Hey there! If you’re looking to save money on groceries and use your food stamps, you might be wondering if you can use the Walmart app to do it. The answer is yes, but it’s a little more complicated than just clicking a button. Let’s break down how it works and what you need to know. We’ll cover everything from how to pay with your EBT card to what kind of items you can buy. So, let’s dive in and find out if you can use Food Stamps on the Walmart app.
Can You Use Your EBT Card on the Walmart App?
Yes, you can absolutely use your Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card to pay for eligible items on the Walmart app. This means you can order groceries and other approved food items from the comfort of your home and pay using your food stamps benefits. It’s a super convenient way to shop, especially if you’re busy or have trouble getting to the store.
Setting Up Your Account for EBT Payments
First things first, you’ll need to set up your Walmart account if you haven’t already. This is pretty straightforward – just download the app or go to the Walmart website and create an account using your email address. Make sure you have access to your EBT card because you’ll need to add the info to your account.
Then, you’ll need to add your EBT card as a payment method. Here’s how to do that:
- Log in to your Walmart account on the app or website.
- Go to “Account” and then “Payment Methods.”
- Select “Add Payment Method.”
- Enter your EBT card information, including the card number, expiration date, and the name on the card (usually the name of the EBT cardholder).
- You might also be asked to enter the billing address associated with your card.
Once you add your EBT card information to your account, your EBT card will be saved as a payment option, allowing you to use it at checkout for eligible items. However, you’ll also need to select the EBT card as your payment option at checkout.
It is very important that you have an available EBT card balance. If you don’t have the funds available in your EBT account, you will not be able to complete the transaction.
What Can You Buy with Food Stamps on the App?
When you’re using food stamps, there are certain rules about what you can and can’t buy. This also applies when using the Walmart app. The items you can buy with your EBT card generally include the same stuff you can buy in the store. This usually includes:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Dairy products
- Breads and cereals
- Seeds and plants that produce food
There are, however, things you can’t buy with your EBT card. For example, you can’t buy alcohol, tobacco products, pet food, or items like diapers or cleaning supplies. Non-food items are not approved by the USDA and are ineligible for payment with EBT.
If you try to purchase a non-food item with your EBT card, the app or website should automatically alert you. That item will need to be paid for using a different payment method (like a credit or debit card) if you want to purchase it.
The USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) determines which items are eligible. You should always check the product information on the app to confirm if an item is SNAP-eligible (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) before adding it to your cart.
How to Shop with Your EBT Card on the Walmart App
Once you’ve set up your account and know what you can buy, shopping with your EBT card on the Walmart app is easy. Just start by adding the items you want to your cart. Make sure you select items that are EBT-eligible (food items). Check if there’s a separate section for items that can be purchased with food stamps, which will make it easier to narrow down the products.
When you’re done shopping, go to checkout. During the checkout process, you’ll see your saved payment methods. Select your EBT card as the payment method. You’ll then be asked to enter your EBT card PIN (Personal Identification Number). This is the same PIN you use at the physical store.
After you enter your PIN and complete the transaction, the app will process your order. If you have both EBT and non-EBT items in your cart, the app should automatically separate them. The EBT-eligible items will be paid for with your EBT card, and you’ll have to use a different payment method (like a credit or debit card) to cover the non-EBT items.
Check to make sure that your EBT transaction was approved by reviewing your order confirmation. Walmart will also send an email or app notification to confirm that your order has been submitted and paid for.
Picking Up Your Order or Getting It Delivered
After you’ve placed your order, you’ll need to decide how you want to receive it. Walmart offers two main options: in-store pickup and delivery. Both options are convenient, but they work a little differently. For in-store pickup, you’ll select a time slot to pick up your groceries. This is generally free and saves you the time of wandering around the store.
When you go to the store to pick up your order, you’ll typically check in through the app or at a designated pickup area. A Walmart employee will bring your groceries out to your car and place them in your trunk or back seat. This is an excellent option if you want your groceries quickly but can’t make it inside the store.
Delivery is another great option. Walmart offers delivery services for a fee. The delivery fee varies based on your location, order total, and any promotional offers. This service brings the groceries straight to your doorstep. When using EBT for delivery, you might encounter additional steps like confirming your order and paying for non-EBT items.
It’s worth noting that fees (like delivery fees and service fees) often cannot be paid with EBT. You will need to pay for these fees using another payment method, such as a debit card or credit card. Make sure you have a separate payment method available for these fees if you choose to get your order delivered.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Sometimes, things don’t go smoothly when using the Walmart app and your EBT card. One common problem is getting an error message when trying to pay. Double-check that your EBT card information is correct and that your card has enough funds. If you’re still having problems, try logging out and logging back into the app.
Another potential issue is items being declined at checkout. This can happen if an item isn’t SNAP-eligible, or if there’s a technical glitch. To fix this, make sure all items in your cart are EBT-approved. If the problem persists, try removing the item and adding it again. Make sure your card has sufficient funds to pay for the items.
If you’re running into issues with delivery fees, remember that you can’t pay these with your EBT card. You’ll need to use a different payment method to cover those fees. Also, if there’s a problem with your order (like missing items or incorrect substitutions), contact Walmart’s customer service. They can help resolve the issue.
Here’s a quick reference table for common problems:
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Payment Declined | Check card details, ensure sufficient funds, try again. |
| Non-EBT Items | Separate into different payments using a different method. |
| Delivery Fee | Pay for the fee using a different payment method. |
| Order Errors | Contact Walmart customer service. |
Conclusion
So, there you have it! You absolutely can use your food stamps on the Walmart app. It’s a convenient way to shop, as long as you know the rules. Remember to set up your account correctly, add your EBT card, and make sure you’re only buying eligible items. Also, keep in mind the payment rules for delivery fees. With a little know-how, you can easily use the Walmart app to manage your food stamp benefits and get your groceries delivered or ready for pickup. Happy shopping!