Buying groceries online is super convenient, and Walmart makes it easy to do, even if you’re using your SNAP benefits, often called food stamps. Navigating the online world can sometimes be tricky, so let’s break down how you can pay for your groceries at Walmart.com using your EBT card. This guide will walk you through the steps so you can shop stress-free!
What You Need Before You Start
Before you even think about adding items to your cart, there are a few things you need to make sure you have ready. Think of it like getting your supplies before starting a science project. First, obviously, you’ll need an active EBT card with funds on it. You’ll also need a Walmart.com account. If you don’t have one, signing up is simple. Finally, know your EBT card’s PIN. You’ll need this to finalize your purchase. Keep your card and PIN safe, just like you would with any other debit or credit card.
You will need the following before you proceed:
- An active EBT card.
- Your EBT card PIN.
- A Walmart.com account.
- Information for shipping or pickup.
Once you have these things prepared, you are ready to shop!
Remember, you can only use your SNAP benefits to buy eligible food items. We’ll get to that in a bit.
Setting Up Your Payment Method
So, you’ve got your groceries picked out, your account is ready, and it’s time to pay! The first thing you’ll need to do is add your EBT card as a payment method on your Walmart.com account. This is a one-time step, just like adding a credit card. It’s really important to know that, unlike with a regular credit or debit card, you can’t save your EBT card information for later. You’ll have to enter it each time you order.
To add your EBT card, go to your account settings and look for the payment options section. There, you’ll find a place to add a new card. You’ll be asked to enter your EBT card number, the expiration date, and the name associated with the card. But the system is not going to ask you for your PIN.
It’s easy to update the payment info!
- Log in to your Walmart account.
- Go to Account -> Payment methods.
- Add your EBT card information.
Make sure you enter all the information correctly so your payment will process successfully.
Choosing Eligible Items
Not everything you see on Walmart.com can be purchased with your SNAP benefits. The government has rules about what you can and can’t buy. Basically, if it’s food, it’s likely eligible! Think groceries: fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy products, bread, and cereals are all good to go. Beverages like water, juice, and soda are generally allowed. Always double-check if you’re unsure about an item. If you are buying it to make a meal, it’s probably okay.
Items like alcohol, tobacco products, pet food, and household supplies (like cleaning products or paper towels) are NOT eligible. Also, prepared foods (like hot meals from the deli) can’t be bought with SNAP benefits in most states. Non-food items are definitely a no-go.
Walmart.com will help you out! As you shop, it should automatically flag items that are not eligible for SNAP. You can also check the product details to make sure it’s SNAP-approved. This feature helps take the guesswork out of shopping and prevents any unexpected issues at checkout.
| Eligible Items | Ineligible Items |
|---|---|
| Fruits and Vegetables | Alcohol |
| Meat and Poultry | Tobacco |
| Dairy Products | Pet Food |
Pay attention to the items you place in your cart!
Placing Your Order and Checking Out
Okay, you’ve filled your cart with all the yummy and eligible groceries. Now comes the exciting part – actually paying! When you’re ready to check out, proceed to the checkout page and select your delivery or pickup option. Choose a time that works for you. You will then be prompted to select your payment method. Choose your EBT card from the list of payment options.
After selecting your EBT card, you’ll be asked to enter your PIN. This is a very important step! Be careful when entering your PIN. Double-check that you’ve entered it correctly because a mistake can cause the transaction to fail. This step is critical to make sure the correct funds are deducted from your card. The system won’t save your PIN for security reasons, so you’ll enter it each time you shop.
Remember to confirm the order to ensure all the details are correct. Verify the items, the quantities, and your chosen pickup or delivery time. Once you’re sure everything is right, click “Place Order.” Walmart.com will process your payment and send you a confirmation. Keep an eye on your email (and sometimes your phone) for updates about your order status.
After placing your order, you’ll be able to track it on the Walmart website or app. Easy peasy!
Splitting Payments: Combining EBT and Other Methods
What if your grocery bill is more than your EBT card balance? No worries, you can usually split your payment! Walmart allows you to use a combination of your EBT card and another payment method (like a credit or debit card) to cover the entire cost of your order. This is super handy if you want to buy some non-food items or if you’re short on your EBT balance this month.
During checkout, when you get to the payment section, you’ll have the option to select multiple payment methods. First, you’ll enter your EBT card details and the amount you want to pay with your benefits. Then, the remaining balance can be covered by another card. The system will guide you through the process to ensure a smooth transaction.
For instance, if your order totals $60 and you have $40 on your EBT card, you can apply the $40 from your EBT and pay the remaining $20 with your credit or debit card. The online system will sort it all out for you.
It’s a great way to use all of your benefits and still get everything you need. This flexibility is really helpful when you’re trying to stick to a budget and make the most of your resources.
Picking Up or Receiving Your Order
You’ve placed your order, paid for it, and now it’s time to get your groceries! If you chose pickup, you’ll head to your local Walmart store at the scheduled time. Make sure you bring your ID and your EBT card. Sometimes you might need to show both at pickup. The Walmart staff will bring your order out to your car.
If you chose delivery, your groceries will be delivered to your door. You will not need to present your EBT card upon delivery. However, keep an eye out for the delivery person during your chosen delivery window. They’ll bring your order right to you!
It’s important to note: Some states require you to show your EBT card when you pick up your order, so check your local regulations. If you don’t have all the required items for pickup, sometimes they can’t give you your order. This is why it is crucial to make sure you bring what is required!
- Check pickup or delivery instructions.
- Bring the correct items, like ID and EBT card.
- Arrive on time.
No matter which method you choose, picking up or receiving your order is the final step!
Troubleshooting and Common Issues
Even with the best plans, sometimes things go wrong. Don’t worry! Here’s how to handle some common issues. If your EBT card payment is declined, double-check that you entered your card details and PIN correctly. Make sure there are enough funds on your card to cover the eligible items. Sometimes, the online system might have a temporary glitch.
If the problem persists, try contacting Walmart’s customer service. They can help you troubleshoot the issue and figure out what’s going on. You can usually find their contact information on the Walmart.com website or app. It’s also possible that there is an issue with your EBT card itself. If you suspect this, contact the EBT card issuer directly to check the status of your card. They’ll be able to tell you if there are any problems.
If you’re having trouble with a specific item not being eligible, make sure it’s not a non-SNAP approved item. If you’re still unsure, you can try calling the customer service line. This is important. If you have items on your order that aren’t covered, the whole order might be declined.
- Incorrect Card Information: Re-enter your card number and PIN.
- Insufficient Funds: Check your EBT balance.
- Technical Issues: Contact Walmart customer service.
- Ineligible Items: Review your order.
Having some issues is normal. Don’t be afraid to reach out to the customer service team!
Using your EBT card to shop online at Walmart is a convenient and helpful way to get your groceries. By following these steps, you can easily place your orders and manage your SNAP benefits. Now you know how to pay with food stamps on Walmart online! Remember to double-check your eligibility, enter your information correctly, and enjoy the ease of online shopping! Happy shopping!