You can use your Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card to purchase eligible food items online from Amazon if you are enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and are located in a state that allows online SNAP purchases. You need to create an Amazon account and link your EBT card to it. You can then shop for food items labeled as SNAP-eligible and add them to your cart. When you’re ready to checkout, select EBT as your payment method and confirm your order. Your order will be shipped to the address you have provided.
What Can You Buy With Food Stamps on Amazon?
As of March 2023, Food Stamps (also known as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP) benefits can be used to purchase eligible food items on Amazon through its online grocery platform, Amazon Fresh.
Permitted Purchases on Amazon with Food Stamps
The following is a list of eligible food items that can be purchased using Food Stamps on Amazon:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Dairy products
- Grains
- Non-alcoholic beverages (such as water, milk, and juice)
- Seeds and plants that produce food for the household to eat
Note: In addition to food items, SNAP benefits can also be used to purchase eligible seeds and plants that produce food for the household to eat. However, these purchases must be made through authorized retailers that accept SNAP benefits. For a list of authorized retailers, visit the SNAP website.
Some Food Items That Are Not Eligible for Purchase with Food Stamps on Amazon
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tobacco products
- Vitamins and supplements
- Pet food
- Prepared foods that are not intended for home consumption
- Non-food items
Note: The specific items that are eligible for purchase with Food Stamps on Amazon may vary depending on the state in which you live. For more information, contact your local SNAP office.
How to Use Food Stamps on Amazon
- Create an Amazon Prime account or a Prime Video account with a qualifying EBT card. Links to both sites are included below.
- Add eligible food items to your cart.
- At checkout, select the “EBT” payment option.
- Enter your EBT card number and PIN.
- Complete your purchase.
Note: SNAP benefits cannot be used to purchase shipping costs on Amazon. Shipping charges will need to be paid with a non-EBT form of payment such as a credit card or debit card.
Additional SNAP Resources
Note: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific questions about SNAP benefits, please contact your local SNAP office.
Approved Food Groups Eligible for Food Stamps
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federal program that provides financial assistance to low-income individuals and families to purchase food. SNAP benefits can be used to purchase a variety of food items at authorized retailers, including Amazon. The following are the approved food groups eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Dairy products
- Bread and cereal
- Snacks and beverages
In addition to the food groups listed above, SNAP benefits can also be used to purchase some non-food items, such as:
- Seeds and plants
- Fertilizers
- Pesticides
SNAP benefits cannot be used to purchase the following items:
- Alcohol
- Tobacco
- Pet food
- Vitamins and supplements
- Hot, prepared foods
- Nonfood items, such as household supplies, clothing, and personal care items
To find out more about what you can buy with SNAP benefits, please visit the USDA Food and Nutrition Service website.
| Approved Food Groups | Examples |
|---|---|
| Fruits and vegetables | Fresh, frozen, or canned fruits and vegetables; 100% fruit or vegetable juice |
| Meat, poultry, and fish | Fresh, frozen, or canned meat, poultry, and fish; eggs |
| Dairy products | Milk, yogurt, cheese, and other dairy products |
| Bread and cereal | Bread, cereal, rice, and pasta |
| Snacks and beverages | Crackers, cookies, chips, and pretzels; soda, juice, and water |
Understanding SNAP EBT Restrictions on Amazon
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, is a federally funded program that provides food assistance to low-income individuals and families. SNAP benefits can be used to purchase food at authorized retailers, including Amazon. However, there are some restrictions on what you can buy with SNAP EBT on Amazon.
Eligible Food Items on Amazon
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Dairy products
- Bread and cereals
- Snacks and beverages that are considered “staples”
Non-Eligible Food Items on Amazon
- Alcohol
- Tobacco
- Pet food
- Vitamins and supplements
- Prepared foods that are not considered “staples”
Additional Restrictions
- SNAP EBT cards cannot be used to purchase non-food items, such as clothing, electronics, or household goods.
- SNAP EBT cards cannot be used to purchase food from restaurants or food delivery services.
- SNAP EBT cards cannot be used to purchase gift cards.
Table of SNAP-Eligible Food Items on Amazon
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Fresh fruits and vegetables | Apples, oranges, bananas, lettuce, tomatoes, carrots, etc. |
| Meat, poultry, and fish | Chicken, beef, pork, fish, seafood, etc. |
| Dairy products | Milk, cheese, yogurt, butter, eggs, etc. |
| Bread and cereals | Bread, tortillas, pasta, rice, cereal, etc. |
| Snacks and beverages that are considered “staples” | Crackers, cookies, chips, pretzels, juice, etc. |
For more information on what you can buy with SNAP EBT on Amazon, please visit the Amazon SNAP EBT page.
Shopping Tips for Using Food Stamps on Amazon
If you’re an Amazon Prime member and receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, you can use your EBT card to purchase eligible food items on Amazon. Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your SNAP benefits when shopping on Amazon:
- Check your balance before you shop. You can check your SNAP balance online or by calling the number on the back of your EBT card.
- Create an Amazon account and link your EBT card. Once you have an Amazon account, you can link your EBT card by going to the “Your Account” page and clicking on the “Payment Options” tab. Follow the instructions on the screen to link your card.
- Shop for eligible food items. When you’re shopping on Amazon, only items that are eligible for SNAP benefits will be displayed. To see all of the eligible items, use the “SNAP EBT” filter in the search bar.
- Add eligible items to your cart. Once you’ve found some eligible items, add them to your cart. You can only purchase eligible food items with your EBT card, so be sure to check the checkout page before you complete your purchase.
- Select your payment method. When you’re ready to checkout, select “EBT Card” as your payment method. You’ll need to enter your EBT card number and PIN.
- Complete your purchase. Once you’ve entered your EBT card information, click on the “Place Your Order” button to complete your purchase.
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Fruits and vegetables | Apples, oranges, bananas, broccoli, carrots, lettuce |
| Meat and poultry | Beef, pork, chicken, turkey, fish |
| Dairy products | Milk, yogurt, cheese, eggs |
| Grains | Bread, pasta, rice, cereal |
| Other eligible foods | Nuts, seeds, dried fruits, honey |
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