Yes, you can use EBT cash online at Walmart, but only for certain purchases

Walmart allows you to spend your EBT cash balance (also called TANF or general information funds) on their website and through their mobile app. However, EBT cash can only pay for items that are not food. This means you can buy household supplies, clothing, electronics, and other non-food merchandise, but you cannot use EBT cash to purchase groceries online at Walmart — that requires your EBT food card (SNAP).

The process works the same way as using a debit card. You enter your EBT card number, PIN, and expiration date at checkout, just as you would with any other payment method. Your EBT cash account is drawn down when ready when the transaction goes through.

Key Takeaways

  • EBT cash can be used online at Walmart.com and the Walmart app for non-food items only.
  • You must enter your EBT card number and PIN at checkout, the same way you would in a store.
  • EBT cash cannot be used to buy groceries or food items online — use your SNAP card for those purchases instead.
  • Your transaction processes when ready, and your balance updates right away.
  • Some states have restrictions on what non-food items can be purchased with EBT cash, so check your state's rules if a purchase is declined.

What you can and cannot buy with EBT cash online

EBT cash covers a wide range of non-food purchases. You can buy clothing, shoes, household items like cleaning supplies and light bulbs, personal care products, toys, books, school supplies, and electronics. You can also use EBT cash to pay for services like phone plans or utility bills if Walmart offers them in your state.

You cannot use EBT cash to buy food or beverages of any kind — that includes groceries, snacks, drinks, vitamins, and prepared foods. You also cannot use it for alcohol, tobacco, hot foods from the deli or bakery, or items that are considered luxury goods in some states. If you try to buy something that is not allowed, the transaction will be declined at checkout.

Each state has slightly different rules about what counts as an allowable purchase. If something you want to buy is declined, it may be because your state restricts that category. You can contact your state's TANF or cash information program to find out what is and is not covered.

How to enter your EBT card information at Walmart checkout

When you reach the payment screen on Walmart.com or the Walmart app, look for the payment method options. Select "Debit or EBT Card" as your payment type. You will then enter your 16-digit EBT card number, the expiration date, and your 4-digit PIN.

Make sure you use the correct PIN — the same one you use at ATMs and in-store checkout. If you enter the wrong PIN three times in a row, your card may be temporarily locked for security reasons. If this happens, you can unlock it by calling the customer service number on the back of your EBT card or visiting an ATM.

After you enter your information, the system will verify your balance and process the payment. You will see a confirmation message on screen, and an email receipt will be sent to the address on your account. Your EBT cash balance will be reduced by the purchase amount when ready.

Delivery and pickup options when paying with EBT cash

Walmart offers both home delivery and in-store pickup for online orders. You can use your EBT cash to pay for either option. If you choose delivery, standard shipping is free on orders over a certain amount (this varies by location). If you choose pickup, you can collect your order at your nearest Walmart store within a few hours or on the date you select.

When you pick up an order in store, you will need to show a photo ID and confirm your order number. The associate will hand you your bags, and the payment has already been processed online, so there is nothing else to do at the register.

What happens if your EBT cash is not accepted online

If your EBT card is declined at checkout, there are several possible reasons. Your balance may be too low to cover the purchase. Your card may have expired — check the expiration date on the front of your card and request a replacement from your state if needed. Your PIN may be incorrect, or you may have entered it wrong three times and locked the card temporarily.

Another reason for decline is that the items in your cart include food or other restricted purchases. Review what you are buying and remove any food items, then try again. If the problem persists, contact Walmart customer service or your state's EBT customer service line. They can tell you whether the issue is with your card, your balance, or the items you are trying to buy.

Checking your EBT cash balance before you shop

Before you place an order, check your current EBT cash balance to make sure you have enough to cover your purchase. You can check your balance in several ways: call the customer service number on the back of your EBT card, visit your state's EBT website, use your state's EBT mobile app if one is available, or visit an ATM and insert your card.

Knowing your balance ahead of time prevents the frustration of having a purchase declined at checkout. Keep in mind that your balance updates when ready after a transaction, so if you just made a purchase in a store, wait a few minutes before checking online to see the updated amount.

Using EBT food benefits for groceries at Walmart instead

If you want to buy groceries online at Walmart, you will need to use your EBT food card (SNAP), not your EBT cash. Walmart accepts SNAP for online grocery orders through Walmart.com and the Walmart app. The process is similar: you enter your card information at checkout, but the transaction is processed through the SNAP system instead of the cash information system.

Not all items at Walmart are may be able to access for SNAP. You can buy fresh produce, meat, dairy, bread, frozen vegetables, canned goods, and other food items. You cannot use SNAP to buy hot foods, prepared meals, vitamins, pet food, or non-food items. If your order includes both SNAP-may be able to access and non-may be able to access items, the system will separate them, and you will pay for the non-food items with another payment method.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use EBT cash to buy groceries online at Walmart?

No. EBT cash can only be used for non-food items. To buy groceries online at Walmart, you must use your EBT food card (SNAP). If you try to use EBT cash to buy food, the transaction will be declined.

What do I do if my EBT card is declined when I try to pay online?

Check that you entered your PIN correctly, that your card has not expired, and that your balance is high enough to cover the purchase. Make sure the items in your cart are non-food items. If the problem continues, contact Walmart customer service or call the number on the back of your EBT card to speak with your state's program.

Do I need to do anything special to use EBT cash online, or is it the same as in-store?

It is the same process. You enter your card number, expiration date, and PIN at checkout, just as you would at a physical register. No special setup or registration is needed.

Can I use EBT cash to pay for Walmart delivery or pickup fees?

Yes. If Walmart charges a delivery or pickup fee, it will be included in your total, and your EBT cash will cover it along with the rest of your purchase.

How long does it take for my EBT balance to update after an online purchase?

Your balance updates when ready after the transaction is processed. You should see the new balance within a few minutes if you check online or at an ATM.