Are you wondering if you can use your EBT card at Aldi?
Yes, Aldi Accepts EBT payments.
Aldi is one of the many grocery stores that accept EBT, SNAP, and food stamp benefits. However, there are some considerations when using an EBT card at Aldi.
I wrote this article to discuss using EBT at Aldi for online purchases and in-store or self-checkout payments.
What Is Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)?
Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) is a program created for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in the United States and several districts under the USA’s jurisdiction.
EBT is mainly an electronic system that allows people to use a card with credits to buy groceries online and offline.
You can get items like Fruits, vegetables, poultry, meat, fish, dairy products, cereals, bread, and other snack foods with EBT.
EBT is available in all 50 states and other districts, including Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Guam, under the SNAP program.
Does Aldi Accept EBT, SNAP Benefits, and Food Stamps?
If you use SNAP EBT benefits to get food, Aldi accepts them for your grocery shopping in all Aldi locations across the United States. SNAP participants can simply use their cards for EBT-eligible items.
However, there are some considerations and exemptions.
Does Aldi Take EBT In-Store and Self-Checkout?
Yes. Aldi accepts EBT in-store. Moreover, you can also use your EBT or SNAP at self-checkout if you want a more convenient payment method.
Does Aldi Accept EBT Online?
Fortunately, Aldi accepts EBT for online grocery purchases. While they once didn’t, Aldi posted on their website that they now accept EBT payments for online transactions. However, you can’t use your credits to pay service fees.
This change sparked nationwide after Food and Nutrition Services approved the Illinois Department of Human Services’ request to provide online purchasing options to SNAP households.
To shop for grocery items online with your EBT, you can simply go to Instacart and buy your food item groceries there.
If you don’t have an Instacart account, the app will prompt you to set one up before you start shopping.
You can either order online and have your groceries delivered or set your online orders for curbside pick-up.
However, you can’t use EBT to pay for delivery fees, driver tips, or other associated charges. You also cannot pay for non-eligible items with your SNAP benefits online.
Does Aldi Accept EBT for Curbside Pickup?
Aldi also accepts EBT payment for delivery or curbside pick-up. You can set food items you purchased online for pick up and head to your chosen Aldi store to get your online orders.
How To Use EBT at Aldi Stores
As an EBT cardholder, you can use your card to purchase eligible food items at Aldi stores.
Follow these instructions to use EBT at Aldi.
- Take your items and proceed to the checkout counter.
- At the counter, you’ll swipe your EBT card on Aldi’s payment terminal and enter your PIN, just like you would with a debit card.
- Aldi’s system will deduct your EBT balance for the approved food items, and the cashier will process your transaction.
How To Use EBT for Online Orders or Curbside Pick Up
If you want to use your SNAP benefits or EBT credits to buy groceries online for delivery or curbside pickup, follow these instructions:
- Go to Instacart to order your groceries online. You can use the website or download the app.
- Add your EBT card to your Instacart account. To add your card as a payment option, go to Account Settings.
- Place order on eligible food items. You can use EBT to buy certain foods like groceries and non-alcoholic drinks. Look for items labeled “EBT” at participating stores.
- Pay with EBT at checkout. When you’re ready to buy your items, select EBT as the payment method at checkout. Decide how much you want to pay with your EBT card.
- If you’re having your groceries delivered, pay for the delivery fees and other service fees. You can use any other card or Apple Pay to do so.
What Items Can You Buy with EBT and SNAP at Aldi?
You can use EBT to purchase various eligible food items at Aldi and other grocery stores.
Here are some examples.
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Dairy products
- Bread and cereal
- Snacks and non-alcoholic beverages
- Any item with a Supplement Facts label
What Items Can’t You Buy with EBT and SNAP at Aldi?
While you can purchase a wide variety of food items with EBT at Aldi, some restrictions exist.
You cannot use EBT to purchase the following items.
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tobacco products
- Hot foods
- Other non-food items such as paper products, cleaning supplies, and pet foods
Ask your cashier to register multiple payments for groceries that might include non-eligible items. Pay for your SNAP-eligible items with EBT and other items with cash or debit.
Consequences of Using EBT Card for Unapproved Items
As per SNAP guidelines, your Electronic Benefits Transfer credits only apply to purchase approved food items. The transaction will not push through if you attempt to use your EBT to purchase unapproved items.
Additionally, repeated attempts to use your SNAP benefits or EBT for unapproved purchases could result in SNAP benefits suspension or termination.
When buying groceries online or offline, use your EBT payment only for eligible items.
For sellers, it’s also crucial to remember that food stamp fraud above $100 is considered a felony in the United States, which could result in prison time.
Aldi’s Return Policy on EBT Items
Aldi has a standard return policy for all purchases made with EBT cards, just like any other purchase. This policy includes the Twice As Nice Guarantee and the manufacturer’s limited warranty.
Customers can return items for refund, exchange, or store credit within a given period.
However, edible food items and perishable goods are non-returnable. This policy applies to all purchases made with EBT cards, including SNAP benefits and food stamps.
Does Aldi Give Cash Back with an EBT Card
No. Aldi does not give cash back with an EBT card.
Aldi only accepts EBT cards for purchasing eligible food items. Unused funds will remain on the card for future purchases.
Aldi Alternative Payment Methods
In addition to EBT cards, Aldi will accept other payment methods, including debit cards, credit cards, and cash. Customers can choose the payment method that works best for them at the time of purchase.
Other Grocery Stores that Take EBT
Many other grocery stores accept EBT cards, including Costco, Walmart, Kroger, and Safeway. Customers can check with their local grocery store to see if they accept EBT cards and SNAP benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which Is Cheaper: Aldi or Walmart?
When it comes to groceries, both Aldi and Walmart offer affordable prices. However, ALDI has lower prices than Walmart. They provide exclusive brand products at low prices and weekly deals and discounts.
Note: Walmart also accepts EBT payments.
Does Aldi Accept EBT in New York?
Yes, Aldi accepts EBT in New York and other states. However, it is best to check with the local store for more information.
Where Can I Pay With EBT Online?
You can use EBT for online grocery purchases in Aldi through the Instacart app or website. Other groceries that accept EBT online are Amazon Grocery, Walmart, and Target.
Does Aldi Accept WIC?
Currently, Aldi does not accept WIC as per their website. WIC is a government program that provides nutrition assistance to eligible low-income families.
The Bottom Line
Aldi is a popular grocery store chain that accepts EBT, SNAP, and Food Stamps. The process should be straightforward if you want to use EBT at the famous grocery store.
Understanding the policies and consequences of using EBT for unapproved items is crucial if you want to enjoy these benefits without problems.
The good news is that you can use EBT at other stores, not just Aldi. For instance, did you know you could use your EBT card at Walgreens to purchase SNAP-eligible items?
