Do you use EBT for groceries and also love the Walmart app for easy shopping? Well, you’re in luck! Adding your EBT card to the Walmart app is a super convenient way to buy food online or set up grocery pickup. This essay will walk you through the steps, making it simple and stress-free. We’ll cover everything you need to know to get started and make the most of this helpful feature.
Where Do I Start: Setting Up Your Walmart Account
Before you can add your EBT card, you need a Walmart account. Think of it like creating a profile that lets Walmart know who you are and what you want to buy. Don’t worry, it’s quick and easy. Here’s how to get started:
First, download the Walmart app from your phone’s app store (like the App Store on iPhones or Google Play on Android phones). Once it’s downloaded, open the app. If you already have an account, great! Just log in using your email and password. If you don’t have an account, tap the “Sign Up” or “Create Account” button. You’ll be prompted to enter some basic information like your name, email address, and a password. Choose a strong password that you’ll remember!
After creating your account (or logging in), you might be asked to verify your email address. Check your email inbox for a message from Walmart and follow the instructions to confirm your account. This step is important to make sure your account is secure and ready to go. With your account set up, you’re ready to move on to the next step: adding your EBT card.
Once logged in, make sure to also add your address. The app will use this to show you store locations near you for pickup or delivery options. It’s all about making the shopping process easier, and having your account set up completely will help.
Adding Your EBT Card: Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, now let’s get to the main event: adding your EBT card! This process is pretty straightforward. Here’s how:
You can add your EBT card by navigating to the “Account” section within the Walmart app, selecting “Payment methods”, and then choosing the option to add a new payment method. This is where you’ll enter your EBT card information.
Once you’re in the payment methods section, look for an option that says something like “Add Payment Method” or “Add Card.” Select that, and you’ll be given a few choices. Choose “EBT” or “Food Stamps” as the card type. This will make sure the app knows you’re adding an EBT card.
Now, you’ll need to enter your EBT card information. You’ll be asked to enter the card number, expiration date, and the name associated with the card. You might also need to enter the security code (CVV) which is typically on the back of the card. Double-check that you’ve entered all the information correctly before moving on to the next step.
Choosing Your Groceries: Understanding Eligible Items
When using your EBT card, you’ll want to make sure you’re only buying eligible items. Not everything in the Walmart app is eligible for purchase with your EBT card. These items generally align with what the government considers “food.” So, what’s allowed?
Generally, your EBT card can be used to purchase food items like fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, dairy products, and grains. Think of it like shopping at the grocery store; the same rules apply online. You can also often purchase seeds and plants to grow food, which is pretty neat. Here are some examples:
- Fresh produce (apples, bananas, etc.)
- Meat and poultry (chicken, beef, etc.)
- Dairy products (milk, cheese, etc.)
- Breads and cereals
- Seeds and plants to grow food
Items that are *not* typically eligible with EBT include non-food items like cleaning supplies, alcohol, tobacco, and pet food. The app will usually tell you if an item is eligible. When shopping, be sure to pay attention to the item description and the checkout process to confirm your purchase is in line with EBT guidelines.
Checking Out and Payment: How to Pay with EBT
Now that you’ve picked out your groceries, it’s time to check out. Paying with your EBT card is similar to using a credit card, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Here’s how it works, step-by-step:
Once you’ve added all your items to your cart, proceed to the checkout. You’ll be asked to select a payment method. Choose your EBT card from the list of payment options you have saved. If you haven’t already, you may need to enter your EBT card’s PIN. This is a four-digit number that you created to use your card and will be used during checkout.
Now, before you finalize your purchase, the app may ask you to divide your payment. This is because your EBT card can only be used to pay for eligible food items. If you’re buying both food and non-food items, you’ll need to separate them. Your EBT card will cover the food items, and you’ll use another payment method (like a debit card or credit card) for the non-food items. Here is an example:
- Food Items: $50 (Paid with EBT)
- Non-Food Items: $25 (Paid with Credit Card)
After you’ve selected how you want to pay, review your order one last time to make sure everything is correct, including the total amounts. Then, tap “Place Order” or a similar button to finalize your purchase. Be sure to double-check all of the totals to make sure you are being charged the correct amounts.
Picking Up or Delivery: Getting Your Groceries
Finally, let’s talk about getting your groceries. Walmart offers both pickup and delivery options, which makes shopping with your EBT card super flexible and convenient. How it works depends on the option you choose.
If you choose in-store pickup, you’ll usually be given a time slot to pick up your groceries. You’ll receive a notification when your order is ready. You can then go to the designated pickup area at your Walmart store to retrieve your order. When you arrive, check in using the Walmart app. Sometimes, when you arrive, you can check in, and a store employee will bring your groceries to your car. Make sure you have your card present if needed to verify the order.
For delivery, Walmart will deliver your groceries to your doorstep. Delivery times will vary depending on your location. There might be a small delivery fee, which you’ll pay with a non-EBT payment method if you have both EBT and non-food items. Be sure to plan ahead when choosing delivery; there may be less selection with some items.
| Option | Process | Payment Method |
|---|---|---|
| Pickup | Check-in, pick up at store | EBT and/or Other |
| Delivery | Delivered to your door | EBT and/or Other |
Before ordering delivery, check the delivery fee to make sure it fits your budget. Both pickup and delivery are fantastic options for saving time and making your grocery shopping easier, especially with your EBT card! Before you finalize your order, be sure to pick either pick-up or delivery. Walmart will give you estimated delivery times.
Conclusion
Adding your EBT card to the Walmart app opens a world of convenience for your grocery shopping. From setting up your account to choosing eligible items and paying with EBT, this guide has covered all the steps you need to get started. By following these simple instructions, you can enjoy the ease of online shopping or grocery pickup with your EBT card, saving you time and making your life a little easier. Happy shopping!