Does Shipt Take EBT? Retailer List, Fees, and Payment Rules

If you are asking does Shipt take EBT, the answer is yes, but only at specific retailers like Target and Meijer. This integration allows Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients to use their benefits for same-day grocery delivery. However, unlike using a standard credit card, you must navigate specific retailer restrictions and payment rules to successfully place an order.

Key Takeaways

• Authorized Retailers: Shipt accepts EBT only at Target, Meijer, Hy-Vee, and Dierbergs.
• Membership Discount: SNAP recipients qualify for a reduced monthly membership of $4.99.
• Split Payment Rule: You must link a secondary credit or debit card to cover delivery fees and ineligible items.
• Delivery Fees: Orders under $35 incur a $7 fee that cannot be paid with SNAP funds.
• Exclusions: Major grocers like H-E-B, Winn-Dixie, and Costco do not accept EBT through the Shipt app.

Does Shipt Take EBT? Supported Stores and Exclusions

While Shipt partners with dozens of retailers, does Shipt take EBT for all of them? No. The platform has enabled SNAP payments exclusively for four specific grocery partners. Trying to use your benefits at unsupported stores will result in the payment option being unavailable at checkout.

Currently, you can use your Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card at:

• Target: Available nationwide wherever Shipt delivery is offered.
• Meijer: Supported in Midwest states including Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana.
• Hy-Vee: Available across the Midwest and Great Plains regions.
• Dierbergs: Supported primarily in the Greater St. Louis area.

It is important to note that some retailers accept EBT on their own apps but not through Shipt. For instance, H-E-B and Winn-Dixie have their own digital SNAP programs, but they are not integrated with Shipt's EBT system. If you need to shop at those stores, you must use their proprietary platforms.

The "Split Payment" Requirement

Federal regulations regarding online purchasing prohibit SNAP funds from paying for service fees, delivery charges, or non-food items. To comply with these laws, Shipt utilizes a "split tender" transaction system.

You are required to add a secondary form of payment, such as a standard credit or debit card, to your account. Shipt will not allow you to proceed to checkout if only an EBT card is on file. This secondary card acts as a backup to cover any costs that the government does not subsidize.

During the checkout process, you must manually toggle the "Split payments" option to "ON." You will then enter the exact dollar amount you wish to charge to your SNAP benefits. The remaining balance—including the driver's tip and any delivery fees—will automatically charge to your secondary card.

Membership Costs and Delivery Fees

Shipt offers a financial incentive to make delivery more accessible for low-income households. EBT cardholders are eligible for a specialized Shipt SNAP Membership priced at $4.99 per month. This represents a significant discount compared to the standard membership rate.

However, you must be mindful of per-order fees that can strain a tight budget.

• Orders over $35: $0 delivery fee.
• Orders under $35: $7 flat delivery fee.

Crucially, the $4.99 monthly fee and the $7 small order fee cannot be paid with EBT funds. You must have money available on your personal debit or credit card to cover these operational costs. If the secondary card is declined, the entire order will fail, even if you have sufficient food stamps to cover the groceries.

Eligible Items and Restrictions

Shipt uses the same strict eligibility guidelines as a physical grocery store. You can purchase staple food items such as fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, and breads. The app simplifies this by displaying an "EBT" tag on eligible products, allowing you to filter your search to avoid errors.

You cannot use SNAP funds for the following:

• Hot Foods: Rotisserie chickens or heated prepared meals.
• Household Goods: Cleaning supplies, paper towels, and toilet paper.
• Personal Care: Vitamins, medicine, and hygiene products.
• Pet Food: Supplies for dogs, cats, or other pets.

Any attempt to purchase these items with your EBT allotment will result in those specific costs being shifted to your secondary payment method.

Managing Refunds and Substitutions

In the event of missing or damaged items, Shipt processes refunds directly back to your EBT card. Federal law prevents these refunds from being issued as cash or store credit. While Shipt initiates the refund immediately, it may take 24 to 48 hours for the funds to reappear in your SNAP balance.

Substitutions present a unique challenge for EBT orders. When you authorize a payment, it is for a fixed amount. If a shopper substitutes an out-of-stock item with a more expensive brand, the system cannot charge the difference to your EBT card without new authorization. Consequently, price increases from substitutions often default to your secondary credit card.

Comparison: Shipt vs. Competitors

To verify if Shipt is the right choice for your needs, compare its EBT offerings against other major delivery services.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your order is declined, the issue is frequently with the secondary payment method rather than your benefits. Ensure your debit or credit card has sufficient funds to cover the "hold" for weighted items and fees. Shipt typically places a temporary hold slightly higher than the total to account for produce weight variances.

Another common error involves location. Just because a Meijer store is near you does not automatically mean it supports online EBT in your specific zip code. Always check the Shipt app to confirm that the specific store location you are ordering from is participating in the program.

Frequently Asked Questions