Can You Use Your SNAP EBT Card on Amazon?

Yes, you can use your Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card to purchase eligible grocery items on Amazon. This guide provides an overview of how to utilize your SNAP EBT benefits for online grocery shopping on Amazon, detailing the process for adding your card, understanding eligible items, and navigating the overall shopping experience. The aim is to help you effectively leverage your benefits for convenient grocery access through Amazon’s platform.

SNAP Acceptance on Amazon

Amazon participates in the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) SNAP Online Purchasing Pilot program, which allows SNAP recipients to use their benefits for online grocery orders. This initiative broadens access to nutritious foods for many households. Amazon’s participation includes its main grocery platform, Amazon Fresh, and Amazon Grocery, which offers shelf-stable foods and household items.

The program aims to enhance food accessibility, particularly for individuals who may face challenges visiting physical grocery stores. Amazon has made its Amazon Fresh selection available to SNAP EBT cardholders in eligible regions without requiring a Prime membership. This integration helps facilitate a more convenient grocery shopping experience for SNAP participants.

Adding Your SNAP EBT Card to Amazon

Adding your SNAP EBT card to your Amazon account is a straightforward process that enables you to make eligible grocery purchases online. To begin, navigate to the Amazon SNAP EBT page, which can be found by searching “Amazon.com/SNAP” or through your account settings. If you are a new Amazon customer, you will first need to create an account.

Once on the SNAP EBT page, locate and select the option to add your EBT card. You will be prompted to enter your EBT card number and, in some cases, the name associated with the card. After entering the necessary details, follow the on-screen instructions to link your card to your Amazon profile. This action verifies your EBT account and connects it for online transactions.

It is important to note that a secondary payment method, such as a debit or credit card, is typically required. This additional payment method covers items not eligible for SNAP benefits or any associated fees, like delivery charges, as SNAP funds cannot be used for these costs. When checking out, Amazon’s system will apply your EBT funds to eligible items first, and any remaining balance or non-SNAP items will be charged to your secondary payment method.

Eligible and Ineligible Items for SNAP Purchases

Under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, benefits are intended for food items for household consumption. On Amazon, this generally includes most food products, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, poultry, fish, dairy products, breads, cereals, and snack foods. Non-alcoholic beverages like juices and sodas are also typically eligible.

Items that are not covered by SNAP EBT benefits include hot, prepared foods, alcoholic beverages, and tobacco products. Non-food items such as pet food, cleaning supplies, paper products, and household goods are also ineligible. While the general rule is that SNAP covers food meant to be prepared and eaten at home, some surprising items like gift baskets that are primarily food-based, or seeds and plants that produce food for the household, may be eligible.

Amazon clearly labels products as “SNAP EBT-eligible” to help shoppers identify what can be purchased with their benefits. This label is usually located near the product’s pricing information. Only items that are shipped and sold by Amazon, Amazon Fresh, or Whole Foods Market through Amazon are generally eligible for SNAP EBT purchases.

Additional Information for SNAP Shoppers

When shopping with SNAP EBT on Amazon, it is important to understand how delivery fees and mixed orders are handled. SNAP benefits cannot cover delivery fees, shipping costs, or tips. You will need to use a separate payment method, such as a debit or credit card, to pay for these charges.

Amazon Fresh and Amazon Grocery have varying minimum purchase requirements for free delivery. For Amazon Fresh, delivery fees range from approximately $3.95 to $9.95 for orders under $150, with orders over $150 often qualifying for free delivery. For Amazon Grocery, free shipping may be available for orders over $25 or $35, depending on the items. Both SNAP-eligible and non-SNAP-eligible items in your cart contribute to meeting these minimums.