In today’s world, shopping for groceries online has become a common convenience for millions. The ability to browse aisles from a computer or phone, fill a virtual cart, and have food delivered to the doorstep saves time and simplifies a major weekly chore. For many families, especially those with transportation challenges, busy schedules, or mobility issues, online grocery shopping is more than a convenience—it’s a necessity. This raises an important question: can families who use food assistance programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) also use this modern tool? This guide provides a complete and detailed report on how to use SNAP benefits, also known as food stamps, to buy groceries online, covering everything from which stores participate to what you can buy and how to navigate the process safely and effectively.
The Short Answer: Yes, You Can Use Food Stamps Online
Yes, individuals and families who receive SNAP benefits can use their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card to purchase groceries online from a wide range of participating retailers. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which oversees SNAP, operates an online purchasing program that is available in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and several U.S. territories.
This capability was originally tested in a small pilot program authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill. However, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the USDA rapidly expanded the program nationwide. This expansion was crucial for helping families access food safely while following social distancing guidelines and dealing with other pandemic-related challenges. As a result, what was once a limited test has become a permanent and essential feature of the nation’s largest food assistance program.
Understanding the Basics: A Quick Look at SNAP and EBT
To understand how online purchasing works, it is helpful to first understand the program itself. The system has evolved significantly over the years, and this technological progress is what makes online shopping with benefits possible today.
What is SNAP?
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, is the largest federal program in the United States dedicated to fighting hunger. Its purpose is to help low-income individuals and families afford the cost of food needed for good health. The program, which was formerly known as the Food Stamp Program, is managed by the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) and administered by individual states.
Because states manage their own programs, SNAP may be called by different names depending on the location. For example, it is known as CalFresh in California and the Lone Star Card program in Texas. Despite the different names, they are all part of the same federal SNAP program and follow the same core rules. Eligibility for SNAP and the amount of benefits a household receives are determined by several factors, including the household’s size, its monthly income, and its essential expenses like rent and utilities.
How Does It Work?
Decades ago, the program used physical paper coupons or “stamps.” Today, benefits are delivered electronically through an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card. Each month, a household’s SNAP benefits are automatically loaded onto their EBT card. This card functions just like a debit card. When shopping in a store, the user swipes the card at the checkout terminal and enters a private 4-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN) to authorize the payment.
The transition from paper stamps to the EBT card was a critical technological advancement. It not only made the program more secure and efficient but also created the digital foundation necessary for future innovations. The ability to process an electronic transaction with a card and a secure PIN is the same core technology that allows for secure online purchasing today. This evolution continues, as the USDA is now testing mobile payment technology that would allow participants to pay by tapping their phone at checkout, further modernizing how benefits are used.
How to Shop for Groceries Online with Your EBT Card: A Step-by-Step Guide
Using an EBT card to buy groceries online is a straightforward process, but it requires a few setup steps. This guide walks through the universal process, which is similar across most participating retailers.
Step 1: Find Participating Stores
The first step is to identify which retailers in a specific area accept EBT for online orders. While the program is national, not every single grocery store is authorized for online SNAP transactions. The USDA maintains a list of participating retailers, and most states also provide this information on their SNAP program websites.
Many of the nation’s largest retailers, including Walmart, Amazon, Target, and ALDI, are widely available for online SNAP purchases. Additionally, popular grocery delivery platforms like Instacart, DoorDash, and Uber Eats partner with local SNAP-authorized stores to offer the service. Section 6 of this guide provides a detailed breakdown of these retailers and their specific policies.
Step 2: Create an Account and Add Your EBT Card
To shop online, a user must create a free account on the retailer’s website or mobile app. During the account setup or at any time afterward, the EBT card can be added as a payment method. This is typically done in the “Account,” “Wallet,” or “Payment Methods” section of the website or app.
The process is similar to adding a credit or debit card. The user will be asked to enter the long number on the front of the EBT card and the cardholder’s name. Once saved, the EBT card will appear as a payment option during checkout. For security and to cover non-SNAP costs, retailers will also require a second payment method, such as a credit or debit card, to be kept on file.
Step 3: Shop for SNAP-Eligible Items
Once the account is set up, the user can begin shopping. As items are added to the virtual cart, it is important to look for those that are eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits. Most online stores make this easy by clearly labeling products with a tag such as “SNAP Eligible” or “EBT”. Many websites, including Amazon and Walmart, also provide a search filter that allows users to display only SNAP-eligible items, which simplifies the shopping process significantly.
Step 4: The Checkout Process
At checkout, the retailer’s system is designed to automatically separate the items in the cart. It will calculate a subtotal for all SNAP-eligible food items and another subtotal for any non-eligible items and fees.
When it is time to pay, the system will apply the available SNAP balance to the eligible food items. To complete this part of the transaction, the user must enter their 4-digit EBT card PIN. This PIN verification is a crucial security measure that confirms the identity of the cardholder and authorizes the payment.
If the shopping cart contains non-food items (like paper towels or soap) or if there are associated charges like delivery fees, the system will prompt the user to pay for them with the second payment method on file (the credit or debit card). This is often called a “split payment,” as the total bill is divided between the EBT card and another payment source.
What You Can and Can’t Buy with SNAP Online
One of the most important aspects of using SNAP benefits, whether in-store or online, is knowing which items are eligible for purchase. The rules are based on the program’s goal of helping families afford food for home consumption.
A simple way to remember the rule is that SNAP is intended for food items that people prepare and eat at home. A helpful shortcut is to look at the product’s label. Items with a “Nutrition Facts” label are generally eligible for SNAP. In contrast, items with a “Supplement Facts” label, such as vitamins and some energy drinks, are considered supplements and cannot be purchased with SNAP benefits.
The following table provides a clear guide to what can and cannot be purchased with SNAP benefits online.
Table 1: What You CAN and CANNOT Buy with SNAP
| Category | What You CAN Buy with SNAP (Examples) | What You CANNOT Buy with SNAP (Examples) |
|---|---|---|
| Produce | Fresh, frozen, and canned fruits and vegetables; fruit and vegetable juices. | Pre-made hot soups from a food bar; decorative gourds or pumpkins. |
| Meats, Poultry & Fish | Fresh, frozen, and canned beef, chicken, pork, fish, and shellfish. | Live animals (except shellfish and fish removed from water); hot rotisserie chickens. |
| Dairy & Eggs | Milk, cheese, yogurt, butter, ice cream, and non-dairy alternatives like almond or oat milk. | Items from a hot food bar. |
| Breads & Cereals | Bread, bagels, pasta, rice, oatmeal, and breakfast cereals. | Hot, ready-to-eat bakery items intended for immediate consumption. |
| Snacks & Drinks | Snack foods like potato chips, cookies, and candy; non-alcoholic beverages like soda, juice, and bottled water. | Beer, wine, liquor, and tobacco products; energy drinks with a “Supplement Facts” label. |
| Pantry Staples | Flour, sugar, spices, cooking oils, condiments (ketchup, mayo), and coffee. | Vitamins, medicines, and dietary supplements. |
| Other Eligible Items | Seeds and plants that produce food for the household to eat; baby formula and baby food; cold deli items like sandwiches and salads. | Pet food; household supplies (cleaning products, paper towels, diapers); hygiene items (soap, shampoo, cosmetics). |
Where to Shop: A Detailed Guide to Online Retailers
The landscape of online SNAP retailers is diverse, ranging from national superstores to regional grocery chains and third-party delivery platforms. Each operates slightly differently, with its own fee structures and special programs. A household’s best choice will often depend on its location, budget for fees, and personal shopping preferences. The following table and descriptions offer a detailed comparison of the most popular options.
Superstores: Walmart and Target
Walmart and Target are two of the most widely used retailers for online SNAP purchases. Both have extensive nationwide coverage and offer multiple ways to receive an order.
- Walmart accepts SNAP EBT payments for online orders in all 50 states for grocery pickup and delivery. Their website and app feature a filter to easily find SNAP-eligible items. For pickup, orders over $35 are typically free, while smaller orders may have a fee. Delivery services have an associated fee that cannot be paid with SNAP benefits. Walmart also offers a discounted “Walmart+ Assist” membership for eligible customers, which includes benefits like free delivery.
- Target also accepts SNAP EBT payments online for eligible grocery items. Customers can choose free in-store pickup or “Drive Up” service. For home delivery, Target partners with the platform Shipt, which has a $9.99 delivery fee per order for non-members.
Online Giants: Amazon and Amazon Fresh
Amazon provides two distinct ways for customers to use their SNAP EBT cards online, both with nationwide coverage.
- Groceries on Amazon allows customers to buy SNAP-eligible, non-perishable pantry staples and shelf-stable foods from the main Amazon.com website. Items are clearly labeled “SNAP EBT Eligible.”
- Amazon Fresh is a full grocery delivery and pickup service that offers fresh produce, dairy, meats, and other perishable items, in addition to pantry staples.
For both services, SNAP benefits cover the cost of eligible food items, but not shipping or delivery fees. However, Amazon offers free delivery on orders over a certain amount, and pickup is free at Amazon Fresh locations.
Grocery Chains: ALDI, Kroger, and More
Many regional and national grocery chains have also been approved to accept SNAP EBT online.
- ALDI accepts SNAP EBT for delivery and curbside pickup orders placed through its website or in partnership with Instacart.
- Kroger, Safeway, Albertsons, ShopRite, and Stop & Shop are among the numerous other grocery chains that participate in the online SNAP program.
The availability of these stores for online SNAP purchasing can vary by state and even by city. It is always best to check the store’s website or the USDA’s retailer locator to confirm participation in a specific area.
Delivery Platforms: Instacart, DoorDash, and Uber Eats
Third-party delivery platforms do not sell groceries themselves; instead, they partner with local stores to provide personal shopping and delivery services. Several of these platforms now accept EBT payments.
- Instacart partners with a vast network of SNAP-authorized retailers across all 50 states, including ALDI, Price Chopper, and Stop & Shop. Users can add their EBT card to their Instacart account and shop from participating local stores. Instacart also offers a discounted “Instacart+” membership to EBT cardholders, which provides benefits like free delivery on orders over a certain amount.
- DoorDash and Uber Eats have also begun accepting SNAP EBT payments for grocery orders from participating stores on their platforms. Both companies have offered promotional deals for EBT users, such as discounted “DashPass” subscriptions on DoorDash and free delivery trials on Uber Eats.
Wholesale Clubs: Costco and Sam’s Club
Wholesale clubs have a different set of rules. While all Costco and Sam’s Club warehouse locations accept EBT cards for in-store purchases, they generally do not accept EBT for online purchases made through their websites. This is an important distinction for members of these clubs who wish to use their SNAP benefits.
Table 2: Online SNAP Retailer Comparison
| Retailer | How It Works | Potential Fees (Not Covered by SNAP) | Special Programs for EBT Users |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walmart | Order on Walmart.com or the Walmart app for curbside pickup or home delivery. | Pickup fee for orders under $35; delivery fees vary by speed and location. | “Walmart+ Assist” offers a 50% discount on membership for qualifying government assistance recipients. |
| Amazon | Order non-perishables on Amazon.com or full groceries via Amazon Fresh for pickup or delivery. | Service fees for Amazon Fresh orders under $100; potential shipping fees on Amazon.com for non-Prime members. | EBT cardholders can get a discounted Amazon Prime membership. Free delivery often available over certain thresholds. |
| Target | Order on Target.com or the Target app for free Drive Up/Order Pickup or home delivery via Shipt. | Delivery fee of $9.99 per order for non-Shipt members; driver tips. | Shipt members receive free delivery on orders over $35. |
| ALDI | Order for pickup or delivery through the ALDI website or via Instacart. | Delivery fees, service fees, and driver tips apply. | May be eligible for Instacart+ discount if ordering through that platform. |
| Instacart | Order from various local SNAP-approved stores through the Instacart app or website. | Delivery fees, service fees, heavy order fees, and driver tips. | EBT cardholders may get a discount on Instacart+ membership for lower fees and free delivery. |
| DoorDash / Uber Eats | Order groceries from participating local stores through the respective apps. | Delivery fees, service fees, and driver tips. | Both have offered promotional discounts on DashPass and Uber One subscriptions for new EBT users. |
The Hidden Costs: What Your SNAP Benefits Won’t Cover Online
One of the most critical things for families to understand when using SNAP online is that the benefits can only be used to pay for eligible food items. They can never be used to cover the additional charges that are often associated with online shopping and delivery services. This is a strict rule of the SNAP program.
Any costs beyond the price of the food itself must be paid for with a separate form of payment, such as a credit card or debit card. This is why all participating online retailers require users to have a secondary payment method on file in their account.
The list of costs that are not covered by SNAP benefits includes:
- Delivery Fees: The charge for having the groceries brought to a home.
- Service or Convenience Fees: Fees that some platforms charge for the personal shopping service.
- Shipping Fees: Charges for mailing non-perishable items.
- Driver Tips: Gratuity for the person who delivers the order.
- Subscription Fees: The cost of memberships like Amazon Prime, Instacart+, or Walmart+ that offer perks like free delivery.
These extra costs can add up and represent a significant financial barrier for families on a tight budget. It is essential to review the checkout screen carefully to see the full breakdown of charges before placing an order.
The Bigger Picture: The Pros and Cons of Online SNAP
The expansion of online purchasing for SNAP has had a profound impact, offering significant benefits while also highlighting existing inequalities. It has solved major problems for some families while creating new challenges for others.
The Upside: Benefits of the Program
For many, the ability to use SNAP benefits online has been transformative.
- Improved Access: The program is a lifeline for individuals who face barriers to in-person shopping, such as older adults, people with disabilities or limited mobility, and those who lack reliable transportation.
- Reduced Food Insecurity: Research has shown that the rapid expansion of the online program during the pandemic directly contributed to a reduction in food insufficiency, meaning fewer low-income households reported not having enough to eat.
- Time Savings and Convenience: Online shopping saves a significant amount of time and can reduce the stress of navigating a crowded store, especially for parents with young children.
- Potential for Healthier Choices: Some studies suggest that online shopping can lead to healthier purchasing habits. It can reduce impulse buys of unhealthy snacks and sweets that are strategically placed in physical stores. It can also give families in “food deserts” access to a much wider variety of fresh fruits and vegetables than what might be available at their nearest small convenience store.
The Downside: Challenges and Inequities
Despite its successes, the program is not a perfect solution and has exposed deep-seated challenges.
- The Rural/Urban Divide: There is a significant gap in service availability. One study found that while online delivery was available in 94% of urban food deserts, it was only available in 31% of rural food deserts. This creates a new form of inequality where the most isolated families may be left behind.
- The Digital Divide: To shop online, a person needs a reliable internet connection and a device like a smartphone or computer. Many low-income households, particularly in rural and tribal areas, lack consistent access to one or both of these necessities, effectively shutting them out of the program.
- Financial Barriers: As detailed previously, the extra fees for delivery and service can make online shopping more expensive than buying in-store. For families on a strict budget, these additional costs can be prohibitive.
- Quality Control Concerns: A major barrier to adoption is a lack of trust. Many shoppers are hesitant to buy fresh produce and meat online because they do not trust a hired personal shopper to select high-quality, fresh items. Studies have found that this concern leads many families to purchase fewer fresh foods when they shop online.
- Disadvantage for Small Retailers: The technical and financial requirements to become an authorized online SNAP retailer are substantial. This has made it very difficult for small, independent grocers and farmers’ markets to participate, giving a massive advantage to large corporations like Amazon and Walmart that already have sophisticated e-commerce systems in place.
In essence, while the online SNAP program has solved the critical problem of physical access for many, it has also brought new economic, technological, and geographical disparities to the forefront.
Smart Shopping: Tips for Using Your EBT Card Safely and Effectively
With the right knowledge, families can use the online SNAP program safely and get the most value from their benefits. The following tips can help build confidence and ensure a smooth experience.
Protecting Your Benefits
Protecting an EBT card and PIN is just as important as protecting a debit card.
- Keep Your PIN Secret: The 4-digit PIN is the key to accessing benefits. It should never be shared with anyone, not even a store employee. When using the card in a store, it is wise to cover the keypad to prevent others from seeing the PIN being entered.
- Beware of Scams: Scammers may try to steal EBT information through fake text messages, emails, or phone calls (a practice known as phishing). These messages might claim there is a problem with an account and ask for the card number and PIN to fix it. Government agencies and retailers will never ask for a PIN or card number in a text or email.
- Report Lost or Stolen Cards Immediately: If an EBT card is lost or stolen, it should be reported to the state’s EBT customer service line right away. The number is usually on the back of the card. Reporting it quickly allows the card to be deactivated, preventing anyone else from using the benefits.
Maximizing Your Value
There are several strategies to make online grocery shopping with SNAP more affordable and effective.
- Check Your Balance: Before shopping, it is a good idea to check the EBT card’s current balance. This can be done through a state’s EBT online portal, a dedicated mobile app (like ebtEDGE), or by calling the customer service number. Knowing the balance helps avoid the inconvenience of a declined transaction.
- Look for Pickup Options: To avoid delivery fees and the need to tip a driver, consider using curbside pickup. Many retailers, like Walmart and Target, offer this service for free, though some may have a minimum order amount.
- Leverage Special Discounts: Be on the lookout for special programs offered to EBT users. As mentioned earlier, platforms like Instacart, DoorDash, and Amazon offer discounted memberships or promotional deals that can significantly reduce the costs of fees and delivery over time.
- Think Beyond Groceries: In some areas, showing an EBT card can provide additional benefits, such as free or discounted admission to local museums, zoos, and cultural centers. This is part of a broader effort to make community resources more accessible to low-income families.
Conclusion: The Growing Importance of Online Access for SNAP Families
The ability for families to use their SNAP benefits to purchase groceries online is no longer a small-scale experiment; it is a vital and established part of the nation’s food assistance landscape. While the system has its challenges, particularly regarding equitable access for rural and digitally disconnected households, its rapid growth underscores a fundamental need.
The program’s expansion has been staggering. It grew from a pilot in just a handful of states in 2019 to a nationwide service by 2023. The amount of benefits redeemed online exploded from less than $3 million in February 2020 to more than $737 million in a single month by September 2023. The number of households taking advantage of this service grew from just 20,000 before the pandemic to approximately 3.5 million by late 2022. These numbers tell a clear story: online purchasing is a service that millions of American families rely on.
The program continues to evolve. The USDA and its state partners are working to address the system’s shortcomings, with efforts underway to provide technical assistance that will help more small, local, and independent retailers get online. New technologies, such as mobile payments, are also being tested to make using benefits even more convenient and secure. For the millions of families who depend on SNAP, the expansion into the digital marketplace is a critical step forward, offering more choice, flexibility, and dignity in how they put food on their table. With the information in this guide, families can navigate this modern system with confidence and make it work for them.