Grocery shopping can be a real hassle, right? That’s where services like Instacart come in handy. Instacart lets you order groceries online and have them delivered to your door. If you receive food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as EBT, you might be wondering which stores on Instacart let you use your benefits. This essay will break down which stores accept EBT on Instacart, how it works, and other important things you need to know.
Which Major Grocery Chains Accept EBT on Instacart?
The good news is that many popular grocery stores on Instacart accept EBT! Specifically, several well-known grocery store chains participate in the EBT program through Instacart. Some of the largest and most widely available ones include Kroger and its affiliated stores (like Ralphs and Fry’s), and Aldi. These stores are often the most accessible for many people.
Let’s delve a little deeper. To better understand, here are some of the chains where you are likely to use EBT. Keep in mind availability can vary by location, so you should always check the Instacart app or website.
- Kroger and Kroger Affiliates (Ralphs, Fred Meyer, etc.)
- Aldi
- Safeway
- Giant Eagle
- Food Lion
- Publix
- & many more!
If your local store isn’t on this list, check the Instacart app!
It is critical to remember that even if a store is listed, it might not be available in your specific area. This depends on the retailers available in the delivery zone. Always check the app before planning a large order!
How to Find EBT-Eligible Stores on Instacart
So, you’re ready to shop using your EBT card? The first step is to figure out which stores on Instacart allow it. It’s pretty easy! You can easily identify stores that take EBT when you’re browsing on the Instacart app or website.
Here’s how you can typically find them:
- Open the Instacart app or go to the website.
- Enter your delivery address. This will tell Instacart which stores deliver to your location.
- Look for stores that have a specific indicator. This is often a badge or mention that says “EBT/SNAP” or “accepts EBT”.
- If you are unsure, add some items to your cart and go to checkout. The payment methods will tell you whether or not you can use your card.
If you still can’t find any stores that accept EBT, it might be that there aren’t any in your area or that Instacart has not enabled the functionality for them. Keep in mind that store availability changes all the time, so it’s worth checking back regularly!
If your preferred store is not currently available, Instacart may be expanding its EBT offerings over time. Check back often.
Setting Up Your EBT Card on Instacart
Once you’ve found an EBT-accepting store, the next step is to link your EBT card to your Instacart account. This involves a few easy steps, and once it’s set up, it’s really convenient.
Here’s how the setup usually works, but remember that the exact steps might vary slightly depending on updates to the Instacart platform:
- Go to your account settings in the Instacart app or on the website.
- Look for a section related to payment methods or payment options.
- You should see an option to add an EBT card.
- Enter your EBT card number, expiration date, and any other required information.
- You will also need to add a debit card to cover non-food items or other fees.
- Save your payment information.
Always double-check to make sure your EBT card information is entered correctly. If you have any problems, there’s often a help section within the app or website that can assist you.
Once your EBT card is saved, you should be able to use it to purchase eligible food items from participating stores.
What Can You Buy with EBT on Instacart?
Knowing what you can buy with your EBT card is important. The good news is that the same rules apply on Instacart as they do when you shop in a physical store. You can purchase almost all food items like fruits and vegetables, meats, bread, cereal, and other groceries with your EBT card. There are some things you cannot purchase with EBT.
To clarify, here’s a basic guide on what is typically allowed and what is not:
| Allowed | Not Allowed |
|---|---|
| Fruits and vegetables | Alcohol |
| Meat, poultry, and fish | Tobacco products |
| Dairy products | Household supplies |
| Breads and cereals | Pet food |
Remember that each state or territory may have its own rules. Check with your local SNAP program if you have any questions about specific items. Items that are not eligible for EBT must be purchased with a separate form of payment.
If you try to purchase an item that is not EBT-eligible, the app will usually alert you.
Paying for Your Order with EBT on Instacart
Once you’ve filled your Instacart cart with the groceries you need, it’s time to check out! Paying with your EBT card on Instacart is generally pretty straightforward, but there are a few things to keep in mind. The first step is to make sure you have both an EBT card and another form of payment.
Here’s what you need to know about the payment process:
- When you reach the checkout screen, select the EBT card as your payment method.
- Instacart will automatically apply your EBT funds to all eligible food items.
- You’ll also need to use a different payment method (like a debit or credit card) to cover any items that are not eligible for EBT.
- Instacart may also add fees and taxes. Fees like delivery fees and service fees usually cannot be paid using EBT.
- The amount of your EBT card will be deducted from the total order.
Carefully review your order at checkout to make sure that your EBT payment is applied correctly. Double-check that non-eligible items are being paid for with your other payment method.
Keep in mind that you will need to have enough funds on your EBT card to cover the cost of eligible items.
Additional Fees and Tips: How EBT Works with Delivery
When using Instacart with EBT, it is important to consider fees and tips, as these are not typically covered by EBT benefits. These are essential parts of using the service that can add to the total cost of your order.
Here’s a breakdown:
- Delivery fees: Delivery fees are added to the order total. You cannot pay these with your EBT card.
- Service fees: Instacart often charges a service fee. This also cannot be paid with EBT.
- Taxes: Depending on your location, taxes are added to the order. These cannot be paid with EBT.
- Tipping: You can tip your Instacart shopper. This is not allowed with EBT funds.
You will need to use a different form of payment, like a debit card or credit card, to cover these additional costs. Be sure to factor these expenses into your budget.
Instacart often offers promotions or discounts. Check for savings opportunities on the app or website to lower the overall cost of your order. The items that are eligible for EBT may be impacted by coupons and deals.
Conclusion
Using Instacart with your EBT card can be a convenient way to get groceries delivered to your door. By checking which stores accept EBT, setting up your payment, and understanding the rules about what you can buy, you can shop for your groceries with ease. Always double-check the app for the most up-to-date information and to ensure that you have a payment method to cover costs not covered by your EBT benefits.