A lot of people receive food stamps, also known as EBT cards, but they want to know does Amazon take EBT SNAP?
Those who receive food stamps and SNAP benefits can now use their EBT cards to purchase items from Amazon’s vast online catalog. There are some restrictions on purchases, but this opens up a whole new world of shopping.
There are some voids on what can be purchased, but this opens up a whole new world of shopping. We will cover the details below.
What is SNAP EBT?
Before we can discuss Amazon taking EBT, we need to understand what SNAP is. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps low-income people buy the food they need for good health. People who qualify get an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, which is like a debit card that they can use at certain stores.
You can qualify by having a low income or by participating in other programs like Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). You can learn more about qualifying for SNAP on the USDA website.
Is a SNAP EBT Card the Same as Food Stamps?
The SNAP program is the former food stamp program. While the name has changed, the EBT card is still commonly referred to as a food stamp card. EBT stands for electronic benefits transfer card.
Food stamps today are now called SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits. The name change was to reflect the fact that qualifying households aren’t just limited to buying food with their EBT card. They can also purchase seeds and plants to grow food.
Does Amazon Take EBT SNAP Benefits?
Yes, Amazon does accept EBT SNAP benefits! You can use your EBT card to shop for eligible items on Amazon.com. To start your transaction, just create an account and add your EBT card as a payment method. Once your card is added, you’ll see the option to pay with EBT at checkout.
There are some restrictions on SNAP benefits. While there are a lot of reasons not to buy from Amazon, food quality is not considered one of those main reasons.
Are Amazon Business Accounts SNAP EBT Eligible?
No, Amazon business accounts are not SNAP EBT eligible. Only personal Amazon accounts can pay with SNAP EBT for eligible food items.
EBT payments can only be made on a personal Amazon account and not on an Amazon Business account.
Does SNAP EBT on Amazon Accept Paper Coupons?
Unfortunately, you cannot use paper coupons when shopping with SNAP EBT on Amazon. Amazon does provide its own online coupons to EBT cardholders who shop for amazon groceries. Amazon coupons are only for owners of a personal Amazon account and not an Amazon business account.
What Can You Buy with EBT on Amazon?
The types of food you can buy with your EBT card are the same as what you would find in a grocery store. Even Amazon Pantry, Amazon Fresh, and Amazon Grocery products are also eligible for purchase with EBT.
You can use your valid SNAP EBT card to buy:
- Bread and cereals
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Dairy products
- Non-alcoholic beverages like water, juice, and soda
- Snacks
Additionally, you can also buy seeds and plants to grow food with your EBT card.
If you are unfamiliar with Amazon Pantry, it is a service that allows members to shop for groceries and household items in everyday sizes. It’s also referred to as Amazon Grocery. Amazon allows you to purchase groceries online for items on a basic college grocery list for students and more. Amazon Pantry orders are delivered right to your door with free shipping on orders over $25.
Amazon Fresh is a produce grocery delivery and pickup service for members in select areas. With Amazon Fresh, you can get fresh groceries, local favorites, and everything in between delivered right to your door. This includes produce, meat, and more. There is free delivery for orders over $35 ($50 in N.Y.).
What You Can’t Buy with EBT on Amazon
There are items you cannot buy with your EBT card, even on Amazon. If you are planning on grocery shopping, you should be aware of the non-SNAP eligible items. You cannot use your EBT card to buy:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tobacco products
- Pet food
- Vitamins and supplements
- Non-food items like soap, paper towels, and laundry detergent
- Prepared hot foods
You also cannot use your EBT card to pay for Amazon Prime membership fees or other services like Amazon Music or Kindle Unlimited.
If you try to purchase any of the above non-EBT items with your EBT card, you will see an error message at checkout.
Which States Can Use EBT on Amazon for Food?
Snap EBT benefits can be used in all 48 contiguous states. Alaska and Hawaii do not participate in the SNAP program. Additionally, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands participate in a different food assistance program called the Nutrition Assistance Program (NAP).
However, that may change due to the introduction of H.R. 5220. This bill would transition Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands from Nutrition Assistance Program (NAP) to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
While Amazon does accept EBT in all 48 states, not all areas have access to the same services. Amazon Fresh and Amazon Pantry are only available in select areas.
How to Use Your EBT Card on Amazon
To use your EBT card on Amazon, just add it as a payment method and select it at checkout. Enter your account’s 16-digit card number and 4-digit PIN. Once your card is added, you’ll see the option to pay with EBT cash at checkout.
Can SNAP Recipients Get Shipping or Delivery Fees Waived?
Yes, there is a way to get free shipping on your SNAP-eligible Amazon orders if you use your EBT card. Just sign up for an Amazon Prime membership, and you won’t have to worry about a free shipping minimum. Your Amazon account automatically will be linked to your EBT card, so you can start using Prime benefits right away.
Amazon Fresh delivery programs and Amazon Pantry delivery programs also have free shipping for Prime members. With these programs, you can get your groceries delivered right to your door with no delivery fee.
How to Cover Shipping Fees Without a Prime Membership
If you’re passing on signing up for Amazon Prime, there are still ways to get free shipping on your order.
Amazon Fresh
You can get free delivery on SNAP-eligible food items from Amazon Fresh if you spend $35 or more on an order ($50 minimum in N.Y.). Amazon Fresh is only available in eligible regions, so check to see if it’s available in your area.
Amazon Pantry
There is also free shipping on Amazon Pantry orders of $25 or more. Amazon Pantry (also known as Amazon Grocery) is an online grocery store that offers everyday low prices on a wide selection of food, household items, and more. These items are considered staple items that you would typically find in a grocery store in addition to a gourmet food category.
To see if Amazon Fresh or Amazon Pantry delivers to your area, just enter your zip code on the Amazon website.
Other Ways to Save on Shipping Costs
If free shipping isn’t an option, there are still ways to save on shipping costs. One way is to use Amazon Subscribe & Save. With this program, you can save up to 15% on your order and get free shipping. Just select the items you want to subscribe to and choose how often you want them delivered. You can also cancel your Amazon Subscribe & Save subscription at any time.
Can I Check My EBT Funds Balance on Amazon?
Yes. You can check your EBT funds balance on Amazon by selecting the “view account balance” link under your payment method. This will take you to the government benefits site, where you can log in and view your balance information.
If you don’t have enough food stamp benefits left on your account, you can still use your EBT card to purchase SNAP-eligible items. You’ll need to pay the difference with another form of payment.
You can use a credit card, cash a personal check, or even gift cards. Many people receive gift cards as gifts and don’t know what to do with them. If you have an unused gift card, you can apply the balance to your Amazon account and use it to pay for your SNAP-eligible purchases.
To add a gift card to your Amazon account, just go to “Your Account” and select “Add a Gift Card.” Enter the claim code from the back of the card, and the amount will be applied to your account balance. You can then use this balance to pay for your SNAP-eligible purchases.
How to Contact Amazon Customer Service about EBT
If you need help with using your EBT card on Amazon, you can contact customer service by going to the Help section of the website and selecting the “Contact Us” button. From there, you’ll need to select “SNAP EBT” from the list of topics and then choose how you’d like to contact customer service. You can either call, chat, or email for assistance.
Other Stores That Accept SNAP EBT Benefits?
Grocery Stores
Grocery stores will typically accept your EBT card as a form of payment. However, there may be some restrictions on what you can purchase with your SNAP benefits.
- Walmart: Walmart is one of the largest grocery stores in the country, and they accept EBT cards as a form of payment. You can use your EBT card to purchase food items, household supplies, and more. In addition, you can also cash checks at Walmart as well for payment. The Walmart check cashing policy has all the details.
- Whole Foods: Whole Foods is a grocery store chain that specializes in organic and natural foods. They accept EBT cards as a method of payment.
- Target: Target also accepts EBT cards as a form of payment for food items and other necessities. However, there are restrictions on purchases with your SNAP benefits.
- Costco: Wondering does Costco accept EBT? Costco does accept EBT cards as a form of payment, but only at select locations. You can check the Costco website to see if your local store accepts EBT cards.
Can SNAP Eligible Families Receive a Discounted Prime Membership?
Families that have SNAP eligibility can receive a 50% discounted Prime membership. With this membership, you’ll get free two-day shipping on eligible items, access to Prime Video and Prime Music, and more. The discounted Prime membership is available to those who have an EBT or Medicaid card. For more information, you can visit the Amazon website.
Is SNAP EBT Cash Back Allowed at Amazon?
No, you cannot get cashback when using your SNAP EBT card. The Federal United States Department of Agriculture states the purpose of the program is to provide food assistance to those in need. Getting cashback would defeat the purpose of the program. If you try to get cashback, your transaction will be declined.
Buying Foods Online: Amazon EBT Cardholder Summary
The article discusses how Amazon now accepts food stamps, also known as EBT cards. This is a great new development for those who receive SNAP benefits, as they can now use their EBT cards to purchase items from Amazon’s vast online catalog. There are limitations on what can be purchased, but this opens up a whole new world of shopping.
