Can You Use an EBT Card on Amazon?

Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards provide access to food assistance benefits, most commonly through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Online grocery shopping has expanded significantly, with Amazon being a prominent platform that accepts EBT. This guide explores how EBT cardholders can purchase eligible food items conveniently from home. It also outlines additional benefits Amazon provides to those using EBT.

Eligibility and Accepted Items

An EBT card, specifically for SNAP benefits, functions similarly to a debit card, allowing recipients to purchase eligible food items. On Amazon, this means you can buy groceries from Amazon.com’s grocery section, Amazon Fresh, and Whole Foods Market, provided items are shipped and sold by Amazon or its subsidiaries. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federal program that provides financial assistance for food purchases to eligible low-income individuals and families.

Eligible items primarily include most food products for household consumption. This encompasses fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, and staple items such as bread, cereals, and cooking oils. Non-alcoholic beverages and snack foods are also generally covered by SNAP benefits.

However, there are strict limitations on what an EBT card can buy. You cannot use EBT benefits for hot prepared foods, alcoholic beverages, or tobacco products. Non-food items, including pet food, cleaning supplies, household goods, and hygiene items, are also ineligible. Vitamins, medicines, and supplements are explicitly excluded from EBT purchases.

Linking EBT to Your Amazon Account

Before making purchases, EBT cardholders must link their EBT card to their Amazon account. This process integrates your benefits directly with your online shopping profile. You will need an active Amazon.com account and a valid EBT card issued by a participating state. Amazon accepts SNAP EBT benefits in nearly every U.S. state and the District of Columbia.

To link your card, navigate to the “Accounts & Lists” section on the Amazon website or app, then select “Your Account.” From there, proceed to “Payment options” or “Your Payments.” Look for an option to “Add a payment method” and then specifically “Add an EBT card.”

You will be prompted to enter your EBT card number. After inputting these details, confirm the addition to link your card. The system will verify the card information, connecting your EBT account to your Amazon profile. Amazon generally allows only one EBT card to be linked per account.

Making Purchases with EBT on Amazon

Once your EBT card is linked, you can purchase eligible groceries on Amazon. As you browse, look for items clearly marked as “SNAP EBT eligible” to ensure they can be bought with your benefits.

When ready to complete your order, proceed to the checkout page. During checkout, you will select your EBT card as the payment method for eligible items. If your order contains both EBT-eligible and non-eligible items, or if your EBT balance is insufficient, Amazon facilitates split payments.

Your EBT funds will be applied first to the eligible food items in your cart. For any remaining balance, such as for non-eligible items or shipping fees, you will be prompted to use an alternative payment method. To finalize the transaction, you will need to enter your EBT PIN to authorize the payment.

Amazon Benefits for EBT Cardholders

Amazon offers additional advantages specifically for EBT cardholders. One significant benefit is access to reduced pricing on an Amazon Prime membership, known as Prime Access. Eligible EBT recipients can obtain a Prime membership for a discounted monthly fee.

This discounted Prime membership provides various perks that enhance the online shopping experience. These include free delivery on millions of items, access to Prime Video, and Prime-exclusive discounts. For grocery shopping, Prime Access members can enjoy free shipping on Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods Market orders. EBT cardholders can also benefit from exclusive discounts on produce and essential grocery items. A Prime membership is not required to use EBT benefits for eligible grocery purchases on Amazon.