Can You Use EBT on Instacart? A Comprehensive Guide for Budget-Conscious Shoppers

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has left many families struggling to afford basic necessities, such as food. As a result, many people have turned to food assistance programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, commonly known as EBT. However, using EBT benefits on Instacart can be confusing. In this article, we aim to provide you with a comprehensive guide to using your EBT card on Instacart and how it can benefit you as a budget-conscious shopper.

The Ultimate Guide to Using Your EBT Card on Instacart: What You Need to Know

Instacart is an online grocery delivery and pickup service widely available across the United States. EBT is a federally funded program that helps low-income households pay for food. When combined, EBT and Instacart can help eligible households to access grocery delivery services and save on time and money on in-person shopping. To use EBT on Instacart, you need to have an Instacart account, an EBT card, and live in a state that allows EBT payment on Instacart.

To be eligible to use EBT on Instacart, you must be a SNAP recipient. To apply for SNAP benefits, please visit the SNAP online application portal.

Pros of using EBT on Instacart:

Convenient, contactless grocery shopping – which is especially important during the pandemic
Power to shop from multiple stores in your area, which is a huge advantage for those without transportation.
The Instacart mobile app allows you to track your order in real-time.

Cons of using EBT on Instacart:

Not all states accept EBT payments through Instacart, so you should check your state’s eligibility.
Not all stores and products are EBT eligible. Customers might have a limited set of EBT-approved products to choose from.
You may not be able to use coupons or promo codes on EBT-eligible products.

Instacart and EBT: A Comprehensive Guide to Feeding Your Family on a Budget

The past few months have been challenging for all of us and especially challenging for families living on a tight budget. Using Instacart with EBT can be a lifesaver. However, Instacart is not only about convenience; it can help you save some money, too. Use our guide to learn more about stretching your EBT dollars with Instacart.

When using Instacart with EBT, you can:

Enjoy delivery at no extra cost
Choose from select stores that take EBT, granting access to a wide variety of stores in your area.
Use your EBT card to pay for groceries directly through the Instacart app.
Reduce the risk of impulse buys while shopping since you can limit yourself to a pre-planned grocery list.

Can You Really Use Your EBT Card on Instacart? Everything You Need to Know

Before attempting to use EBT as a payment option on the Instacart, customers must verify that they are in a state that accepts EBT payments. Instacart offers EBT as a payment option in participating states approved by the USDA.

Common misconceptions about using EBT on Instacart include:

EBT cards cannot be used online. While EBT benefits cannot be processed online, EBT cards can be linked to Instacart accounts in some states to pay for delivery without leaving home.
You must use an EBT card in person. EBT cards can be used like debit cards at approved online retailers like Instacart across participating states.
Using Instacart with EBT is a complicated process. In reality, linking your EBT card to your Instacart account is usually straightforward and takes a few minutes.

It is also essential to know the Instacart program for EBT users. Eligible items are marked with a special EBT logo on the Instacart site or app. Unfortunately, not all items are EBT approved.

Currently, only select states accept EBT on Instacart, and it is essential to check whether your state is approved. As of 2021, the following states allow EBT payment on Instacart:

Alabama
Arizona
California
Florida
Georgia
Louisiana
Michigan
Missouri
Nevada
New Mexico
Tennessee
Texas
Washington

Using Instacart with EBT: Tips and Tricks for Saving Money on Your Groceries

While using Instacart with EBT benefits, there are ways to save even more money.

How to find EBT-eligible products on Instacart:

You can filter your search results by searching for a “SNAP eligible” option.
Specific stores marked with SNAP eligible icons contain mostly SNAP-eligible items at affordable rates.

Planning ahead to maximize EBT funds when using Instacart:

Try shopping weekly or bi-weekly instead of monthly to save on perishable items’ cost. Frequent shopping helps reduce wastage of perishable items.
Compare prices – use the cost per unit feature on Instacart to determine the cheapest option.

Using Instacart promo codes and coupons with EBT:

Most promo codes and coupons are not valid for EBT-eligible products. Shoppers can seek out offers from their Instacart preferred vendors.

How to Use Your EBT Card on Instacart: A Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Started

Linking your EBT card to your Instacart account is an easy process:

Download the Instacart app on your phone or visit the website to create an account.
Check if your state allows EBT payments on Instacart and verify your account through adding your EBT card details.
You can browse stores and select items that are SNAP eligible. The available stores with SNAPS can be identified through looking for SNAP-identified logos
When you are ready to check out, select “EBT Card” as your payment method. You will be prompted to enter your card PIN and present your EBT card to your driver when they deliver your groceries.

Maximizing Your EBT Benefits with Instacart: A Win-Win for Budget-Conscious Shoppers

Using Instacart with EBT is a win-win for budget-conscious shoppers. Not only do you get the convenience of grocery delivery to your doorstep, but you can also save time and money. Its easy to use interface, along with accessible customer service, minimizes problems encountered by users. As an EBT cardholder, shopping for groceries through Instacart is a great way to stretch your budget and enjoy a healthy nutritional meal.