Can You Use EBT on Amazon? Eligible Purchases Explained

Yes, in many cases, Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) can be used on Amazon for eligible food purchases. This article explains how this payment method functions on the Amazon platform, detailing the process for linking and using your card, what items are permissible for purchase, and important considerations for users.

Is EBT Accepted on Amazon and Who is Eligible

Amazon accepts Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) EBT benefits for qualifying food items. This program caters to SNAP EBT cardholders and does not extend to other EBT programs, such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) cash benefits or benefits from the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), unless those cash benefits are part of a state’s SNAP EBT system. A valid SNAP EBT card is required.

EBT availability on Amazon depends on the user’s state. Amazon’s SNAP EBT program has expanded, but it is not universally available. SNAP EBT cardholders can use their benefits for groceries on Amazon Fresh and Amazon.com in 45 states plus the District of Columbia. Users must reside in a participating state to enroll their EBT card, as Amazon is working to expand acceptance to states like Alaska, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maine, and Montana.

How to Link and Use Your EBT Card on Amazon

To use your EBT card on Amazon, add it to your account. Navigate to the “Your Account” section on Amazon’s website or app, then select “Payment options” or “Wallet.” Choose “Add a new payment method” and select EBT. You will be prompted to enter your 16-digit EBT card number and confirm it.

Once your EBT card is linked, shop for eligible groceries. At checkout, select your EBT card as the payment method. For security, you will be directed to an external page to enter your Personal Identification Number (PIN) to authorize the transaction. This ensures only the cardholder can approve the purchase.

If your order contains both EBT-eligible and ineligible items, Amazon will prompt you to select a separate payment method for the non-EBT portion. This could include a debit card, credit card, or Amazon gift card. The system automatically calculates which items qualify for EBT and which require an alternative payment source, streamlining mixed orders.

Eligible and Ineligible Purchases with EBT on Amazon

SNAP EBT benefits are for food items intended for household consumption. Eligible purchases on Amazon include fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, and dairy products. Breads, cereals, snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages are also permissible. Seeds and plants that produce food for the household can be purchased with EBT.

However, strict limitations exist for SNAP EBT purchases. Hot foods prepared for immediate consumption, alcoholic beverages, and tobacco products are ineligible. Non-food items such as household supplies, cleaning products, paper products, and personal care items cannot be bought with EBT funds. Vitamins, medicines, supplements, and pet foods are also excluded.

Prepared foods from restaurants, even if sold through Amazon, are not eligible. Delivery fees, tips, and other service charges cannot be paid with EBT benefits and require an alternate payment method. Items sold by third-party sellers are generally not eligible for SNAP EBT unless explicitly sold and shipped by Amazon.

Key Considerations for Amazon EBT Users

Before using EBT on Amazon, verify your state participates in Amazon’s SNAP EBT program. This ensures your card can be linked and used for purchases.

For orders combining EBT-eligible groceries with ineligible items, a secondary payment method is necessary to cover the non-EBT portion and any delivery fees. Amazon’s system facilitates this split payment, clearly indicating the amount due from each source.

EBT users can integrate their benefits with Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods Market orders. SNAP EBT cardholders receive free access to Amazon Fresh in eligible regions without a Prime membership. EBT cardholders may also qualify for a discounted Prime membership, offering benefits like reduced delivery fees on qualifying orders.