Shopping online can be super convenient, and Walmart makes it even easier to use your SNAP benefits (that’s Food Stamps!) to buy groceries. This guide will walk you through the steps of using your EBT card on Walmart’s website or app, so you can get your food delivered or pick it up without leaving your house. We’ll cover everything from setting up your account to what you can and can’t buy, making the process as smooth as possible.
Can I Actually Use Food Stamps on Walmart’s Website?
Yes, you absolutely can use your EBT card to pay for eligible groceries when you shop on Walmart’s website or through their app. This is a great way to save time and avoid trips to the store, especially if you have mobility issues, a busy schedule, or just prefer the convenience of online shopping.
Creating Your Walmart Account and Linking Your EBT Card
Before you can start shopping, you’ll need a Walmart account if you don’t already have one. It’s pretty straightforward to create an account. Think of it like signing up for any other website, you just need a valid email address and to create a password. Make sure you remember your login information, because you’ll need it every time you want to shop!
Once you have your account, you’ll need to add your EBT card information. It’s super important to do this step to be able to use your Food Stamps at checkout. This step involves entering your EBT card number and potentially other details like the expiration date. The process is simple, secure, and all of your information is kept private.
Now, let’s talk about how to actually link your EBT card. This is what you need to do:
- Go to the “Account” section on the Walmart website or app.
- Select “Payment Methods” or something similar.
- Choose the option to add a new payment method.
- Select “EBT Card” as your payment option.
You’ll be prompted to enter your card details. Make sure to double-check everything before you save the information! Some of the steps might change slightly depending on the latest version of the app or website, but the general steps will always be the same.
Choosing SNAP-Eligible Items
Not everything at Walmart is eligible for SNAP benefits. You can only use your EBT card to purchase food items that fit the USDA’s guidelines. This usually means groceries like fresh produce, meat, dairy products, bread, and cereal. You won’t be able to use your EBT card for things like alcohol, tobacco, pet food, or household supplies.
Luckily, Walmart makes it easy to identify which items qualify for SNAP benefits. When you browse the website or app, you’ll often see a special indicator, like a small “EBT Eligible” tag or icon, next to qualifying items. This helps you shop with confidence, knowing you’re making purchases you can pay for with your EBT card.
Here is a list of examples that are typically allowed:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt)
- Breads and cereals
If you’re unsure about a specific item, it’s always a good idea to check the item’s details or look for the eligibility indicator before adding it to your cart. You can also look at the USDA website, but this can be confusing. The best thing to do is find the “EBT Eligible” tag!
Adding Items to Your Online Cart
Once you’ve found the items you want, adding them to your online cart is a piece of cake. Just click the “Add to Cart” button next to the items you want to buy. You can browse the different sections of the website or use the search bar to find specific products. Remember to check for the EBT eligibility icon before adding items.
As you add items, you can easily view the contents of your cart by clicking on the shopping cart icon, usually located in the top-right corner of the screen. You can review the items, change quantities, and remove anything you decide you don’t want.
Here’s what happens if you accidentally add items to your cart that aren’t EBT-eligible. Don’t worry, you won’t be able to use Food Stamps to pay for them! You’ll usually have to separate the eligible items from the non-eligible ones at checkout. This could mean paying for the non-eligible items with another payment method, such as a credit or debit card, or removing them from your order entirely.
Make sure you review your cart before you check out. This gives you another opportunity to make sure all the items are correct and eligible for SNAP benefits. You can also check your total to make sure you stay within your budget. Walmart’s website and app are generally very good at communicating this information!
Navigating the Checkout Process
Once you’re happy with your cart, it’s time to check out. Select the “Checkout” button to begin the process. You’ll be prompted to choose a delivery method – either home delivery or in-store pickup. Both options are generally available, but availability can vary depending on your location. Home delivery is often the most convenient, but pick-up can sometimes save on delivery fees.
Next, you will confirm your delivery or pickup time and location. This is the spot where you will choose your payment method. Walmart’s system should detect if you have an EBT card on file, and give you the option to pay with it.
During the checkout process, you will also be asked to confirm your payment information. Some things that usually happen here are:
- Confirm the payment method – usually the EBT card you added before.
- Enter your EBT card PIN. You’ll need the 4-digit PIN you set up for your EBT card. This keeps your card secure.
- Review and submit your order!
If your order includes items that are not SNAP-eligible, the system will automatically split your payment, allowing you to use your EBT card for the eligible items and another payment method for the non-eligible items. You’ll need to have a backup card to pay the difference, or you may need to adjust your cart accordingly.
Understanding Delivery and Pickup Options
Walmart offers two main ways to receive your groceries: delivery to your home or in-store pickup. Delivery is super convenient, as your groceries are brought right to your doorstep. Pickup, on the other hand, involves you driving to the store at a designated time to collect your order. Both have their pros and cons.
Delivery fees and minimum order amounts may apply for home delivery. The exact fees will be shown during the checkout process. Make sure to check these before you finalize your order. When your order is ready, you will receive a notification about the estimated delivery time. Remember to be home to receive the delivery!
For in-store pickup, there is often no minimum order amount. You’ll receive a notification when your order is ready for pickup, along with instructions on how to retrieve it. Usually, you just drive to the designated pickup area, and a Walmart employee will bring your order out to your car. This is a great option if you want to save on delivery fees or prefer to choose your own time to pick up your groceries.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | Delivery | Pickup |
|---|---|---|
| Convenience | Very Convenient | Still Convenient |
| Fees | Delivery fees may apply | Often no fees |
| Minimum Order | May have a minimum | Often no minimum |
Dealing with Order Issues and Returns
Even though it’s rare, sometimes things can go wrong with your order. Maybe an item is missing, damaged, or not what you expected. Walmart has a system in place to handle these situations, whether you got your groceries delivered or picked them up.
If you have an issue, the first step is to contact Walmart customer service. You can usually find the contact information on their website or app. Explain the problem and provide your order details. The customer service representative will guide you through the next steps.
If you need to return an item purchased with your EBT card, the refund process will depend on the item and Walmart’s return policy. Usually, the refund will go back to your EBT card, but the details may vary. In some cases, you may get a store credit.
Here are the steps to consider:
- Contact Walmart’s customer service to explain the issue.
- Follow the instructions they provide, which might include taking photos of damaged items or bringing the item back to the store.
- Understand the refund process.
Always keep your order confirmation and any receipts handy, as they contain important information for returns or resolving issues. Customer service is usually pretty helpful in resolving problems!
Conclusion
Using your EBT card to shop for groceries on Walmart’s website or app is a straightforward and convenient process. By following these steps, you can easily manage your SNAP benefits online, save time, and get your groceries delivered or picked up with ease. Remember to always double-check the eligibility of items, know your EBT card PIN, and review your order carefully before checking out. Enjoy the convenience of online grocery shopping!