Grocery shopping can be a hassle, but services like Instacart try to make it easier. If you use EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) to buy food, you might be wondering, “Does Walmart Accept EBT On Instacart?” It’s a pretty important question if you rely on those benefits to get your groceries! Let’s dive in and find out how this all works.
Can I Use EBT for Walmart Orders on Instacart?
So, the big question: **Does Walmart Accept EBT on Instacart? The answer is, yes, but with a few important things to keep in mind.** While you can use EBT to pay for your Walmart grocery order through Instacart, it’s not as simple as just swiping your card like in the store.
The Limited EBT Eligibility
When you use EBT with Instacart, there’s a catch. Only certain items can be purchased with EBT funds. The things you can buy are generally the same as what you can buy with EBT in a regular grocery store. This usually includes things like fresh produce, meat, dairy, and other essential food items. However, this doesn’t always include non-food items, like paper towels or cleaning supplies, even if you’re buying them at Walmart.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what’s typically covered and what isn’t:
- Covered: Fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, bread, cereals, and other approved food items.
- Not Covered: Alcohol, tobacco, pet food, household supplies (like cleaning products), diapers, and non-food items.
Make sure you’re only adding eligible items to your Instacart cart when you plan to pay with EBT. It can be frustrating to get to checkout and realize that some of the items you chose can’t be paid for with your EBT card.
Here’s a little table to show you what’s what:
| Category | EBT Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Fresh Produce | Yes |
| Cleaning Supplies | No |
| Meat | Yes |
| Alcohol | No |
How to Pay with EBT on Instacart for Walmart
The process of using EBT with Instacart for Walmart isn’t always super clear, but it is manageable. First, you’ll need to make sure your Instacart account is linked to your EBT card. When you get to the checkout, you can typically select EBT as your payment method. You’ll then enter your EBT card details, just like you would with a credit card. Remember to check that the items in your cart are EBT-eligible.
Before you start, it’s super important that you double-check that Instacart in your area accepts EBT for Walmart. Not all locations may have the feature activated. You can usually find this information on the Instacart website or app.
After you place your order, Instacart will process the payment. Keep an eye on your EBT balance to make sure the correct amount was deducted. If you’re not careful, you might end up paying for things you didn’t intend to.
- Open the Instacart app or website.
- Select Walmart and add EBT-eligible items to your cart.
- Go to checkout and select EBT as your payment method.
- Enter your EBT card information.
- Pay for any non-EBT items with another payment method.
Using a Combination of Payment Methods
One of the things that makes using EBT on Instacart a little tricky is that you can’t always pay for everything in your cart with EBT. If you have items that aren’t EBT-eligible, like non-food items, you’ll need to use a different payment method for those. This means you’ll likely need to use a credit card or debit card for the non-food items. Sometimes, you’ll need to split the payment.
The Instacart app will usually give you the option to split your payment at checkout. This means you can choose which items to pay for with EBT and which items to pay for with your other payment method. It can sometimes be a bit of a hassle, but it is the only way to buy both food and non-food items from Walmart with Instacart.
Here’s how you can do it:
- Add all your items to your cart.
- At checkout, Instacart will probably identify which items are EBT-eligible and which are not.
- Select EBT for eligible items and another payment method for the rest.
- Pay for your order.
It’s good to remember the Instacart platform lets you use multiple cards. You can also use more than one EBT card if you happen to have multiple.
Delivery and Fees with EBT on Instacart
When using EBT on Instacart, you should also consider delivery fees and service fees. These fees typically aren’t covered by EBT. You’ll need to pay them with another payment method, like a credit or debit card. Instacart sometimes has promotions that can reduce or eliminate delivery fees, so keep an eye out for those.
Delivery fees will depend on how quickly you need your groceries and the distance from the store. You’ll see these fees before you finish placing your order, so you’ll always know what you’re paying for.
- Delivery Fees: Vary depending on the distance and speed of delivery.
- Service Fees: These fees help support the Instacart platform.
- Tips: You can tip your shopper. It’s optional, but nice.
One of the biggest things to remember is that the delivery fees, service fees, and any tips for your shopper, will have to come from a source other than your EBT funds. This can add up, so budget accordingly.
Potential Challenges and Troubleshooting
Using EBT on Instacart can sometimes have a few hiccups. Make sure your EBT card information is correct when you enter it. If there’s an error, your order might not go through. You might need to call Instacart’s customer service if you have any issues. They should be able to help you with any problems with your order.
Another common issue is not having enough money on your EBT card. Always check your balance before you order. Make sure you have enough to cover your order, plus any delivery fees and service fees. If you don’t have enough funds, your order will be canceled.
- Incorrect Card Information: Double-check your card details.
- Insufficient Funds: Check your EBT balance.
- Technical Glitches: Contact Instacart support if needed.
If there are problems, Instacart’s customer support is there to help. They can usually guide you through the process or assist with any order problems. Another important thing is to keep your EBT information private and secure.
Tips for a Smooth Instacart EBT Experience
To have the best possible experience using EBT on Instacart, there are some things you can do. First, make sure you know what items are eligible. It will make it a lot easier at checkout. Also, plan your shopping list. This will reduce any last-minute issues at checkout.
Always verify your EBT balance before shopping. It’s also wise to compare prices between Instacart and the store. Instacart prices are sometimes a little higher.
| Tip | Why? |
|---|---|
| Check Item Eligibility | To avoid checkout surprises. |
| Plan Your Shopping List | To avoid any last-minute issues at checkout. |
| Compare Prices | To make sure you are getting the best deal. |
| Know Your EBT Balance | To avoid order cancellation. |
These tips can help to prevent any frustration when you are using Instacart. Having a plan makes the whole process easier.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while you *can* use EBT on Instacart for Walmart, it’s important to understand the limitations. You can use it for eligible food items, but you will need another payment method for non-food items and any fees. By knowing the rules, being organized, and paying attention to the details, you can successfully use Instacart to get your groceries delivered, even if you’re paying with EBT. It might take a little planning, but it can be a convenient way to shop!