Many people still struggle to get healthy food due to issues like living far from grocery stores, not having reliable transportation, low income, disabilities, or unemployment. These problems show the need for new ways to help people get the food they need.
Online grocery services like Instacart help by making food more accessible. Instacart works with local groups and governments, such as the Grocery Access Pilot (GAP) in Columbia, South Carolina, which gives free Instacart+ memberships and monthly funds to help with costs.
Allowing people to use Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) for online shopping is more than just convenient—it helps fight hunger, improves health, and gives people more food choices. These programs also show a strong commitment to helping communities while supporting economic growth.
Can You Use Food Stamps (EBT/SNAP) on Instacart? The Direct Answer
Yes, individuals can indeed use their Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, specifically Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, to purchase groceries through Instacart. This capability has significantly expanded access to groceries for millions of SNAP recipients across the United States.
However, the acceptance of EBT on Instacart is subject to several key conditions and limitations. Foremost, EBT acceptance is not universal across all retailers on the platform; it depends on whether individual grocery retailers participate in the SNAP Online Purchasing Program and have integrated with Instacart’s system. Instacart functions as a platform that facilitates these transactions, but the ultimate eligibility hinges on each grocery chain first receiving authorization from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for online SNAP transactions and then integrating with Instacart’s EBT system. This implies a granular, state-by-state and retailer-by-retailer rollout process, meaning users must verify EBT acceptance for their specific local store on Instacart.
Furthermore, federal guidelines strictly dictate that EBT SNAP benefits can only be used for SNAP-eligible food items. Crucially, these benefits cannot be used to cover non-food items, delivery fees, service fees, pickup fees, or driver tips. For these additional costs, an alternative payment method, such as a debit or credit card, or a gift card, is required. It is also important to note that Cash EBT, often referred to as TANF or welfare benefits, cannot be used for online purchases on Instacart.
How EBT/SNAP Works on Instacart: A Step-by-Step Guide
Utilizing EBT/SNAP benefits on Instacart involves a straightforward process designed to integrate federal assistance with modern online shopping convenience.
Setting Up Your Instacart Account for EBT
To begin, users must either create a new Instacart account or sign in to their existing one through the Instacart website or mobile application. Once logged in, the platform requires a user’s address or current location to display available grocery stores in their vicinity. Identifying EBT-eligible stores is made easy by looking for the “EBT” label prominently displayed on grocery store tiles within the “stores near you” carousel. Users can also filter for “EBT” on the home screen to quickly narrow down options.
Adding EBT card information is a critical step. This is done by navigating to the account settings or payment methods section, selecting “EBT SNAP” as a payment type, and then entering the first name, last name, and the EBT card number. A mandatory requirement is the addition of a separate credit/debit card or gift card as a backup payment method. This is essential for covering any fees, delivery tips, or non-SNAP eligible items that may be part of the order. The necessity for a backup payment method is not merely a policy detail but a critical point that can significantly affect user adoption and satisfaction, particularly for individuals who are most financially vulnerable. If a user possesses only EBT funds, they are fundamentally unable to complete an Instacart order, which directly impacts the program’s accessibility and reach for the demographic it aims to serve.
Shopping for SNAP-Eligible Groceries
To streamline the shopping experience and ensure compliance with SNAP guidelines, Instacart offers features to help identify eligible items. Users can easily enable the “show EBT SNAP eligibility by item” toggle in their account settings on the Instacart app or website. This feature will display “SNAP” directly under the price of eligible items. Additionally, the grocery search tool allows users to filter specifically for “SNAP eligible” items, ensuring that their cart contains only items that can be paid for with their benefits. This functionality is a crucial design feature that directly addresses a core user need for clarity and ease of shopping within strict SNAP guidelines. Without such explicit visual cues and filtering capabilities, users would face constant uncertainty about permissible purchases, potentially leading to frustration, rejected items at checkout, or inadvertent misuse of benefits. This design choice significantly enhances the user experience by making complex regulatory rules transparent and actionable within the application. Once eligible items are identified, users can browse the store’s selection and add them to their cart.
Checkout Process with EBT
After filling the cart, users should click on it to review all items and add any special instructions, such as preferences for out-of-stock items. It is important to note that shopper-chosen replacements can alter the total cost of the order. Users then select their preferred fulfillment method, either pickup or delivery, keeping in mind that options vary by location and can be checked by entering a zip code on Instacart’s EBT SNAP page. A convenient time slot for delivery or pickup must also be chosen.
During checkout, “EBT SNAP” should be selected as the payment type. Users have the flexibility to specify how much of the order they wish to pay with EBT SNAP benefits and how much with their backup payment method. To finalize the purchase, users will be prompted to enter their EBT PIN to verify the transaction. Throughout the process, users should remain attentive to text or app messages from their Instacart shopper, who may reach out regarding out-of-stock items or other order-related issues.
What You Can and Cannot Buy with EBT on Instacart
Adhering to federal SNAP guidelines, the types of items purchasable with EBT/SNAP benefits on Instacart are clearly defined, ensuring that assistance is directed towards essential food needs.
SNAP-Eligible Food Items
EBT SNAP benefits generally cover most food items intended for human consumption. This broad category includes a wide array of groceries such as fresh, frozen, and canned fruits and vegetables; meats, poultry, and fish; dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt; and staple items such as breads and cereals. Snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages are also typically eligible. Beyond prepared foods, SNAP benefits can be used for seeds and plants that produce food for the household, military commissary surcharges, and container deposits as mandated by state law. It is crucial to remember that the established federal SNAP rules apply consistently, whether shopping in a physical store or through the Instacart platform.
Items Not Covered by EBT
Certain items are explicitly excluded from purchase with EBT benefits. Hot food intended for immediate consumption is generally ineligible, though exceptions exist for authorized hot meal programs or approved restaurant meal programs, which vary by state and specific retailer participation. Non-food items are broadly excluded, encompassing alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, liquor), tobacco products, and vitamins and medicines (distinguished by a “supplement facts” label rather than a “nutrition facts” label). Live animals are also generally ineligible, with specific exceptions for shellfish, fish removed from water, or animals slaughtered prior to removal from the premises. Household goods such as cleaning supplies, paper products, and pet food are not covered. Furthermore, firearms, ammunition, and explosives are strictly prohibited. Gift baskets are ineligible if the value of non-food items exceeds half of the total purchase price. Lastly, and critically, EBT benefits cannot be used to cover any associated fees, including retailer fees for delivery, service fees, or grocery bag fees.
The following table provides a general overview of SNAP-eligible versus ineligible items:
| Category | Eligible (Yes/No) | Examples/Notes |
| Fresh Fruits & Vegetables | Yes | Apples, spinach, carrots |
| Meats, Poultry, Fish | Yes | Chicken breast, ground beef, salmon |
| Dairy Products | Yes | Milk, cheese, yogurt |
| Breads & Cereals | Yes | Loaf of bread, oatmeal, pasta |
| Snack Foods & Non-Alcoholic Beverages | Yes | Chips, soda, juice (not hot prepared) |
| Seeds & Plants (to grow food) | Yes | Tomato seeds, herb plants |
| Hot Foods (for immediate consumption) | No | Rotisserie chicken, hot coffee (unless part of approved meal program) |
| Alcoholic Beverages | No | Beer, wine, liquor |
| Tobacco Products | No | Cigarettes, cigars |
| Vitamins & Supplements | No | Multi-vitamins, protein powder (check “Nutrition Facts” vs. “Supplement Facts” label) |
| Live Animals (most) | No | Pets (exceptions for shellfish, fish, slaughtered animals) |
| Non-Food Household Items | No | Cleaning supplies, paper towels, soap, pet food |
| Delivery/Service/Pickup Fees | No | Requires alternative payment |
| Driver Tips | No | Requires alternative payment |
This table is crucial for users because federal regulations strictly define what food items qualify for SNAP EBT. A clear, concise reference like this helps prevent confusion and frustration at checkout by immediately providing users with a quick guide to permissible purchases. Without this explicit guidance, users might inadvertently add non-eligible items, leading to payment issues, order modifications, or a negative overall experience.
Understanding Fees and Additional Costs
While EBT/SNAP benefits cover eligible food items, it is essential for users to understand that various additional fees are associated with using Instacart, and these charges cannot be covered by SNAP benefits. This necessitates the use of a separate payment method for these costs.
Delivery, Service, and Pickup Fees
Delivery fees on Instacart vary based on factors such as order size, the specific store, and the desired delivery speed. For same-day orders exceeding $35, delivery fees typically commence at $3.99. However, for orders under $35 or for expedited delivery, these fees can be higher. Beyond delivery, some stores or orders may also incur separate service fees, which vary depending on the specific circumstances. For those opting for Instacart pickup, a small pickup fee, generally ranging from $0 to $10, might apply.
A fundamental federal rule dictates that SNAP benefits can exclusively be used for SNAP-eligible food items. Consequently, EBT cards cannot cover any of these aforementioned fees. This consistent inability to use EBT for delivery, service, and pickup fees creates an inherent economic barrier that disproportionately affects the very population the program aims to help, potentially diminishing some of the accessibility benefits. For individuals already managing tight budgets, these accumulating fees, even if individually small, can become a significant deterrent or an insurmountable obstacle, especially for frequent users. To cover all fees and non-EBT eligible items, users must employ a separate payment method, such as a credit card, debit card, gift card, or PayPal. It is also worth noting that online grocery prices on Instacart may occasionally be slightly higher than those found in physical stores.
Tipping Your Shopper
Tipping the Instacart shopper is an optional practice but is strongly encouraged as a way to acknowledge their service. Similar to fees, tips cannot be paid with EBT benefits and must be covered by the alternative payment method on file.
Instacart+ Membership for EBT Users
Recognizing the financial burden posed by fees, Instacart offers a strategic solution in the form of a discounted Instacart+ membership specifically for SNAP participants. Individuals who have utilized an EBT SNAP card for grocery purchases on Instacart within the preceding six months may qualify for Instacart+ at a 50% discount for 12 months. This offering is a strategic move designed to address the fee barrier and encourage long-term engagement among SNAP recipients.
The Instacart+ membership provides several cost-saving benefits, including free delivery and pickup on orders exceeding $35, a 5% credit back on eligible pickup orders, and reduced service fees on every order. While the membership fee itself requires an alternative payment, for frequent users, the annual savings on delivery and service fees can often outweigh the membership cost, making it a cost-effective option in the long run. This indicates that Instacart recognizes the burden posed by fees and is implementing a business model that attempts to balance profitability with social impact, incentivizing continued usage among a crucial demographic.
The following table summarizes key Instacart fees and their coverage by EBT:
| Fee Type | Description | EBT Covers? | Alternative Payment Required? | Typical Cost/Notes |
| Delivery Fee | Cost for grocery delivery to your door | No | Yes | Starts $3.99 for orders >$35; varies for <$35, quick delivery |
| Service Fee | Instacart’s operational fee | No | Yes | Varies by order/store (starts ~$3.00) |
| Pickup Fee | Cost for ordering online and picking up in-store | No | Yes | $0 – $10 (varies by retailer) |
| Driver Tip | Optional gratuity for your shopper | No | Yes | Optional, strongly encouraged |
| Instacart+ Membership | Subscription for reduced/waived fees | No | Yes | Discounted rate for EBT users ($4.99/month for 1st year) |
| Non-SNAP Eligible Items | Items not covered by federal SNAP rules | No | Yes | Price of item |
This table is vital because fees represent a major point of confusion and a significant financial barrier for EBT users. By clearly delineating each type of fee, providing a brief description, and explicitly stating whether EBT covers it, the report provides immediate clarity. This transparency helps users budget effectively and avoids unpleasant surprises at checkout, which is critical for a financially vulnerable population. It directly addresses a key question about the “true cost” of using the service beyond the food itself, empowering users to make informed decisions.
Benefits of Using EBT on Instacart
The integration of EBT/SNAP benefits with Instacart’s online grocery platform offers substantial advantages, significantly enhancing food access and improving the quality of life for recipients.
Increased Accessibility and Convenience
Online shopping through Instacart plays a crucial role in overcoming critical barriers to food access. It addresses challenges such as a lack of transportation, geographic distance from grocery stores—particularly in “food deserts”—and physical limitations due to disability or age, making it significantly easier for homebound or elderly individuals to access essential food items. The ability to shop from any location and receive same-day delivery or opt for convenient pickup saves valuable time and reduces the stress often associated with traditional grocery trips. This program’s expansion represents a significant step towards addressing systemic inequalities in food access, particularly for vulnerable populations and those residing in “food deserts.” By providing a means to overcome structural barriers like transportation, distance, and physical limitations, it actively promotes public health and equity by connecting underserved communities with nutritious food options they might otherwise lack.
Potential for Healthier Food Choices
An unexpected positive outcome of online grocery shopping, as indicated by research, is that individuals who shop online tend to purchase more fresh produce without increasing their total grocery bill. This finding suggests a significant positive health outcome, potentially influenced by the online shopping environment itself. Possible contributing factors include better visibility and organization of healthy options online, a reduction in impulse buying of unhealthy snacks often strategically placed in physical stores, or the ease of comparing prices for fresh items. This implies that online EBT purchasing is not just about accessing food, but potentially about accessing healthier food, thereby contributing to long-term well-being and potentially reducing diet-related illnesses, aligning with the broader public health goals of food assistance programs.
Dignity and Choice
The continuous expansion of online retailer options provides SNAP families with greater choice and flexibility in where and how they shop for groceries. This empowerment fosters a sense of dignity and normalcy in an essential daily activity, reducing the stigma sometimes associated with food assistance.
Broad Program Reach
Instacart has rapidly expanded its online SNAP acceptance, now partnering with over 170 retail banners across more than 14,000 stores. This extensive reach covers approximately 96% of SNAP households nationwide, significantly increasing access to online grocery shopping across the U.S..
Pilot Program Success
Initiatives such as the City of Columbia’s Grocery Access Pilot (GAP) program serve as compelling examples of the positive impact of these partnerships. The program has reported high participant satisfaction and a strong likelihood of continued participation, reinforcing the value of such collaborations in addressing food insecurity.
The following table summarizes the key benefits of using Instacart with EBT:
| Benefit Category | Description | Impact on Users |
| Enhanced Accessibility | Overcomes transportation issues, supports those in food deserts, homebound, or with disabilities. | Provides access to fresh food for those who otherwise struggle to reach grocery stores. |
| Unparalleled Convenience | Shop anytime, anywhere; same-day delivery/pickup options available. | Saves time, reduces physical strain, and simplifies the grocery shopping process. |
| Budget Maximization | Helps families stretch food budgets effectively. | Allows for careful planning and comparison, potentially leading to more efficient use of benefits. |
| Healthier Food Choices | Online shoppers tend to purchase more produce without increasing overall grocery spend. | Promotes better nutrition and can contribute to improved long-term health outcomes. |
| Dignity and Choice | Offers a wider selection of retailers and products, empowering consumer decisions. | Fosters independence and a sense of normalcy in grocery shopping, reducing stigma. |
| Extensive Program Reach | Available through 170+ retail banners, covering 96% of U.S. SNAP households. | Ensures broad availability of the service across most of the country. |
This table concisely summarizes the compelling reasons why EBT online purchasing through Instacart is beneficial. It provides a quick, digestible overview of the positive impacts, reinforcing the value proposition for the user. By categorizing the benefits, it helps the reader understand the multifaceted advantages beyond just obtaining groceries, appealing to both practical considerations and broader social welfare implications.
Common Issues and Limitations
Despite the significant advantages, users may encounter several challenges and restrictions when utilizing EBT/SNAP benefits on Instacart, reflecting the program’s current operational state.
The most significant limitation is that EBT SNAP benefits cannot be used for delivery fees, service fees, pickup fees, or driver tips. This necessitates a separate payment method, which can pose a significant barrier for individuals with extremely limited financial resources. The persistent inability to use EBT for these fees, despite ongoing advocacy efforts from low-income advocates and food banks, highlights a significant policy gap that limits the program’s full potential for accessibility and equity. This indicates a widely recognized issue that directly impacts the program’s reach and fairness. The fact that this limitation persists despite advocacy suggests a fundamental federal policy hurdle or a deep-seated business model constraint that has yet to be overcome.
Another consideration is that prices for groceries on Instacart may occasionally be slightly higher than those found in the corresponding physical store.
Some users have reported issues where Instacart does not allow the full available EBT funds to be used for eligible groceries, even when the cart contains only SNAP-eligible items. This has been attributed by some to Instacart creating a “safety net” for potential replacements or additions, causing frustration and requiring additional alternative payment. This consistently reported issue points to a significant systemic flaw that directly impacts user trust and financial planning. SNAP recipients often budget their benefits with extreme precision, and if they are unable to utilize their full available balance on eligible items, it creates unexpected financial strain, confusion, and a strong perception of unfairness, particularly when contrasted with other platforms that do not impose such a limitation. This directly contradicts the program’s goals of maximizing budget efficiency and convenience, potentially discouraging repeat usage among a population that relies heavily on these benefits.
Furthermore, EBT acceptance and delivery options are specific to individual retailers and geographic locations. While Instacart’s overall reach is broad, not every store on the platform accepts EBT, and delivery services may not be available in all zip codes. Some grocery chains might default to Instacart delivery, which can be confusing for users who may prefer the store’s own delivery service. Finally, as previously noted, cash benefits on an EBT card (TANF/welfare) cannot be used for online purchases.
Ongoing Initiatives and Future Outlook
The landscape of online EBT/SNAP purchasing is dynamic, characterized by continuous efforts to expand and improve options, driven by strategic partnerships and innovative pilot programs.
Instacart is actively and continuously expanding its online SNAP acceptance, regularly adding new retail banners and stores across the U.S. As of early 2024, Instacart had achieved a remarkable reach, serving approximately 96% of SNAP households nationwide through partnerships with over 170 retail banners and more than 14,000 stores. This rapid and continuous expansion across a vast number of retailers and states indicates a strong, ongoing commitment and a significant trend towards the normalization of online grocery access for SNAP recipients. This extensive growth signifies that online EBT purchasing is rapidly becoming a standard rather than an exception in the landscape of food assistance.
Recent expansions include collaborations with major chains such as Hy-Vee, Schnucks, and various Kroger banners (including City Market, Dillons, Fred Meyer, Harris Teeter, King Soopers, Mariano’s, Metro Market, Pick n’ Save, and Smith’s), as well as regional partners like ALDI and Food Lion.
Pilot programs play a crucial role in testing and refining the feasibility of online EBT transactions. The USDA’s pilot program, initiated in 2019 and expanded nationwide in 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, continues to serve this purpose. A particularly significant example of public-private partnership is the City of Columbia’s Grocery Access Pilot (GAP) program, which has been extended in collaboration with Instacart. This innovative program directly addresses food insecurity by offering eligible residents complimentary Instacart+ memberships and monthly “Fresh Funds” stipends specifically designed to help cover fees. This initiative, offering complimentary Instacart+ and Fresh Funds, represents an innovative local-level solution designed to overcome the federal limitation of EBT not covering fees. It demonstrates a willingness to innovate and mitigate federal policy limitations at a local level, suggesting a potential model for other municipalities or even a future federal policy shift to enhance the program’s accessibility.
These ongoing expansions and initiatives are explicitly aimed at increasing access for vulnerable populations, including those who lack transportation, are homebound due to disability or illness, or are elderly. The consistent growth in retailer partnerships and the increasing percentage of SNAP households served underscore a clear trajectory towards making online grocery access a standard, widely available option for all SNAP recipients.
Conclusion
The analysis confirms that Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards, specifically SNAP benefits, can indeed be used on Instacart to purchase groceries. However, it is crucial for users to understand the specific conditions that govern these transactions. EBT acceptance is contingent upon the individual grocery retailers participating in the SNAP Online Purchasing Program, meaning it is not universally available across all stores on the Instacart platform. Furthermore, only SNAP-eligible food items can be purchased with EBT benefits, and a separate payment method is invariably required for non-food items, delivery fees, service fees, pickup fees, and driver tips.
Despite these limitations, online EBT purchasing through Instacart offers significant advantages. It substantially enhances accessibility for vulnerable populations by overcoming barriers such as lack of transportation and physical limitations. The service provides unparalleled convenience, leading to valuable time savings and reduced stress associated with traditional grocery shopping. Moreover, research suggests a potential for healthier food choices among online shoppers, who tend to purchase more produce without increasing their overall grocery expenditure.
The ongoing expansion of the program, demonstrated by Instacart’s growing network of retail partners and its reach to a vast majority of SNAP households nationwide, underscores a clear commitment to improving food access. Innovative pilot initiatives, such as the City of Columbia’s Grocery Access Pilot program, further highlight efforts to address existing limitations by providing additional support for associated costs. By understanding how to navigate the system and its nuances, SNAP recipients are empowered to leverage Instacart as a valuable tool to better meet their grocery needs, thereby contributing to improved well-being and combating food insecurity within their communities. Users are encouraged to regularly check Instacart’s platform for local retailer availability and specific policies to ensure a seamless shopping experience.