Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) is a system that disburses government benefits through a plastic card that functions like a debit card.
For many low-income families in the US, the EBT, through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), helps them pay for eligible grocery items and put food on the table.
And with Amazon being the largest online marketplace, it makes sense to know if it accepts SNAP EBT, formerly known as food stamps, for grocery shopping and delivery.
Continue reading below to know if Amazon Fresh and Amazon Grocery allow SNAP customers to use their EBT cards.
Does Amazon Accept EBT?
So, can you use EBT on Amazon?
The short answer is yes.
As of 2022, Amazon has started accepting SNAP EBT cards to help low-income families access healthy food.
You can get started with the service here.
People who are SNAP EBT-eligible can use their benefits on Amazon to buy groceries online.
However, SNAP EBT funds can only buy SNAP-eligible food items, such as meat, fish, poultry, dairy products, fruits, and vegetables.
Aside from enjoying access to Amazon Fresh and Amazon Grocery, SNAP customers may also receive free delivery when they meet the minimum order requirement.
How Does SNAP EBT Card Work on Amazon?
To use your SNAP benefits, you must add your card information to your Amazon account.
Another option is to add it to your Amazon Wallet or during checkout.
You need a personal Amazon account to use your SNAP EBT card. An Amazon Business account won’t work for this payment method.
How To Use SNAP EBT on Amazon
If you are SNAP EBT-eligible, you must add your card information to your Amazon account. Here’s how to do that.
- Log into your Amazon account.
- Click Account, which you can see on the top right corner of your screen.
- When you click on this, you’ll see My Account. Click on it.
- Click Your Payments.
- Add your valid SNAP EBT card to your Amazon account.
- After adding your card information, click Save.
- Start shopping on Amazon.
- Once your orders are ready for checkout, enter your EBT card PIN to enjoy SNAP EBT benefits.
- Once you enter your PIN, you’ll see the total amount of your order that SNAP EBT does not cover. Consequently, you need to use a different payment method, such as a credit or debit card.
What Are the SNAP-Eligible Food Items?
Most edible items and food staples you commonly see at supermarkets qualify. These include:
- Fruits and vegetables (fresh, frozen, and canned)
- Fish and other seafood (fresh, frozen, and canned)
- Dairy products such as milk, butter, cheese, and yogurt (fresh and shelf-stable food)
- Pork, beef, poultry, and other meat products (fresh, frozen, and canned)
- Fish and other seafood items (fresh, frozen, and canned)
- Sugar, oil, flour, cake mixes, and other baking items
- Soda and juice
- Cooked goods such as cookies, pies, cakes, and other such items
- Nuts, crackers, pretzels, chips, and other snacks
- Pizza, potatoes, and other freezer aisle items
- Mustard, ketchup, and other condiments
- Honey, sugar, maple syrup, and other natural and artificial sweeteners
- Spices and seasonings (dried, powdered, and extracted)
Aside from staple food items,you can also use your SNAP EBT card to purchase seeds and plants to start a small vegetable garden.
However, you can’t pay with SNAP EBT if you want to keep chickens in your yard. That’s because the SNAP benefits program prohibits the purchase of live animals except mussels, shrimps, prawns, and other seafood.
What Are the Non-SNAP-Eligible Items?
While there is a wide range of grocery items you can buy with a SNAP EBT card, some grocery items are not eligible for SNAP EBT benefits.
You cannot use your SNAP EBT card to purchase these grocery items:
- Beer, wine, and other alcoholic beverages
- Tobacco products
- Cleaning and household supplies
- Cosmetics
- Hygiene products
- Pet foods
- Medicines, vitamins, and supplements
Do SNAP Benefits Apply to Amazon Prime?
Yes! Amazon offers a discounted Prime membership for SNAP-eligible customers and individuals who are part of particular state programs.
These programs include Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).
EBT cardholders enjoy a 50% discount on their Prime subscription, special deals on Amazon’s Fresh, free two-day shipping, extra discounts and coupons, and exclusive access to streaming services (video and music).
However, you can’t use your SNAP EBT card to purchase a Prime membership. Again, Amazon only offers a discounted membership for SNAP households.
To sign up for this special discount, visit Amazon and enter your valid SNAP EBT card number.
Does Your SNAP EBT Card Cover Shipping or Delivery Fees?
Unfortunately, your SNAP EBT funds will not cover delivery or shipping fee. However, you’re eligible for free shipping if your orders meet the minimum spend requirement.
As of this writing, the free shipping minimum requirement is $35 for Amazon Fresh orders and $25 for Amazon Grocery orders.
The free shipping minimum requirements only include SNAP-eligible items.
Do Coupons Apply on SNAP Orders?
Currently, Amazon does not accept paper coupons, although it offers its own online coupons that apply to SNAP orders.
Can You Purchase EBT and Non-EBT Products in the Same Transaction?
If you receive SNAP EBT benefits, you may be wondering whether you can use your card to purchase non-eligible items like cigarettes and alcohol.
You can use your SNAP EBT card to buy eligible items and non-eligible products in the same transaction.
However, you’ll have to split payments. You can pay with SNAP EBT for the eligible items and use another form of payment, such as a credit or debit card, to cover the cost of non-eligible items.
Does SNAP EBT on Amazon Work in 50 States?
SNAP EBT on Amazon works in all states except Alaska, Hawaii, Louisiana, and Montana.
Also, SNAP households in Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guma, and the District of Columbia can access this program.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the Return Policy on Amazon the Same When Using SNAP EBT Cards?
Yes. If you’re not satisfied with your orders, you can return them to receive your refund.
Follow these steps to return your Amazon Fresh or Amazon Grocery item for a refund you paid with EBT:
- Click Your Orders on your Amazon account.
- Click the items you want to return you bought using your SNAP EBT card.
- Click Request Item Refund.
- Follow any instructions provided.
Once Amazon has processed the refund, it could take up to 10 business days to be issued back onto your SNAP EBT card.
Are Items Sold by Third-Party Sellers Eligible for EBT?
No. SNAP EBT funds only apply to items that Amazon ships and sells.
Can SNAP Beneficiaries Use EBT to Buy Amazon Gift Cards?
No. You can’t use EBT funds to purchase Amazon Gift Cards.
Can SNAP Customers Use EBT on Whole Foods Online?
No. Although Amazon has a partnership with Whole Foods online, you can’t pay with SNAP EBT for products on the Whole Foods Marketplace. In this case, you will need a different payment method.
However, there are many Whole Foods items that you can buy from Amazon Grocery and Amazon Fresh. This is the only way you can purchase Whole Foods products with your EBT.
For example, the Whole Foods 365 brand is one of the brands your EBT covers.
But again, it’s a bit tricky since your EBT can only cover some of these Whole Foods 365 items.
Thus, always check first if the products you want to buy are available on Amazon and if your EBT covers them.
Can SNAP Customers Use Their Amazon Business Accounts?
No. Amazon Business accounts do not qualify for SNAP EBT payments. You have to use your personal Amazon account to access EBT deals and benefits.
Is Amazon Prime Membership Free with EBT?
No. Your EBT eligibility does not mean you get a free Amazon Prime membership. However, you’ll get a 50% discount on membership and enjoy exclusive deals.
To receive your Amazon Prime discount, follow this three-step guide:
- Go to Amazon Prime.
- Enter your EBT card number
- Upload an image of your EBT card.
Can SNAP Households Use EBT Cash on Amazon?
No. While the SNAP program also includes EBT cash, you can only use it for more general expenses.
Amazon only accepts EBT funds for the purchase of eligible grocery items. That’s why when you try to use your EBT cash on this platform, Amazon will prompt you to add another form of payment.
The Bottom Line
If you have an EBT card, you can use Amazon Fresh and Amazon Grocery and enjoy exclusive deals and discounts.
To access your SNAP EBT benefits, register your EBT card, verify your identity with Amazon, and check all the available offers.
Now that you know how to use EBT on Amazon, you may want to learn how Amazon Renewed works and how it can also help you save more.
