Shopping for groceries can be a real pain, right? Sometimes you just don’t have the time or energy to hit the store. That’s where services like Instacart come in handy! You can order your groceries online, and someone else does the shopping and delivers them to your door. But what if you use EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) for your groceries? Can you use that on Instacart when ordering from Walmart? Let’s dive in and figure out the answer to “Does Walmart Accept EBT On Instacart?” and all the other things you need to know!
Does Walmart Accept EBT on Instacart? The Short Answer
So, the big question: **Does Walmart accept EBT on Instacart? Yes, it does, but there’s a catch!** You can definitely use your EBT card to pay for eligible food items when you order groceries from Walmart through Instacart. However, you have to jump through a few hoops to make it work.
Setting Up Your Instacart Account for EBT
Before you can use your EBT card, you need to make sure your Instacart account is set up correctly. This process involves adding your EBT card information to your Instacart profile. Think of it like adding a credit card, but this time, you’re adding your EBT card details.
The process can be a bit tricky, as it might not be immediately obvious where to enter your EBT card info. Instacart tries to make it easy, but sometimes, you have to hunt around in the settings. It’s important to be patient and look carefully, as well as make sure you follow the directions precisely.
Here are some key things to keep in mind during the setup process:
- You will need to enter your EBT card number.
- You will also need to enter your EBT card’s expiration date.
- Make sure to keep your EBT card PIN number safe
- Instacart will need the address associated with the EBT card.
Eligible Items You Can Buy with EBT on Instacart
Not everything you can buy at Walmart with your EBT card is eligible when you order through Instacart. The rules are pretty similar to those when shopping in the store, but it’s still good to know what you can and can’t purchase.
Generally, your EBT card will cover the cost of most food items. This usually includes fresh produce, meats, dairy products, and other groceries. It’s essentially anything that’s considered a “food item.” But, there are definitely limitations to keep in mind.
Here’s a simple list of examples of what is commonly accepted and what usually isn’t:
- Accepted: Milk, bread, fruits, vegetables, meat, and snacks.
- Not Accepted: Alcohol, tobacco, pet food, household supplies, and some non-food items.
- Sometimes accepted: Energy drinks (rules vary by state).
- Always check: Before you check out, double-check to make sure you’re only buying EBT-eligible items.
Paying for Non-EBT Items on Instacart
Since your EBT card only covers food items, you’ll need a different payment method for anything else in your Instacart cart. This could be a credit card, debit card, or another payment option that Instacart supports.
Here’s where things get a little complicated. You’ll have to split your order into two parts: one for EBT-eligible items and one for non-EBT items. Instacart usually makes this pretty easy to do during checkout, but it’s important to pay attention so you don’t accidentally try to pay for non-food items with your EBT card.
Here’s how the payment process usually works:
- You select your EBT-eligible items and add them to your cart.
- You select your non-EBT items and add them to your cart.
- During checkout, Instacart will prompt you to select your payment method for each part of your order.
- Use your EBT card for the food items and another payment method for the rest.
This helps keep things straight. Make sure to have another payment option ready to go.
Delivery Fees, Tips, and Other Extra Charges
Instacart isn’t completely free. You’ll likely encounter delivery fees, service fees, and the option to tip your shopper. These fees are NOT covered by your EBT card. This can increase the cost of your order.
It’s important to factor in these extra costs when you’re budgeting for your groceries. Delivery fees can vary based on the distance of the store and the size of your order. Service fees help Instacart operate and maintain the service.
Here’s a quick look at potential extra charges:
| Charge | Covered by EBT? |
|---|---|
| Delivery Fee | No |
| Service Fee | No |
| Tip for Shopper | No |
Returns and Refunds with EBT on Instacart
What happens if you need to return something you bought with your EBT card through Instacart? The return process can be a bit different than in-store returns, but it is still usually possible.
Instacart usually handles refunds by first crediting your EBT card. If your EBT card doesn’t have enough balance for the refund, then Instacart will probably issue a credit to your Instacart account, which you can use on future orders.
Here are some important things to remember about returns:
- You’ll need to contact Instacart’s customer support to initiate a return.
- The refund process might take a few days to process.
- Keep your order details and receipts to make the return easier.
- Keep an eye on your EBT card balance to make sure the refund goes through.
Tips for Using EBT on Instacart at Walmart
Using EBT on Instacart can be a convenient way to get your groceries, but it’s helpful to know a few extra tips to make your shopping experience even smoother.
One of the most important tips is to always double-check the items in your cart before you check out. Make sure that everything is EBT-eligible! This helps to avoid any payment issues. Also, be mindful of the extra charges, so you are ready with another payment form. Instacart is very helpful if you need to cancel or return an item.
Here’s a checklist to make sure you’re all set:
- Have your EBT card and another payment method ready.
- Make sure your Instacart account is properly set up.
- Check the EBT eligibility of each item in your cart.
- Factor in delivery fees, service fees, and tips.
- Keep your order information in case you need to make a return.
With a little planning, you can make the most of your online grocery shopping experience!
Conclusion
So, to recap, **Does Walmart Accept EBT On Instacart? Yes!** You can definitely use your EBT card to buy groceries from Walmart through Instacart. It involves a bit of setup and some careful shopping, but it can be a huge time-saver. Just remember the rules about eligible items, have a backup payment method for non-food items, and be aware of any extra fees. Enjoy the convenience of grocery delivery!