Instacart has revolutionized the way we shop for groceries, offering the convenience of having fresh produce, household essentials, and pantry staples delivered right to our doorsteps. For those who rely on government assistance programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), it's crucial to know whether Instacart accepts Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the question everyone is asking, “Does Instacart take EBT?” We will also examine its partnership with SNAP, and how to make the most of your benefits while shopping for groceries online.
Does Instacart Take EBT?
Yes. In recent years, Instacart has made significant efforts to accommodate the needs of SNAP participants. Their partnership with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) allows eligible customers to use their EBT cards for online grocery shopping in select locations.
As part of the USDA's Online Purchasing Pilot, Instacart has expanded its EBT payment option to more states and retailers. This initiative aims to improve access to healthy and nutritious food for SNAP recipients, especially during times of crisis or economic hardship.
How To Use Your EBT Card On Instacart
Follow these simple steps to use your EBT card for Instacart orders:
- Create An Instacart Account: If you haven't already, sign up for an Instacart account using your email address or social media login.
- Add Your EBT Card: Navigate to the "Payment Methods" section in your account settings, and click on "Add a new payment method." Enter your EBT card information, including the card number, expiration date, and billing ZIP code.
- Select A Participating Retailer: Shop at eligible stores that accept EBT payments, such as ALDI, Food Lion, or ShopRite. Make sure to choose a retailer available in your area.
- Fill Your Cart: Add SNAP-eligible items to your cart. Keep in mind that some products, like alcohol, tobacco, and prepared foods, are not eligible for EBT payment.
- Choose EBT At Checkout: When you're ready to check out, select your EBT card as the payment method. You'll need to enter your four-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN) to complete the transaction.
Remember that Instacart service and delivery fees are not eligible for EBT payment. You'll need to provide a secondary payment method, such as a credit or debit card, to cover these additional costs.
Maximizing Your EBT Benefits On Instacart
To get the most out of your EBT benefits while shopping on Instacart, consider the following tips:
- Plan Your Meals: Create a weekly meal plan to ensure you're purchasing only the necessary ingredients, reducing food waste and saving money.
- Compare Prices: Browse multiple participating retailers on Instacart to find the best prices for your grocery items.
- Shop Sales And Discounts: Take advantage of store promotions, digital coupons, and Instacart-exclusive deals to stretch your EBT dollars further.
- Buy In Bulk: Save money by purchasing non-perishable items, like canned goods and pantry staples, in larger quantities.
States Where Instacart Accepts EBT
So far, Instacart accepts EBT payments in the following states:
- California
- Florida
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Michigan
- New Jersey
- New York
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- Texas
- Virginia
- Washington
Keep in mind that this list is subject to change as Instacart continues to expand its EBT payment options to additional states and retailers.
Does Instacart Take EBT?
Yes, you can use your EBT card with the online grocery delivery service, Instacart, that allows you to get groceries from SNAP-participating retailers delivered to your door.
You can purchase groceries through Instacart through the following EBT SNAP retailers:
- Price Rite
- ALDI
- Stop & Shop
- Market 32
- Hannaford Supermarket
- Price Chopper
You'll need to sign up for an Instacart account (or make sure your EBT card is linked to your account) in order to order EBT grocery delivery. Visit Instacart.com or download the Instacart app to do this.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions and answers related to using EBT on Instacart:
No, EBT cards cannot be used to pay for Instacart Express membership fees. You'll need to use an alternative payment method, such as a credit or debit card, for this service.
There are no additional fees specifically associated with using EBT on Instacart. However, you'll still need to cover standard service and delivery fees, which cannot be paid with your EBT card.
Yes, you can use your EBT card for grocery pickup orders in participating locations. When placing your order, choose the "Pickup" option and select your preferred pickup time and location.
Yes, you can combine EBT and non-EBT items in the same order. However, you'll need to provide a secondary payment method, such as a credit or debit card, to cover the cost of non-EBT eligible items and additional fees.
So, does Instacart take EBT? Yes, Instacart's partnership with SNAP and the USDA has made it more accessible for EBT cardholders to shop for groceries online. By following the steps outlined in this comprehensive guide, SNAP recipients can conveniently use their EBT benefits for Instacart orders while maximizing their food budgets. As Instacart continues to expand its EBT payment options, more people will be able to experience the convenience and ease of online grocery shopping.
To better understand the payment benefits EBT cards offer, it is important to learn more about what it offers. Visit Gov Relations and check out our resource on the restaurants that accept EBT cards.
