This makes getting the basics for your family really easy! However, some things will be marked as not EBT-eligible. These often include things like alcohol, tobacco products, and any non-food items like pet food or household cleaning supplies.
To get an idea, you can see a small example of food items you can and can’t buy below. Note: the eligibility rules for EBT can change depending on where you live. Check the USDA website for the most current guidelines.
| EBT Eligible | Not EBT Eligible |
|---|---|
| Fresh Produce | Alcohol |
| Meat, Poultry, Fish | Tobacco |
| Dairy Products | Pet Food |
If you’re unsure, it’s always a good idea to double-check the product description or look for the EBT badge before adding something to your cart.
Paying with EBT and a Separate Payment Method
Since you can only use EBT for certain items, you will likely need to use a different payment method for other items. This is totally normal! For instance, you can use your EBT card to pay for groceries, and then use a credit or debit card to cover the cost of non-food items like paper towels.
When you’re checking out, Instacart will usually let you split your payment between your EBT card and another form of payment. The app will automatically calculate the cost of your EBT-eligible items and ask you to select your EBT card for that portion of the purchase. You’ll then be prompted to select another payment for the items not eligible for EBT.
Sometimes, the process might require a few extra steps. But don’t worry, Instacart will guide you through it! You can also make sure the transaction is successful by keeping an eye on both the EBT balance and the other payment method you are using. It’s a simple process that makes sure you can get everything you need.
Here’s a quick step-by-step guide to splitting payments at checkout:
- Add all desired items to your cart.
- Proceed to checkout.
- Select EBT card as payment method for eligible items.
- Select a secondary payment method for the rest.
- Review and confirm your order.
Understanding Instacart Fees and EBT
Instacart charges a few fees for its services, which you should be aware of when using EBT. These fees can include delivery fees, service fees, and sometimes a small tip for your shopper. Keep in mind that EBT benefits typically can’t be used to cover these extra costs. These fees need to be paid using a credit or debit card. You will need to keep that in mind when budgeting!
The delivery fee is calculated based on the store, the distance the shopper has to travel, and the time of day. You might pay a little more during peak hours. The service fee is a percentage of your order total and covers Instacart’s operational costs. These costs are not covered by EBT.
You are not required to leave a tip, but it’s a great way to show appreciation for your shopper’s work. The tip also must be paid through a separate card. Understanding the fees helps you plan your spending better. It is important to consider:
- Delivery Fees
- Service Fees
- Tips for Shoppers
Always make sure to check the total cost of your order, including all fees, before you finalize the purchase.
Possible Challenges and How to Troubleshoot
Sometimes, things don’t always go perfectly smoothly. When using EBT with Instacart, you might run into a few challenges. For example, your EBT card might get declined, even if you think you have enough money on it. Double-check your EBT balance, make sure your card information is correct, and try again.
Another common issue is finding an item marked as EBT-eligible that isn’t, or vice versa. In these situations, always contact Instacart’s customer support. They can quickly help fix the problem. The app often provides a way to report issues, such as an incorrect item label, which allows you to resolve the issue and get the correct amount charged.
Here is a simple troubleshooting checklist:
- Check your EBT balance.
- Verify card information.
- Contact Instacart support.
- Report any incorrect labeling.
Don’t get discouraged! Usually, a quick phone call or chat with customer support can resolve most issues.
Benefits of Using EBT with Instacart
Using your EBT benefits through Instacart offers some cool advantages. It lets you shop from the comfort of your home, saving you time and effort. For people who have trouble getting to the store, this is a huge benefit. The convenience of home delivery means you can avoid long lines and crowded aisles.
Instacart also shows you exactly what you’re spending before you check out. This is really handy for sticking to your budget. It makes it easier to avoid impulse purchases. Because you can see the price of everything ahead of time, it can help you make better choices for your family’s needs.
Moreover, using Instacart can help you discover new products and deals. You can also take advantage of special promotions. In brief, the main benefits are:
| Convenience | Budgeting |
|---|---|
| Shop from home. | Track spending. |
| Delivery to your door. | Avoid impulse buys. |
In short, using Instacart with EBT is an amazing way to combine convenience with the benefits of your food assistance program.
Conclusion
So, to wrap things up: Yes, you can definitely use your EBT card on Instacart for Walmart orders! Just remember that you can only use it for eligible food items. You’ll need another payment method, like a debit card, for anything else, such as the delivery fees. With a little planning and by being aware of the rules, using Instacart with your EBT card is a convenient and helpful way to shop for groceries. Happy shopping!