Shopping online is super convenient, and that includes using your food stamps! Walmart.com makes it possible to buy groceries and other approved items using your SNAP benefits (that’s what food stamps are officially called). This essay will walk you through the steps and answer some common questions about how to use food stamps on Walmart.com. It’s easier than you think, and can save you a trip to the store!
Can I Use Food Stamps to Buy Anything on Walmart.com?
Yes, you can buy most food items with your SNAP benefits on Walmart.com, just like you would in the store. This includes things like fresh produce, meats, dairy, bread, and snacks. You can also buy eligible non-food items, like seeds and plants to grow food! However, there are some things you can’t buy with SNAP benefits, like alcohol, tobacco products, pet food, and household supplies (like paper towels or cleaning products).
Before you add items to your cart, it’s a good idea to double-check that they’re eligible. Walmart.com often has a little tag or a note on product pages that indicates whether or not an item qualifies for SNAP. If you’re unsure, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and avoid adding the item to your cart if you intend to pay with food stamps.
Keep in mind that you can split your payment! You can use your food stamps to cover the eligible items and pay for the rest (like non-food items or delivery fees) with another payment method like a credit or debit card.
Understanding what is and isn’t covered can save you a lot of hassle at checkout.
Setting Up Your Walmart.com Account and Adding Your EBT Card
The first step is to have a Walmart.com account. If you already have one, great! If not, it’s easy to create one. You’ll need to provide some basic information like your name, email address, and create a password. Once your account is set up, you can start adding items to your cart.
Next, you need to link your EBT card to your Walmart.com account. This is how Walmart knows you want to use your food stamps. Here’s how you do it:
- Go to your account settings on Walmart.com.
- Find the section related to payment methods.
- Look for an option to add an EBT card.
You will need to enter the following information from your EBT card: your card number, the card’s expiration date, and your billing address. Make sure you enter this information exactly as it appears on your EBT card to avoid any issues with your payment. Once you have entered your card information, you should be able to see it in your payment methods list, ready to use at checkout.
Once your EBT card is successfully linked, it will show up as a payment option when you’re ready to check out! Now that your account is ready, you can start your shopping!
Finding Eligible Items and Building Your Cart
Now comes the fun part – shopping! When you’re browsing Walmart.com, you can easily identify SNAP-eligible items. Walmart.com is designed to help you find the items you need while using your food stamps. There are some simple ways to ensure you are only choosing items that are covered.
One easy way to find eligible items is to use the search bar at the top of the Walmart.com website. Simply type in the food you are looking for. For instance, you can type in “milk” or “apples.” Once you see the search results, you can narrow your options down by using filters.
Walmart has made it easy to identify SNAP-eligible items by placing a label next to them. Look for a special tag next to the item’s price. This tag confirms the item is SNAP-eligible.
Another method to find SNAP-eligible items is to simply browse the grocery sections of the website. Once you have selected your items, you can add them to your cart. When you’re done shopping, review your cart to make sure you have everything you need.
Checking Out and Paying with Your EBT Card
Once you’ve filled your cart with the groceries you need, it’s time to check out! Here’s how to use your EBT card to pay:
- Go to your cart and proceed to checkout.
- Select your delivery or pickup options.
- At the payment step, choose “EBT” or “SNAP” as your payment method.
After choosing your payment method, you’ll usually be prompted to enter your EBT card’s PIN number. This is the four-digit code you use when you swipe your card at a physical store. Be sure to keep your PIN private to protect your benefits. The payment amount eligible for your EBT card will process first.
If the order total exceeds your EBT balance, you’ll be asked to provide another payment method (like a debit card) to cover the remaining amount. Walmart.com lets you split your payment, so you can use both your EBT card and another form of payment seamlessly. You can pay for the SNAP-eligible items with your EBT card, and the rest with another payment method.
Here is an example of how the payment would be divided:
| Item Type | Cost | Payment Method |
|---|---|---|
| SNAP Eligible Items | $75.00 | EBT Card |
| Non-SNAP Eligible Items and Delivery Fee | $25.00 | Debit Card |
Delivery or Pickup Options and Potential Fees
Walmart.com offers both delivery and pickup options. Each has its own considerations.
With delivery, your groceries are brought right to your doorstep. This is super convenient! However, there may be a delivery fee, especially if you don’t meet a minimum order amount. This is important to keep in mind, as delivery fees generally cannot be paid for using your EBT card. You’ll need to use a different payment method for the delivery charges.
Pickup is a great alternative. You order online and then pick up your groceries at a designated Walmart store location. The best part about pickup is that it’s often free! Check the website for current details. When you arrive, you can go to the pickup area and someone will bring your order out to your car.
Here is a quick comparison of the delivery and pickup options
- Delivery:
- Convenient
- May have a delivery fee
- Pickup:
- Often free
- Requires going to the store
Always review the estimated fees and choose the option that best fits your needs and budget. Remember that delivery fees usually must be paid with a payment method other than your EBT card.
Conclusion
Using food stamps on Walmart.com is a simple process that can make grocery shopping much easier. By setting up your account, linking your EBT card, finding eligible items, and understanding the payment process, you can buy groceries online and get them delivered or pick them up. Remember to always check the eligibility of items before adding them to your cart, and be aware of any delivery or service fees. Happy shopping!