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For those using the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), knowing which stores accept Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) is crucial. A common question is, does Walgreens take EBT? The answer is yes, and recent changes have significantly expanded how you can use your benefits there.
While many Walgreens have accepted EBT cards in-store for years, new partnerships now allow SNAP for online orders, including same-day delivery and pickup. This shift changes how millions of Americans can access groceries and essentials from the pharmacy giant. This overview details Walgreens' EBT policy, from in-store checkout to online ordering, to ensure a smooth shopping experience.
Walgreens' acceptance of EBT has evolved significantly. Historically, SNAP recipients could use their EBT cards at many, but not all, Walgreens and Duane Reade locations. Now, collaborations with major delivery platforms have made Walgreens a key player in online grocery access for benefit recipients.
Nationwide Online EBT Acceptance
Through partnerships with Instacart, DoorDash, and Uber Eats, Walgreens now accepts online SNAP/EBT payments for delivery from over 7,800 stores across the country. This move positions Walgreens as a convenient destination for the more than 40 million people receiving SNAP benefits. By embracing modern technology, Walgreens now competes with traditional supermarkets in providing essentials to communities facing transportation or mobility challenges.
The table below summarizes the current ways you can use your EBT card at Walgreens.
Table 1: Walgreens EBT Payment Options at a Glance
| Shopping Method | EBT SNAP Accepted? | How it Works | Key Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-Store (Cashier/Self-Checkout) | Yes | Standard card swipe and PIN entry at the point-of-sale terminal. | Acceptance can vary by store. Always call your local store or use the USDA SNAP Retailer Locator to confirm participation. |
| Online (via DoorDash) | Yes | Order through the DoorDash app or website. Add your EBT card as a payment method and select it at checkout. | A secondary payment method (credit or debit card) is required for non-eligible items, tips, and fees. |
| Online (via Instacart) | Yes | Order through the Instacart app or website. Add your EBT card to your profile and select it at checkout. | A secondary payment method is mandatory for any fees, tips, or non-food items. Instacart also offers a pickup option. |
Using an EBT card at a participating Walgreens is similar to using a debit card. Understanding the process for both standard and self-checkout, as well as how to handle mixed purchases, can help prevent issues.
The In-Store Checkout Process
Whether at a cashier lane or a self-checkout station, the payment process is straightforward.
Handling Common Issues
If an EBT card is too worn to swipe, some Walgreens systems allow cashiers to enter the number manually. However, not all employees may be familiar with this process. You may need to ask for a manager's assistance. Note that you must have the physical card with you; a photo of the card is not permitted.
Managing Split Payments
Walgreens' checkout systems handle split payments easily. When you swipe your EBT card, the cost of SNAP-approved items is automatically deducted from your balance. The terminal will then show the remaining amount due for any non-eligible items, which you can pay with cash, debit, or credit. To avoid a declined transaction, check your EBT balance before you shop. Your receipt will show your remaining SNAP balance after the purchase.
The most significant update to Walgreens' EBT policy is the nationwide rollout of online payment through third-party delivery services. This allows customers to get thousands of SNAP-eligible products delivered, often within an hour, which is a major step forward in food access. The process requires using a partner app like DoorDash or Instacart and having a secondary payment method for non-SNAP fees.
Step-by-Step: Ordering with EBT on DoorDash
DoorDash was the first platform to offer SNAP EBT payments from a major drugstore chain nationwide, partnering with nearly 7,800 Walgreens locations.
Step-by-Step: Ordering with EBT on Instacart
Instacart also provides nationwide online EBT ordering from over 7,500 Walgreens stores.
While convenient, these services require a secondary payment card, which can be a barrier for unbanked or underbanked individuals who rely on SNAP. This highlights a gap where digital convenience is not yet fully accessible to everyone.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) sets the rules for what can be purchased with SNAP benefits at all authorized retailers, including Walgreens. Benefits are for food items that can be prepared and eaten at home.
Eligible Items
According to USDA guidelines, SNAP-eligible foods include:
Ineligible Items
There is a strict list of items that cannot be purchased with SNAP benefits. These include:
The table below provides examples to help distinguish between eligible and ineligible items.
Table 2: SNAP-Eligible vs. Ineligible Items at Walgreens
| What You CAN Buy with SNAP (Examples) | What You CANNOT Buy with SNAP (Examples) |
|---|---|
| Milk, cheese, and yogurt | Vitamins and dietary supplements |
| Bread, cereal, and pasta | Hot coffee or prepared hot foods |
| Fresh, frozen, or canned fruits and vegetables | Beer, wine, and other alcoholic beverages |
| Chicken, ground beef, and fish | Cigarettes and tobacco products |
| Snack foods like chips, cookies, and candy | Pet food and supplies |
| Non-alcoholic beverages like soda and juice | Soaps, shampoo, and hygiene items |
| Seeds and plants to grow food | Paper products (toilet paper, paper towels) |
| Frozen pizza and other frozen meals | Household cleaning supplies |
Many EBT cards hold both SNAP benefits for food and cash assistance from programs like Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). While SNAP funds are restricted to food, TANF cash can be used to buy non-food essentials or to withdraw cash.
Walgreens' policy on accepting EBT cash is less clear than its SNAP policy. Official announcements focus on SNAP, but some state documents show certain Walgreens locations are authorized for POS cash withdrawals. For example, documents from California and Tennessee list cash withdrawal limits at Walgreens stores.
There is no universal policy from Walgreens corporate on accepting EBT cash for non-food items or providing cash back. Acceptance appears to vary by state and store. Online platforms like DoorDash and Instacart do not mention accepting TANF cash benefits. The most reliable approach is to ask the cashier about the store's specific policy before your transaction.
It is important to know the difference between a government-issued EBT card and a private Over-the-Counter (OTC) benefit card, which Walgreens heavily promotes.
Confusion can arise because Walgreens advertises its acceptance of OTC cards for items that are prohibited under SNAP rules, such as vitamins. A customer might see signs for "benefit cards" and mistakenly believe their EBT card can be used for these health products. Remember, EBT and OTC are separate programs with different rules.
While national companies announce broad policies, implementation can sometimes lag behind information from state agencies, causing confusion.
The Case of Nevada
A clear example is Nevada. In 2024, national press releases and the USDA listed Walgreens as a participating online SNAP retailer nationwide, including in Nevada. However, guidance from Nevada's Division of Welfare and Supportive Services (DWSS) only named Walmart and Amazon as approved online retailers, stating it was "working to add more stores".
This "information lag" is common. National corporations often move faster than government agencies can update their public materials.
How to Get the Most Accurate Information
When faced with conflicting information, it is best to verify locally. Instead of relying on a potentially outdated state document, you can:
This approach helps you find the most current and accurate answer, bridging the gap between national policy and local reality.
Yes, many Walgreens locations are authorized to accept WIC. However, WIC program participation is determined at the state level and can vary by store. The best approach is to use the store locator on the Walgreens website, which includes a "WIC Accepted" filter to find participating locations near you.
According to Walgreens' return policy, refunds are issued to the original form of payment. If you return an EBT-eligible item purchased with your SNAP benefits and have the receipt, the refund amount will be credited directly back to your EBT card. Cash refunds are not provided for SNAP returns.
Yes, you can use your EBT card at Walgreens self-checkout kiosks. The process is similar to using it with a cashier. The system will prompt you to select your payment method, where you can choose EBT and then enter your PIN to complete the transaction for eligible items.
If your EBT card is declined, first confirm you are purchasing only SNAP-eligible items. The issue is often due to insufficient funds, an incorrect PIN entry, or a temporary system error. Check your balance using your state's EBT app or the toll-free number on your card before trying again.
Yes. While your SNAP benefits will cover the cost of eligible food items, they cannot be used to pay for delivery fees, service charges, or driver tips. You must provide a separate credit or debit card on your Instacart or DoorDash account to cover these non-eligible expenses.
If your EBT card includes cash benefits (TANF), you may be able to get cash back with a purchase at participating Walgreens locations, subject to store limits. However, policies can vary, so it is best to ask the cashier before starting your transaction. You cannot get cash back without a purchase.
No, you cannot use EBT SNAP funds to purchase prescription medications. SNAP benefits are strictly limited to eligible food and grocery items. Pharmacy items, including both over-the-counter medicines and prescription drugs, are not eligible for purchase with SNAP.
No, you cannot add an EBT card as a direct payment method within the official Walgreens app. To pay for Walgreens orders online with EBT, you must add your card to a third-party delivery platform like Instacart or DoorDash and place your order through their app or website.
If your EBT SNAP funds are not enough to cover all eligible items, you can split the payment. You can use your remaining SNAP balance first and then pay for the rest of the items with another accepted payment method, such as a credit card, debit card, or cash.
The most reliable way to check your EBT balance is by calling the toll-free number on the back of your card or using your state's designated EBT portal or mobile app. After making a purchase at Walgreens, your remaining balance will also be printed on the bottom of your receipt.
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