How to Add Your EBT Card to Your Amazon Account

Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) is a system that allows state welfare departments to deliver benefits to individuals via a payment card. Benefits provided through EBT are primarily for food, distributed via the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Amazon accepts EBT SNAP benefits for the purchase of eligible food items, making groceries accessible online for many recipients.

Preparing to Add Your EBT Card

Before adding your EBT card to your Amazon account, ensure you have an active EBT card issued by a participating state. Amazon accepts SNAP EBT benefits in nearly every U.S. state and the District of Columbia. You will also need an active Amazon.com account.
EBT SNAP benefits are specifically for eligible food items; not all products available on Amazon can be purchased using these funds. These benefits are intended for food and non-alcoholic beverages. While Amazon facilitates the use of these benefits, the underlying federal guidelines for what can be purchased remain in effect. Amazon only allows one EBT card to be linked per account.

Adding Your EBT Card to Your Amazon Account

Begin by navigating to your account settings on Amazon.com. You can typically find this section by clicking on “Accounts & Lists” and then selecting “Your Account,” followed by “Payment options” or “Your Payments.” Within the payment options, 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. Some systems may also ask for the name on the card and the expiration date. After entering the necessary card details, you will click to add or link the card. The system will then verify the card information, confirming that your EBT account is now connected to your Amazon profile.

Using Your EBT Card for Purchases

Once your EBT card is linked to your Amazon account, you can proceed with making eligible purchases. As you browse, look for items clearly marked as “SNAP EBT eligible” to ensure they can be purchased with your benefits. When you are ready to complete your order, proceed to checkout. During the checkout process, you will select your EBT card as the payment method for eligible items.

If your order includes both EBT-eligible and non-eligible items, or if your EBT balance is insufficient to cover the full cost of eligible items, Amazon allows for split payments. The EBT funds will be applied first to the eligible food items, and you will then be prompted to use an alternative payment method, such as a debit or credit card, to cover any remaining balance or non-eligible items, including shipping fees. For security, you will need to enter your EBT PIN during the checkout process to authorize the transaction.

Understanding EBT Eligible Items on Amazon

EBT SNAP benefits on Amazon can be used for a variety of qualifying food items, mirroring the guidelines for in-store purchases. Eligible items generally include fruits, vegetables, meats, poultry, fish, dairy products, bread, and cereals. Pantry staples, snacks, seeds, and non-alcoholic beverages are also typically covered. Amazon clearly marks these items with a “SNAP EBT eligible” label to help customers identify them easily.

Conversely, there are specific items that cannot be purchased with EBT SNAP benefits on Amazon. These include hot foods, alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, vitamins, medicines, and any dietary supplements. Non-food items such as pet food, cleaning supplies, household goods, hygiene products, and cosmetics are also not eligible. It is also important to note that EBT SNAP benefits cannot be used for delivery fees or tips.