Figuring out how to manage your money and get the food you need is a big deal. For people who get help from the government to buy food, called SNAP benefits, it’s super important to know where you can spend that money. A question that pops up a lot is, “Can I buy groceries at Walmart with my SNAP card online?” Let’s dive in and find out the answers.
Can You Actually Use SNAP at Walmart Online?
Yes, you absolutely can use your SNAP benefits to buy groceries from Walmart online! Walmart is one of the big retailers that lets you pay for eligible food items with your EBT card when you order online for pickup or delivery.
What Kinds of Groceries Can You Buy?
Okay, so you know you *can* use SNAP online at Walmart. But what exactly *can* you buy? Well, the rules are pretty much the same as when you shop in the store. That means you can use your SNAP benefits to buy most food items. This includes things like fruits and vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, and breads and cereals. Remember, SNAP is designed to help people get healthy food.
But there are some things that you *can’t* buy with SNAP. These items include things like alcohol, tobacco products, vitamins and supplements, and any non-food items. So, even though Walmart might sell these things, your SNAP card won’t work for them. Thinking about how you can use SNAP for good food is something you should keep in mind.
When you’re shopping online, the Walmart website will usually tell you which items are SNAP-eligible. You’ll often see a special tag or icon next to the products that you can buy with your EBT card. Also, just to be safe, it’s always a good idea to double-check the SNAP guidelines in your state, just in case there are any specific rules or exceptions that apply where you live.
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Meat
- Dairy
How Does Online Ordering Work with SNAP?
Ordering groceries online with SNAP at Walmart is pretty easy. First, you’ll need to create a Walmart account if you don’t already have one. Then, browse the Walmart website or app and add the groceries you want to your cart, just like you normally would.
During checkout, when it’s time to pay, you’ll see an option to use your EBT card. You’ll enter your EBT card information, which includes your card number and the expiration date. You may also be asked for your PIN. Remember to keep your PIN safe and private! If your order includes both SNAP-eligible items and non-eligible items, you’ll need to pay for the non-eligible items with a different form of payment, like a credit card or debit card.
Next, choose how you want to receive your groceries. You can either select to have them delivered to your home (for a fee) or pick them up at your local Walmart store. If you choose pickup, Walmart employees will gather your order and bring it out to your car. Delivery might take a little longer, but it gets the groceries right to your door! Make sure you have a way to pay for anything that isn’t SNAP-eligible.
- Create a Walmart account
- Add groceries to cart
- Choose EBT as payment
- Choose delivery or pickup
Do I Need to Pay Extra Fees?
When shopping online, you might be wondering about fees. The good news is that when you use your SNAP benefits at Walmart, you don’t have to pay any extra fees for the SNAP-eligible items themselves. The items will cost the same whether you’re buying them in the store or online using your EBT card.
However, there might be some fees associated with your order, depending on how you choose to receive your groceries. For example, if you opt for home delivery, you’ll typically have to pay a delivery fee. The amount of the delivery fee can vary based on your location, the size of your order, and the delivery time you choose. Before you complete your order, Walmart will always show you the total cost, including any fees.
If you choose to pick up your groceries at the store, there usually isn’t a pickup fee. That can be a great way to save money on your order if you’re trying to stick to a tight budget. Make sure to read through your order’s details before you finalize it, so you know exactly what you’re paying for, including delivery fees. Here is a sample of some common fees:
| Fee Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Delivery Fee | Charged for delivering groceries to your home. |
| Pickup Fee | Usually no fee for picking up groceries |
| Tip | Optional tip for the delivery driver |
Are There Any Limits to What I Can Buy?
When you’re using your SNAP benefits at Walmart online, the same general SNAP rules apply as when you shop in the store. This means that there aren’t usually any specific limits on the *amount* of food you can buy with your SNAP card at any given time, as long as the items are SNAP-eligible. SNAP is really meant to help you meet your nutritional needs.
Of course, your SNAP benefits have a monthly amount. You can’t spend more than your monthly benefit amount. If you’re buying groceries online, Walmart’s website or app will show you the total cost of your order. If the total is more than the amount you have available on your EBT card, your order won’t go through. Make sure you keep an eye on your remaining balance so you don’t go over what you have.
Keep in mind that different states have different benefit amounts, and the amount you get depends on things like the size of your household and your income. There may be some special restrictions on specific food products for medical reasons, so check your local laws.
- Check your balance
- Don’t exceed your monthly budget
- Order SNAP eligible items
What If There’s a Problem with My Order?
Sometimes, things don’t go perfectly when you order online. If there’s a problem with your Walmart order, like if an item is missing or damaged, or if the wrong items are delivered, Walmart has a customer service team to help you. You can contact them through their website or app.
When you contact customer service, be prepared to provide your order details, like your order number and a description of the issue. They’ll usually ask you what happened and try to find a solution. You might get a refund for the missing or damaged items, or they might offer to resend the correct items.
If you paid for part of your order with your EBT card, any refunds for those items will usually be credited back to your EBT card. This can take a few days to process, so be patient. Make sure you keep your receipts and order confirmation emails, just in case you need proof of purchase. Also, be as clear and accurate as possible when describing the problem so that Walmart can solve the issue.
- Contact Customer Service
- Provide order details
- Describe the issue
- Follow up with Walmart
Other Things to Know
When using your SNAP card at Walmart online, there are a few other things that are good to keep in mind. Make sure you have a secure internet connection when you are entering your card information. This helps to protect your personal and financial information from being stolen.
It’s always a smart idea to read Walmart’s online shopping policies. These will have information on topics like returns, refunds, and how they protect your privacy. Also, keep an eye out for any special offers or promotions that Walmart might have. These could include discounts on certain food items or free delivery for orders over a certain amount, which can help you save even more money.
Finally, make sure you check your EBT card balance regularly. You can do this online through the EBT website, by calling the EBT customer service number, or by checking the balance at the register when you shop at Walmart. The ability to use your SNAP card online can be a really convenient way to shop for groceries.
- Use a secure connection
- Read online shopping policies
- Look for promotions
- Check your EBT balance
Conclusion
So, the answer to the question, “Can I buy groceries at Walmart with my SNAP card online?” is a big, resounding YES! It’s easy to order online using your EBT card, but you need to remember the rules about what you can and can’t buy. Using your SNAP benefits to buy groceries online is a helpful and easy option, especially if you don’t have time to go to the store yourself. Remember to keep your card information safe, and happy shopping!