Instacart accepts Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards for purchases of eligible food items. To use EBT on Instacart, customers must first register their EBT card with the company. This can be done by linking the card to an Instacart account online or through the Instacart app. Once the card is registered, customers can add eligible food items to their Instacart shopping cart and select EBT as the payment method at checkout. Instacart charges a delivery fee for EBT orders, which is typically around $3.99-$5.99. Customers can also use EBT cash benefits to pay for Instacart Express, a subscription service that offers unlimited free delivery on orders of $35 or more.
Instacart Payment Methods
Instacart accepts various payment methods for grocery deliveries. These include:
- Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover)
- Debit cards
- Instacart gift cards
- Apple Pay
- Google Pay
- PayPal
- EBT cards (in select areas only)
Using EBT Cards with Instacart
EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) cards, commonly known as food stamps, are accepted by Instacart in some areas. However, it’s important to note that EBT card usage on Instacart is subject to specific rules and limitations:
- EBT cards can only be used to purchase eligible food items as defined by the USDA. This includes fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, dairy products, and grains.
- EBT cards cannot be used to purchase non-food items such as household supplies, personal care items, or alcohol.
- EBT card usage is only allowed in areas where Instacart has partnered with authorized retailers. These retailers typically include major grocery chains and select local stores that accept EBT cards.
- To use an EBT card with Instacart, customers must first link their EBT card to their Instacart account. This can be done through the Instacart app or website.
States Where Instacart Accepts EBT Cards
The following states currently allow EBT card usage on Instacart:
| State | EBT Card Issuer |
|---|---|
| California | California Department of Social Services |
| Colorado | Colorado Department of Human Services |
| Florida | Florida Department of Children and Families |
| Maryland | Maryland Department of Human Services |
| New York | New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance |
| Oregon | Oregon Department of Human Services |
| Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania Department of Human Services |
Please note that this list may change over time as Instacart expands its partnership with authorized retailers in different states. It’s always a good idea to check with Instacart’s customer support to confirm whether EBT cards are accepted in your area.
Food Stamps Eligibility
To be eligible for food stamps, you must meet certain requirements. These requirements vary by state, but in general, you must be:
- A U.S. citizen or legal resident
- Have a Social Security number
- Meet income and asset limits
Income Limits
The income limits for food stamps are based on your household size and income. Here are the income limits for a household of four in 2023:
| Gross Monthly Income | Net Monthly Income |
|---|---|
| $3,103 | $2,319 |
If your household income is below these limits, you may be eligible for food stamps.
Asset Limits
The asset limits for food stamps are also based on your household size. Here are the asset limits for a household of four in 2023:
| Countable Assets | Limit |
|---|---|
| Cash, bank accounts, and investments | $2,750 |
| Vehicles | $4,650 |
| Other assets (such as land, buildings, stocks, and bonds) | $10,000 |
If your household assets are below these limits, you may be eligible for food stamps.
How to Apply for Food Stamps
If you think you may be eligible for food stamps, you can apply online or at your local Social Security office. The application process can take several weeks, so it’s important to apply early.
Limitations of Using Food Stamps with Instacart
While using Food Stamps with Instacart offers convenience and accessibility, there are limitations to consider:
- SNAP Eligibility: Not all SNAP recipients are eligible to use Instacart. Eligibility is restricted to certain states and regions participating in the SNAP Online Purchasing Pilot Program.
- Limited Stores: Not all grocery stores accept SNAP payments through Instacart. Check Instacart’s website or app for a list of participating stores in your area.
- Delivery Fees: Instacart charges delivery fees for its services. These fees can vary depending on the store, location, and delivery time. SNAP benefits do not cover these fees, so you’ll need to pay for them out of pocket.
- SNAP Balance Management: You cannot use your SNAP benefits to pay for non-eligible items or delivery fees. If your SNAP balance is insufficient to cover the total cost of your order, you’ll need to make up the difference with another payment method.
- Limited Selection: While Instacart offers a wide variety of products, some items may not be available for purchase with SNAP benefits. This can include certain prepared foods, alcohol, and tobacco products.
| SNAP Eligibility | SNAP Balance Management | Delivery Fees | Limited Stores | Limited Selection | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Restricted to participating states and regions | Cannot pay for non-eligible items or delivery fees | Charged by Instacart, not covered by SNAP | Not all stores accept SNAP payments | Some items may not be available for purchase with SNAP |
| Payment Method | Where Accepted | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instacart | Not accepted | N/A | Cannot be used to purchase food stamps |
| Amazon Prime Pantry | Online | Convenient, accepts EBT | Not all items are eligible for purchase with food stamps |
| Walmart Grocery Pickup | In-store pickup, delivery in some areas | Convenient, accepts EBT | Delivery not available in all areas |
| Farmers Markets | Local farmers markets | Fresh, local produce, supports local businesses | Availability may vary |
| Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) | Local farms | Fresh, local produce, supports local businesses | Availability may vary |
| SNAP-authorized Retailers | In-store | Convenient, accepts EBT | May not have a wide selection of items |
You’ve reached the end of the article, folks! If you’re still hungry for more information about using food stamps with Instacart, feel free to drop a comment below – I’ll be happy to answer your questions. And don’t forget to check back often for updates, because I’m always staying on top of the latest changes in the Instacart-EBT world. Until next time, happy shopping!