Shopping online is super convenient, and if you’re using food stamps, you might be wondering how you can use them to buy groceries from Walmart online. Luckily, Walmart allows you to use your SNAP benefits (that’s what food stamps are officially called) to pay for eligible food items. This essay will walk you through the process, from setting up your account to placing your order, so you can shop for groceries online easily. Let’s get started!
What Do You Need To Start?
Before you dive into online shopping, you’ll need a few things. First, you’ll need a Walmart.com account. If you don’t have one, creating an account is pretty straightforward – you’ll just need to provide some basic information like your name, email address, and create a password. Next, you need a valid EBT card (that’s the card for your food stamps). Make sure your EBT card is active and has enough balance to cover the items you want to purchase. Finally, you’ll need an address to get your food delivered or a nearby Walmart store if you’re planning to pick up your order.
You should also be aware of what kind of food you can buy with your EBT card. Generally, your food stamps cover the same items online that they do in the store. This includes things like:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Dairy products
- Breads and cereals
- Snack foods
- Non-alcoholic beverages
Be sure to check the specific guidelines in your state, as rules can vary. Items like alcohol, tobacco products, pet food, vitamins, medicines, and household supplies are usually not eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits. Knowing these rules beforehand will help you avoid any issues during checkout.
The next thing to do is to decide whether you’d like your items delivered or if you want to pick them up yourself. Walmart offers both options, and the steps to use your EBT card are similar for each. You will need to have access to the internet and a computer or smartphone to place your order.
Adding Your EBT Card to Your Walmart Account
Here’s a question you might have: How do I actually add my EBT card information to my Walmart account? It’s simple! After you have created your account, go to the “Account” section on Walmart.com, and select “Payment Methods.” There you’ll see an option to add a new payment method. You can select to add your EBT card. You’ll then need to input your EBT card number, expiration date, and the name associated with the card. This information is secured.
Selecting Your Groceries
Choosing Your Items
Once you’ve added your EBT card, you can start shopping! Browse the Walmart website or app and add the food items you want to your cart. Remember to only select eligible items (groceries). The website will usually indicate whether an item is SNAP-eligible. Some items may have a note that indicates whether they are SNAP eligible.
Shopping online also means you can easily compare prices. Take your time to look at different brands or products to ensure you’re getting the best value for your money. You can also search by dietary needs, such as organic or gluten-free foods.
Remember to check the details of each item to confirm the size and quantity before adding them to your cart. Be sure to pay attention to units, as some items can be more than you expect.
You can find helpful tips by looking at the customer reviews for each product. This will help you find food you like.
Dealing with Non-Eligible Items
You might accidentally add some non-eligible items to your cart. Don’t worry, the Walmart system will recognize these items. At checkout, you’ll see a breakdown of your order, separating the items that can be paid with your EBT card and those that cannot.
For non-eligible items, you’ll need to choose another payment method, like a credit or debit card. You can’t split the payment for a single item between your EBT card and another payment method. You’ll either need to pay for the whole item with your EBT or with another method.
Walmart makes the payment process straightforward. If you only have eligible items in your cart, your EBT card will be automatically selected as the payment method. If you have both eligible and non-eligible items, you’ll be prompted to choose which payment method you’d like to use for your EBT and other payment type. Be sure to review your order before you finish checkout.
Here’s a quick look at a sample order:
| Item | Eligibility | Payment Method |
|---|---|---|
| Apples | Eligible | EBT |
| Cereal | Eligible | EBT |
| Shampoo | Non-Eligible | Credit Card |
Checking Out Your Order
The Checkout Process
When you’re ready to check out, go to your cart and click the “Checkout” button. You’ll be prompted to select a delivery or pickup method. Select either delivery or pickup, depending on your preference. Next, you’ll be shown a payment screen, which should show your EBT card as a payment option if you have eligible food items in your cart.
If you are planning to only buy food products, it should automatically select your EBT card. You may be asked to enter your EBT card PIN. This helps verify that it is you. Double-check all the details, including your delivery address or pickup time, before you submit your order. It’s always a good idea to review everything before you make it final.
Make sure you have sufficient funds on your EBT card to cover the eligible items. If you don’t have enough funds, the transaction may be declined, and you’ll need to adjust your order. You will receive a confirmation of your order. Keep a record of the order.
If you have any questions during the checkout, look for the help section or contact Walmart’s customer service. You can also check your email or your Walmart account for order details.
- Click “Checkout”
- Choose Delivery or Pickup
- Select EBT as your Payment Method
- Enter your EBT card PIN
- Review Order
- Confirm Order
Delivery or Pickup Options
Delivery and Pickup Explained
Walmart offers two main options for getting your groceries: delivery and pickup. With delivery, your groceries are brought directly to your doorstep. The delivery service is available for a fee. Delivery times will be displayed during checkout, and you can choose a time that works best for you. Someone will need to be available to receive the delivery.
For pickup, you’ll place your order online and then drive to your local Walmart store to pick up your groceries. Once you arrive at the store, you can check in through the app, and a Walmart employee will bring your order out to your car. This option is often free or has a lower fee than delivery. Pickup times are flexible, and you can usually select a convenient time slot.
Before choosing your delivery or pickup option, take into consideration these things. Delivery can be super convenient, but it usually costs money, and you need to be home. Pickup is usually free but requires you to travel to the store. Think about your schedule and decide which method works best for you.
Consider these factors before you decide. Delivery is great if you don’t have transportation. Pickup is good if you want to avoid delivery costs. Both offer a way to use your EBT card to pay.
- Delivery: Brings groceries to your door.
- Pickup: Pick up at the store.
- Delivery Fee: Usually costs money.
- Pickup Fee: Usually free or a low fee.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Dealing With Problems
Sometimes, you might run into problems when using your EBT card online. One common issue is that your card might be declined. This can happen if your EBT card has insufficient funds, if your card is expired, or if there’s an issue with the card itself.
If your card is declined, double-check your balance to make sure you have enough money. You can do this by checking your account online or calling the number on the back of your EBT card. If the card is still not working, call the number on the back of your card to find out more information. In some cases, there could be technical difficulties on Walmart’s end, too.
Other issues might involve problems with delivery or pickup. For instance, a delivery might be late, or an item might be missing from your order. If you experience these problems, contact Walmart’s customer service immediately. They can help you resolve the issue, provide refunds, or resend missing items.
Here are some common issues, and what to do if they happen:
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Card Declined | Check balance, contact EBT card provider |
| Missing Items | Contact Walmart customer service |
| Late Delivery | Contact Walmart customer service |
| Incorrect Items | Contact Walmart customer service |
Keeping Track of Your Orders and Benefits
Managing Your Account
After you’ve placed your order, it’s a good idea to keep track of your purchases and your EBT card balance. You can usually find your order history in your Walmart account. This allows you to see what you have purchased, when you purchased it, and the total amount.
Keep an eye on your EBT card balance to avoid any surprises at checkout. Walmart.com might show your remaining balance, but it’s always best to verify your balance through the state’s EBT portal or by calling the customer service number on the back of your card. This can help you plan your grocery shopping effectively.
You can also set up notifications from Walmart.com to get updates on your order status, such as when your order is being prepared, shipped, or ready for pickup. These notifications can help you stay informed about your orders.
To review your past purchases, follow these steps:
- Log in to your Walmart account.
- Go to “My Account.”
- Select “Orders.”
- View your order history.
Remember to always check your order confirmation emails and keep records of your purchases for budgeting and tracking purposes.
Conclusion
Using food stamps to shop for groceries online at Walmart is a convenient and accessible option. By following these steps, you can easily order your groceries online and have them delivered to your door or pick them up at the store. Remember to always keep track of your EBT card balance and to review your order carefully before you finalize it. Happy shopping!