Hey everyone! Shopping online at Walmart is super convenient, especially when you need to buy groceries. But what if you want to use your EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) card, also known as food stamps, on the Walmart app? It might seem a little tricky at first, but it’s actually pretty straightforward. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about adding your EBT card to the Walmart app so you can easily buy food with your benefits. Let’s get started!
Is it possible to add my EBT card directly to the Walmart app?
Yes, you can totally add your EBT card information to the Walmart app. But there’s a catch! You can’t use your EBT card for the entire online purchase. You can only use it for eligible food items. Other items, like non-food products, will need to be paid for with a different payment method, like a debit card or credit card. The Walmart app will help you separate your eligible food items from your non-food items during checkout.
Setting Up Your Walmart Account & Adding Your EBT Card
Before you do anything, make sure you have a Walmart account. If you don’t have one already, creating an account is the first step. It’s free and easy! You’ll need an email address and you will need to create a password. Think of it like setting up an account for your favorite video game or social media platform. Once your account is ready to go, you can move on to the next step.
After logging into your account, you’ll need to add your EBT card. Finding where to do this might take a little looking, but don’t worry, you can do it! Look for an option labeled “Payment Methods” or something similar within the app’s settings or your account information. This is where you’ll enter your EBT card details. When you find this section, it’s time to add your card’s information.
You’ll need to enter your EBT card number, the expiration date, and the security code (CVV) just like you would with any other card. Pay close attention and make sure all the information is correct. Double-check everything before you save it. Misspelling a number could cause a problem when you try to checkout, so take your time. Keep in mind, you might not be able to add the card as a payment method if you haven’t activated it yet. You must call the number on the back of the card to activate it. Once it’s activated, come back to the app and you should be able to add it.
Remember, adding your EBT card doesn’t automatically mean you’ll be able to use it for everything. The Walmart app is designed to recognize what can be purchased with EBT. You’ll still need to use a separate payment method for the rest of your order. This means you’ll be able to use your EBT card for food items and another payment option for everything else, such as toiletries or household supplies.
Shopping for EBT-Eligible Items
Now, let’s talk about shopping! Once you’ve added your EBT card, it’s time to find the food you need. This part is just like regular online shopping. Browse through the Walmart website or app and add the groceries you want to your cart. When you add an item to your cart, the app will automatically identify if that item is eligible for EBT purchases. If you only add items eligible for EBT you may skip the next section.
When you’re looking for food, keep an eye out for items marked as EBT-eligible. Walmart makes it easy to identify these items, so you’re always sure which groceries your benefits can pay for. Look for a little icon or tag that says something like “EBT Eligible” or “SNAP Eligible” (SNAP stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which is another name for food stamps). That way, you’ll be able to use your EBT benefits without any confusion.
If you’re unsure if an item is covered by EBT, you can always check the product description or details. There’s usually a section that will specify if it is eligible. Items that generally qualify include:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Dairy products
- Breads and cereals
Make sure you are only adding eligible items to your cart. Adding non-eligible items to the same cart may cause problems during checkout. If you want to buy both, you should put your EBT-eligible items in one cart and your other items in a separate cart.
Checking Out with Your EBT Card
When you’re ready to pay, go to your cart and start the checkout process. This is where things get a little different. The app will recognize that you have an EBT card and will ask you how you want to pay for your groceries. It will likely ask you to choose between your EBT card and any other payment methods you have saved, like credit or debit cards.
During checkout, the app should automatically sort your items into two categories: those eligible for EBT and those that aren’t. You’ll be able to pay for the eligible items with your EBT card, and the non-eligible items with a different payment method. Walmart makes this process very simple. When you have eligible and ineligible items in the same cart, the app will clearly outline the payment breakdown. The amount that can be paid with EBT will be shown separately from the remaining balance.
Here’s how the payment might break down:
| Item Type | Payment Method |
|---|---|
| EBT-Eligible Groceries | EBT Card |
| Non-EBT Items (like diapers) | Credit/Debit Card |
If you have trouble during checkout, the Walmart app usually has a live chat option, or you can call their customer service. They can help with payment issues. Always double-check all your numbers before you pay.
Delivery or Pickup with EBT
Great news! You can use your EBT benefits for both delivery and pickup orders. This offers a lot of convenience, and is helpful if you have trouble getting to the store. Be sure to look at the minimum purchase for delivery or pickup. You might have to buy a certain amount of groceries before you can use these options. Each of these options may have a small charge, so watch out for that before you finalize your order.
For pickup, choose a time slot that works for you. When you arrive, you’ll check in at the pickup area, and a Walmart employee will bring your groceries out to your car. Delivery is similar, but your groceries are brought directly to your home. Just be sure to provide the right address and delivery information.
Keep in mind that the fees may be charged to your non-EBT card. Walmart is clear about these fees. Make sure you review the fees before completing the checkout process. Here is a basic list of potential charges:
- Delivery Fee
- Pickup Fee (if any)
- Taxes (on non-EBT items)
Always double-check your order summary to ensure the charges are clear. This ensures that you can track what you are paying for.
And that’s it! You’ve successfully added your EBT card and placed your online order. It’s a great way to shop for groceries and manage your food budget efficiently.
So there you have it! Adding your EBT card to the Walmart app is a useful way to shop for food online. Remember to add your card in the payment settings, choose EBT-eligible items, and separate them from non-eligible ones at checkout. With these steps, you’ll be able to get your groceries conveniently. Happy shopping!