Walmart EBT Payments: Your In-Store and Online Shopping Answers

Walmart accepts Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) for both Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, commonly known as food stamps, and EBT Cash benefits, such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). This acceptance is consistent across all physical Walmart store locations. It also extends to online orders placed through Walmart.com or the Walmart app in all 50 states.

The widespread availability of EBT payment options at Walmart positions the retailer as a highly accessible choice for beneficiaries. This can simplify shopping decisions and contribute to household food security, particularly when combined with Walmart's pricing strategies. This resource offers clear, step-by-step guidance on utilizing an EBT card at Walmart, detailing eligible purchases, and navigating online orders for pickup or delivery.

Using Your EBT Card at Walmart Stores

All physical Walmart stores are equipped to process EBT card payments. This provides beneficiaries with broad access to groceries and other essential items.

At the Checkout Lane (Cashier-Assisted)

When checking out with a cashier, using an EBT card is straightforward.

• Inform the cashier you intend to pay with EBT.
• Swipe the EBT card through the point-of-sale (POS) terminal.
• Enter your Personal Identification Number (PIN) on the keypad.

Walmart's register systems are generally designed to automatically identify and separate SNAP-eligible items from non-eligible items. If items are not automatically separated, or if you are also purchasing non-SNAP items with a different payment method, it might be necessary to conduct two separate transactions or ensure items are grouped accordingly.

Using EBT at Walmart Self-Checkout

Walmart's self-checkout stations also accommodate EBT card payments, offering a convenient and often quicker alternative. EBT at self-checkouts can enhance privacy and autonomy for beneficiaries, potentially reducing any perceived stigma.

Steps for EBT at Self-Checkout:

1. Scan Items: Scan all groceries and other items as usual.
2. Select Payment: Touch the "Pay" or "Payment Options" button on the self-checkout screen.
3. Choose EBT: Select "EBT" as the payment method.
4. Confirm Amount (if applicable): If your cart contains both EBT-eligible and non-eligible items, or if you wish to use only a specific portion of your EBT funds, the system may prompt for confirmation of the amount to charge to the EBT card.
5. Swipe Card and Enter PIN: Swipe the EBT card and enter your PIN.
6. Pay Remaining Balance: The screen will display any remaining balance for non-EBT items or items exceeding available EBT funds. Pay this amount using another method like a debit card, credit card, or cash.

Important Note for Mixed Purchases at Self-Checkout:

When purchasing a mix of EBT-eligible and non-eligible items at self-checkout, use the EBT card first. This ensures SNAP funds are correctly applied to eligible food items before prompting for payment of the remaining balance. If a debit or credit card is swiped before the EBT card for a mixed basket, the machine will attempt to charge the entire amount to that initial card. Self-checkout machines guide users through the EBT payment process, and Walmart associates are available for assistance, though you should never share your PIN.

Shopping Online with EBT at Walmart.com and the Walmart App

Walmart accepts EBT SNAP benefits for online orders in all 50 states, a capability developed through its participation in the USDA's SNAP Online Purchasing Pilot. EBT Cash benefits can also be used for online purchases at Walmart. This expansion into online EBT acceptance increases convenience and safety.

Setting Up Your Walmart Account for EBT Payments

To use EBT benefits online, you must first have a Walmart.com account. Adding an EBT card is a one-time setup:

1. Sign In: Log in to your Walmart account on Walmart.com or the Walmart app.
2. Navigate to Wallet: Go to "Account," then "Wallet," or look for "Add new payment method".
3. Select EBT: Choose "Electronic Benefits Transfer" or "EBT card".
4. Enter Card Details: Input the full EBT card number and the name as it appears on the card.
5. Save Card: Save the EBT card information.

Once linked, some Walmart platforms may allow you to check your EBT card balance (Food Stamp/SNAP and Cash) directly through your account, possibly requiring additional verification.

Placing Your Online Order

Identifying SNAP-eligible items online at Walmart.com or via the app is straightforward. Products eligible for SNAP are typically marked with an "EBT eligible" or "SNAP eligible" label. Filters may also be available to display only SNAP-eligible items. Walmart also offers a "SNAP online featured store".

Online Checkout Process:

1. Add Items to Cart: Select items and add them to your online cart.
2. Proceed to Checkout: Navigate to the checkout page.
3. Select EBT Payment: Choose your linked EBT card for eligible items. The system will show which items are EBT eligible and the subtotal covered by EBT.
4. Adjust EBT Amount (Optional): You may be able to adjust the amount of EBT funds to apply, up to the total cost of eligible items.
5. Enter EBT PIN: Securely enter your EBT card PIN on the payment screen to authorize the SNAP portion.

Backup Payment Method Requirement:

A backup payment method (credit or debit card) must be linked to your Walmart account for online EBT orders. This backup card covers:

• Non-SNAP eligible items in the order.
• Delivery fees, service fees, and driver tips (SNAP benefits cannot cover these).
• Potential cost increases from higher-priced substitutions if original items are out of stock (manage substitution preferences to mitigate this).
• Minor price variations for items sold by weight (e.g., produce, meat). This backup card ensures seamless processing for costs not covered by SNAP, though it can be a challenge for users without traditional banking.

Walmart Grocery Pickup with EBT

Walmart offers curbside pickup for online grocery orders paid with EBT.

• Placing an Order: Order via Walmart.com or the Walmart Grocery app. Fill your virtual cart and select a pickup timeslot.
• Fees: Pickup is often free for orders over a threshold (typically $35). Orders below this may incur a service fee (e.g., $6.99), not payable with SNAP benefits.
• Pickup Process:
  1. Receive a notification (email, app, or text) when your order is ready.
  2. Indicate "I'm on my way" via the Walmart app or notification link.
  3. Park in a designated Curbside Pickup spot upon arrival.
  4. Check-in via the app (enter spot number and vehicle color) or by calling the number on the pickup signage.
  5. A Walmart associate will bring out and load your groceries. Payment for the EBT portion is typically completed online with PIN entry during checkout.

Walmart Grocery Delivery with EBT

Walmart also provides home delivery for online EBT orders.

• Availability: Check delivery availability by signing into your Walmart account and selecting the delivery option.
• Ordering: Similar to pickup, place your order online, choose delivery, and select a timeslot.  
• Delivery Fees:
  • Standard delivery fees apply (often $7.95-$9.95).
  • Expedited or express delivery options have additional charges.
  • Orders below a certain amount (e.g., $35) may incur a small order service fee.
  • SNAP benefits cannot pay for delivery or service fees. These are charged to the backup card.
  • EBT Cash benefits (TANF), if available, can often cover Walmart's delivery fees. This is a key distinction.
  • A Walmart+ membership may cover delivery fees under certain conditions (see Walmart+ Assist section).
• Delivery Process: Local third-party drivers typically deliver orders. You'll receive a notification when the driver is en route. A PIN or signature might be required upon delivery, or contactless delivery may be an option.

What You Can and Cannot Buy with EBT at Walmart

Understanding item eligibility for different EBT benefits is crucial.

SNAP EBT (Food Stamps)

SNAP benefits are for food items prepared and consumed at home, per USDA guidelines.  

General Categories of SNAP-Eligible Food Items at Walmart:

• Fruits and vegetables (fresh, frozen, canned)
• Meat, poultry, and fish (fresh, frozen, canned)
• Dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt)
• Breads, cereals, and grains
• Snack foods (chips, crackers, cookies)
• Non-alcoholic beverages sold cold (sodas, juices, bottled water)
• Seeds and plants that produce food (vegetable seeds, herb plants)

Specific or Potentially Surprising SNAP-Eligible Items:

• Take-and-bake and frozen pizzas
• Energy drinks with a "Nutrition Facts" label (those with "Supplement Facts" are ineligible)
• Cold prepared beverages (iced coffee, fruit smoothies) if sold cold
• Coffee (beans, ground, pods), tea (loose leaf, bags), cocoa powder
• Bagged ice and bottled water
• Meal replacement shakes and protein powders with a "Nutrition Facts" label
• Infant formula, baby food, and infant cereals
• Cakes (if non-edible decoration value is <50% of price)
• Food-based gift baskets (if eligible food value is >50% of price)
• Edible pumpkins (ornamental gourds are not eligible)

General Categories of Items Ineligible for SNAP EBT at Walmart:

• Alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, liquor)
• Tobacco products
• Vitamins, medicines, dietary supplements (items with "Supplement Facts")
• Hot foods prepared in-store for immediate consumption (e.g., hot rotisserie chickens, hot deli meals). USDA regulations generally prohibit this. While the "Hot Foods Act" proposes changes, the ban usually remains for routine SNAP purchases. This can be challenging for those with limited cooking facilities or time.
• Non-food items such as:
  • Pet foods
  • Cleaning supplies
  • Paper products
  • Household supplies
  • Diapers
  • Cosmetics and hygiene items

The table below summarizes common SNAP EBT eligible and ineligible items at Walmart:

EBT Cash Benefits (e.g., TANF)

EBT cards may also have cash benefits from programs like TANF or state general assistance. These offer more flexibility.

At Walmart, EBT Cash can purchase:

• All SNAP-eligible food items.
• A wide range of non-food household necessities (cleaning supplies, diapers, toiletries, paper products).
• Other essential items like clothing. In some states, funds can cover housing or transportation, though Walmart purchases are limited to stocked items.
• Importantly, EBT Cash can typically pay for Walmart's online order fees (delivery/service fees) which SNAP cannot.

Restrictions on EBT Cash:

Generally, EBT Cash cannot buy items like alcohol, tobacco, lottery tickets, firearms, ammunition, or for services like gambling or adult entertainment. Walmart's systems enforce these. Understanding the purchasing power of SNAP versus EBT Cash is vital, especially for online fees.

Maximizing Your Benefits: Walmart+ Assist Program

Walmart offers Walmart+ Assist, a discounted Walmart+ membership for those receiving qualifying government assistance.

• Eligibility Criteria: Recipients of programs like SNAP, WIC, Medicaid, SSI, TANF, TTANF, NSLP, or LIHEAP qualify. It's for eligible new, existing, paused, or trial Walmart+ members.
• Discounted Price: 50% off the regular Walmart+ fee, typically $6.47/month or $49/year (vs. $12.95/month or $98/year).
• Membership Benefits: Full Walmart+ benefits, including:
  • Free delivery from local Walmart (often $35 minimum).
  • Free shipping (no order minimum) on Walmart.com items (exclusions apply).
  • Fuel savings at participating gas stations.
  • Paramount+ Essential plan subscription.
  • Mobile scan & go for in-store checkout.
  • Early access to deals, returns from home, and other perks.
• Sign-Up and Verification:
  1. Visit Walmart.com/Plus/Assist.  
  2. Eligibility is verified by SheerID (third-party). Provide info to confirm participation in a qualifying program (no credit check).
  3. Enroll in Walmart+ Assist at the discounted rate upon successful verification.
  4. Re-verify eligibility annually.

Walmart+ Assist aims to make membership more accessible. However, understand how benefits like free delivery interact with EBT online order rules (e.g., a $35 minimum might still apply for free delivery on EBT orders).

Understanding EBT Cash Back and Withdrawals at Walmart

Cash back or withdrawal ability depends on the benefit type (SNAP or EBT Cash).

• SNAP EBT Benefits: SNAP is for food only. It's generally not possible to get cash back from SNAP benefits at Walmart or other retailers. Returned SNAP-purchased items are refunded to the EBT card's SNAP balance, not as cash.
• EBT Cash Benefits (TANF): Individuals with EBT Cash benefits can often get cash back at Walmart with a purchase. Policies vary by state, but many allow this, often without a retailer fee. EBT Cash can usually be withdrawn from EBT-accepting ATMs (some Walmarts may have them). States may allow some free ATM withdrawals monthly, then a small fee.
• State-Specific Programs: Rarely, states might have unique programs. For example, a Louisiana program offered SNAP shoppers cash back on fresh produce at select Walmarts. These are exceptions.
• Walmart's Refund Policy for EBT: Items bought with EBT (SNAP or Cash) and returned are refunded to the EBT card account. No cash refunds. These refunds are usually processed quickly (often within 3 hours).

While Walmart supports EBT nationwide, specific EBT Cash rules (withdrawal fees, non-food item limits) are set by state EBT programs, not Walmart.

Tips for a Smooth EBT Shopping Experience at Walmart

Proactive management and understanding procedures ensure smoother shopping.

• Know Your Balance: Before shopping, check SNAP and EBT Cash balances. Use the state EBT portal/app, call EBT customer service, or sometimes the Walmart app/website if linked.
• Plan Your Purchases: A shopping list, noting SNAP items, streamlines checkout and budgeting. Walmart's online SNAP store can offer ideas.
• Card and PIN Security: Protect benefits from theft/fraud.
  • Keep your EBT card secure.
  • Never share your PIN.
  • Shield the keypad when entering your PIN.
  • Watch for card skimming devices. Report suspicious terminals.
  • Consider changing your PIN periodically, especially before benefits load. Stolen benefits may not be replaceable.
• Handling Split Payments (Mixed Carts):
  • In-Store (especially self-checkout): For mixed EBT-eligible and non-eligible items, use the EBT card first. Then pay the rest with another method.
  • Online: The Walmart system automatically applies EBT funds to eligible items after PIN entry. The backup card covers the rest.
• Online Order Substitutions: Review and set substitution preferences for online orders. If a substitute is pricier or not EBT-eligible, the difference or full cost might hit your backup card. Opt for "no substitutions" or choose EBT-eligible, comparable value replacements.
• Understanding Receipts: Keep EBT receipts. They record the purchase and usually show the remaining balance.

Conclusion

Walmart provides comprehensive support for EBT payments, ensuring broad access for SNAP and EBT Cash beneficiaries across its physical stores and online platform, now active in all 50 states. Conveniences include EBT at self-checkout, online ordering for pickup, and home delivery.

Programs like Walmart+ Assist further support EBT users by making membership benefits like discounted delivery more attainable. By understanding Walmart's EBT procedures, item eligibility, and available resources, beneficiaries can effectively manage their benefits. Walmart's extensive EBT integration plays a significant role in food access and social welfare.

For official information on SNAP online with Walmart. Details about Walmart+ Assist are at https://www.walmart.com/plus/assist. For broader USDA SNAP online purchasing information, see the FNS website.

Frequently Asked Questions