How to Add Your EBT Card to Your Amazon Account

Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) provides a method for individuals to access government assistance benefits, particularly for purchasing groceries. Amazon allows customers to utilize their EBT cards for eligible online purchases.

EBT Eligibility and Supported Purchases

Amazon accepts EBT cards primarily for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. These benefits can be used for groceries sold and shipped directly by Amazon, Amazon Fresh, and Whole Foods Market. SNAP-eligible items include fruits, vegetables, meats, poultry, fish, dairy products, breads, cereals, and non-alcoholic beverages. Additionally, seeds and plants that produce food for household consumption are also eligible.

However, certain items and services cannot be purchased with SNAP EBT funds. These exclusions include non-food items like household supplies, pet food, and electronics. Delivery fees, shipping costs, tips, and gift wrapping services are also not covered by SNAP benefits, requiring an alternate payment method. Hot, prepared foods and items from most third-party sellers are ineligible.

Beyond SNAP, some EBT cards may also carry Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) cash benefits. These cash benefits offer greater flexibility, allowing the purchase of a wider range of items on Amazon, such as household supplies, clothing, and personal care products. It is important to note that the acceptance of TANF cash benefits on Amazon depends on the customer’s state of residence. SNAP EBT is accepted in most states, specifically 48 states and the District of Columbia. However, SNAP benefits from Alaska, Hawaii, Louisiana, and Montana are not currently accepted on Amazon.

Adding Your EBT Card to Your Amazon Account

To begin using your EBT card on Amazon, you must first link it to your existing Amazon account. Start by logging into your Amazon account and navigating to the “Accounts & Lists” menu. From there, select “Account” to access your account settings. Within the account management page, locate and click on “Your Payments” to view your saved payment methods.

On the “Your Payments” page, you will find an option to “Add a payment method.” Clicking this will reveal various payment options, including “Add an EBT card.” You will then be prompted to enter your 16-digit EBT card number and the name as it appears on the card. After providing this information, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the linking process. Amazon allows only one EBT card to be linked per account.

Alternatively, you can initiate the process by visiting Amazon.com/SNAP directly, where instructions for adding your EBT card are provided. This method guides you through creating an Amazon account if you do not already have one, then proceeds with the EBT card registration. During the checkout process, if your cart contains EBT-eligible items, you may also be given the option to add your EBT card.

Placing an Order with EBT Funds

Once your EBT card is successfully linked, placing an order with EBT funds involves specific steps during checkout. After adding EBT-eligible groceries to your shopping cart, proceed to the checkout page. There, you will be able to select your EBT card as the payment method for the qualifying items. It is necessary to enter your EBT card’s Personal Identification Number (PIN) to authorize the transaction.

For orders containing both EBT-eligible food items and non-EBT items, Amazon facilitates a split payment option. The EBT funds will be applied first to cover the cost of the eligible groceries. Any remaining balance for non-EBT items, or for services like shipping and delivery fees, must be paid using an alternative payment method, such as a credit card, debit card, or Amazon gift card.

Amazon offers free delivery for SNAP customers on grocery orders meeting certain minimums, typically $25 for Amazon.com groceries and $35 for Amazon Fresh, though this can be $50 in New York City. Both EBT-eligible and non-EBT items in your cart contribute towards these minimums.

Managing Your EBT Information

After linking and using your EBT card on Amazon, you may need to manage your account information or check your balance. Amazon’s platform does not display your real-time EBT balance directly on its website or app. To check your remaining EBT balance, you need to consult your last purchase receipt. Alternatively, you can call the customer service number located on the back of your EBT card or utilize your state’s dedicated EBT portal or mobile application.

If you need to update or remove your EBT card from your Amazon account, this can be done through the “Your Payments” section of your account settings. Navigate to this section, select the EBT card you wish to manage, and choose the option to update its details or remove it entirely. For returns of items purchased with EBT, the refund is credited back to the original EBT card used for the purchase. Refunds are typically credited back to the original EBT card within a few business days after Amazon processes the return.