Hey everyone! Navigating the world of online shopping can be tricky, and figuring out how to use your SNAP benefits (that’s what Food Stamps are called!) at Walmart.com is definitely a question many people have. This guide will break down the process so you can easily order groceries and other approved items online using your EBT card. We’ll cover everything from setting up your account to what you can actually buy. Let’s get started!
What Items Can I Buy With SNAP on Walmart.com?
So, you’re probably wondering what you can actually purchase with your food stamps on Walmart’s website. The good news is that the rules are pretty similar to what you can buy in the store. Basically, you can use your SNAP benefits to buy food items that are meant to be eaten at home. This includes things like fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, and breads. You can also buy things like seeds and plants to grow food.
Here’s a more detailed look at what’s usually covered:
- Fresh produce (apples, bananas, spinach, etc.)
- Meat and poultry (chicken, beef, pork, etc.)
- Dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt, etc.)
- Breads and cereals
- Frozen foods
Remember, it’s always a good idea to check the specific product details on Walmart.com, because there are sometimes exclusions. For example, some prepared foods and non-food items might not be eligible. **You can use your SNAP benefits on Walmart.com to purchase eligible food items just like you would in a physical Walmart store.**
This also applies to the grocery pick-up and delivery options.
Setting Up Your Walmart.com Account and Adding Your EBT Card
Before you can start shopping, you’ll need a Walmart.com account. If you don’t have one already, it’s easy to create one. Go to the Walmart website and click on “Account” (it’s usually at the top right). You’ll be asked to provide some basic information like your email address and create a password. Once your account is created, you can add your EBT card.
Adding your EBT card is an important step. This is where you tell Walmart that you’re going to be using your SNAP benefits to pay for your groceries. You’ll need your EBT card number, the card’s expiration date, and the name on the card. You can usually find this information on the front of your EBT card. Be sure to enter this information carefully, just like you would with any other credit or debit card.
Here is a quick guide:
- Log in to your Walmart account.
- Go to “Account” and then “Payment options.”
- Click “Add payment method.”
- Select “EBT” or “Food Stamps.”
- Enter your EBT card details and save.
Once your card is added, it will be available as a payment option during checkout when you buy eligible groceries.
Finding Eligible Items on the Walmart Website
Okay, so you’ve got your account set up and your EBT card added. Now, how do you actually find the things you can buy with your food stamps? Walmart makes it pretty easy! When you’re browsing the website or using the app, look for items that are clearly marked as SNAP-eligible. There isn’t always a special label, but the site should clearly indicate that an item is a food item. If you’re unsure, it’s always a good idea to double-check the product description.
A helpful tip is to shop in the grocery section of the website. That way you know you are shopping for food and other grocery items. Look for the “Grocery” or “Food” categories in the menu. Within the grocery section, you can then narrow your search down by selecting different categories, like “Produce,” “Meat & Seafood,” “Dairy & Cheese,” etc. This makes it easier to find exactly what you’re looking for.
Here’s a table to demonstrate some of the categories in the online grocery section:
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Produce | Apples, Bananas, Lettuce |
| Meat & Seafood | Chicken Breast, Salmon, Ground Beef |
| Dairy & Cheese | Milk, Cheese, Yogurt |
| Bakery & Bread | Bread, Rolls, Muffins |
Remember, if you have any doubts about whether an item is eligible, it’s always best to check the item’s details or contact Walmart customer service.
Placing Your Order and Using Your EBT Card During Checkout
Alright, you’ve added your groceries to your cart and you’re ready to checkout! During the checkout process, you’ll be prompted to select your payment method. This is where you’ll choose your EBT card. Make sure you’ve selected your EBT card as your primary payment method. You might also have to enter your EBT card’s PIN (the same PIN you use at the grocery store).
Walmart allows you to use your EBT card alongside other payment methods. This is super helpful if your EBT balance doesn’t cover the whole order. For any items that are not SNAP-eligible (like paper towels or diapers), you can pay for those with another card, like a debit or credit card. The checkout process will usually allow you to split the payment between your EBT card and another form of payment.
A helpful note: When you choose to split the payment, the system will deduct the eligible amount from your EBT card first. The rest of the total balance will be charged to your other payment method. You can usually see a breakdown of what is being paid with each method before you finalize your order. This makes the whole process easier to understand.
This is how the payment split works in general:
- Put all of your groceries into your cart.
- Proceed to checkout.
- Make sure the SNAP-eligible items are paid with your EBT.
- Use another card for non-SNAP eligible items or remaining balance.
Choosing Grocery Pick-up or Delivery Options with EBT
Walmart offers convenient options for getting your groceries: pick-up and delivery. Good news – you can use your EBT card for both! When you’re placing your order, you’ll choose your desired pick-up time or delivery slot. Keep in mind that delivery might come with a fee, but picking up is usually free. It is still important to select your payment option correctly before confirming your order.
For pick-up, you’ll select a time slot and then go to the designated Walmart location. You’ll simply check in when you arrive, and a Walmart employee will bring your groceries out to your car. Make sure to bring your EBT card with you to confirm the payment. For delivery, Walmart will deliver your groceries to your home at the time you scheduled.
Here are some tips for making your grocery pick-up or delivery experience smooth:
- Make sure your EBT card is linked to your online account.
- Check the delivery area or if the pick-up service is available in your area.
- Confirm your order and payment method before checkout.
- Bring your EBT card with you for verification if you are picking up your groceries.
Make sure that you are within the delivery area.
Dealing with Order Issues and Returns When Using EBT
Sometimes, things don’t go as planned. It’s important to know how to handle order issues or returns when you pay with your EBT card. If there’s a problem with your order – maybe an item is missing or damaged – the best thing to do is contact Walmart customer service immediately. They’ll be able to help you resolve the issue.
If you need to return an item, the process is similar to returning an item purchased with cash or a credit card. You’ll usually need your receipt or order confirmation. When you return an item purchased with your EBT card, the refund will typically go back onto your EBT card. This means the refunded amount will be added back to your SNAP balance, so you can use it to buy other eligible items later.
Keep this in mind when dealing with returns:
- Contact customer service for any order problems.
- Make sure to have your order information.
- The refund usually goes back to your EBT card.
Customer service is the most useful resource for solving issues like this.
So there you have it! Hopefully, this guide makes it easy to pay with Food Stamps on Walmart.com. Remember to set up your account, add your EBT card, shop for eligible items, and choose your preferred pick-up or delivery option. Don’t hesitate to reach out to Walmart customer service if you have any questions or run into any issues. Happy shopping!