Using Your EBT Card to Shop on Amazon

Amazon Fresh and Amazon Go accept EBT SNAP benefits, but regular Amazon.com does not

You can use your EBT card to buy groceries on Amazon Fresh and Amazon Go, which are Amazon's grocery services. You cannot use EBT on the main Amazon.com website to buy general merchandise. Amazon Fresh lets you order groceries online for delivery or pickup, while Amazon Go is a physical store where you scan items as you shop. Both services accept SNAP benefits through your EBT card, but only for food items — not for household goods, electronics, or other products.

The reason for this split is that SNAP benefits are restricted to food you prepare at home. Amazon Fresh and Amazon Go stock only groceries that meet SNAP rules. The main Amazon.com site sells everything from books to kitchen appliances, so it cannot process SNAP payments there.

Key Takeaways

Amazon Fresh and Amazon Go accept EBT cards for SNAP-may be able to access groceries, but regular Amazon.com does not.
You must have an Amazon account and set up your EBT card as a payment method in your account to use these services.
Amazon Fresh is available in select cities for online grocery delivery and pickup; Amazon Go is a physical store in major cities.
EBT benefits can only pay for food items on these services — not for non-food products, alcohol, or hot prepared foods.
If Amazon Fresh or Amazon Go is not available in your area, you can use your EBT card at other online grocery services like Instacart or Walmart.com.

How to set up your EBT card on Amazon Fresh

Start by creating or logging into your Amazon account. Go to "Your Account" and select "Your Payments." Click "Add a payment method" and choose "Debit or Credit Card." Enter your EBT card number, expiration date, and CVV (the three-digit code on the back). Amazon will ask for your billing zip code — use the zip code associated with your EBT account.

Once your EBT card is saved, go to Amazon Fresh and add groceries to your cart. At checkout, select your EBT card as the payment method. The system will only let you pay with EBT for items that are SNAP-may be able to access. If your cart has non-food items, you will need to remove them or pay for them with a different payment method.

Amazon Fresh is not available everywhere. Check the Amazon Fresh website to see if it serves your zip code. If it does not, you can look for other online grocery services that accept EBT in your area.

What you can and cannot buy with EBT on Amazon Fresh

SNAP benefits cover fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, bread, cereals, snacks, and beverages. You can buy fresh, frozen, and canned versions of these foods. You can also buy seeds and plants that produce food, like tomato or herb seeds.

SNAP does not cover hot or prepared foods, vitamins, medicine, pet food, alcohol, tobacco, or household items like paper towels or cleaning supplies. On Amazon Fresh, these items will not be available for EBT payment — you can only pay for them with a credit card, debit card, or other non-SNAP payment method. Some items may be marked as "EBT may be able to access" to make shopping easier.

Amazon Go and EBT payments

Amazon Go is a cashierless grocery store where you scan items with your phone as you shop, then leave without checking out at a register. You can pay with your EBT card at Amazon Go locations. Like Amazon Fresh, only SNAP-may be able to access groceries can be purchased with EBT.

Amazon Go stores are located in major cities including Seattle, San Francisco, New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. You will need an Amazon account to enter the store. Check the Amazon Go website to find a location near you and confirm it accepts EBT.

Other online grocery services that accept EBT

If Amazon Fresh or Amazon Go is not in your area, several other online grocery services accept EBT cards. Instacart partners with local grocery stores and accepts EBT in most states. Walmart.com accepts EBT for online grocery orders in many areas. Target also accepts EBT through its Shipt delivery service in select locations.

Each service works slightly differently. Some require you to set up your EBT card in your account first, while others ask for it at checkout. Check the website of the service you want to use to see if it is available in your zip code and what the ordering process is.

Fees and delivery costs with EBT

Amazon Fresh charges delivery fees that vary by location and order size. Some orders may may have access to for free delivery if they meet a minimum amount. These delivery fees are paid separately from your groceries — you cannot use EBT to pay for delivery, only for the food itself.

If you have an Amazon Prime membership, you may get free or discounted delivery on Amazon Fresh orders. Check your account to see what delivery options are available to you. Other grocery services like Instacart and Walmart.com also charge delivery fees that must be paid with a non-EBT payment method.

Troubleshooting common problems

If your EBT card is declined on Amazon Fresh, the most common reason is that the item you are trying to buy is not SNAP-may be able to access. Remove any non-food items from your cart and try again. Another reason could be that your EBT card information was entered incorrectly — double-check the card number, expiration date, and zip code.

If you see an error message saying your card was declined, your EBT account may have insufficient funds, or there may be a temporary issue with the payment system. Wait a few minutes and try again. If the problem continues, contact your state's EBT customer service line — the number is on the back of your EBT card.

Some people find that their EBT card works on Amazon Fresh but not on Amazon Go, or vice versa. This can happen if one service has not yet been set up to accept EBT in your state. Check the website of the service you are using to confirm it accepts EBT where you live.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use EBT to buy non-food items on Amazon Fresh?

No. EBT only pays for SNAP-may be able to access food items. Non-food products like paper goods, cleaning supplies, or vitamins must be paid for with a credit card, debit card, or other payment method. If your cart has both food and non-food items, you can pay for the food with EBT and the other items with a different payment method at checkout.

Do I need Amazon Prime to use EBT on Amazon Fresh?

No, you do not need Prime to use EBT on Amazon Fresh. However, Prime members may get free or reduced delivery fees on some orders. You do need an Amazon account and a valid EBT card set up as a payment method.

What states allow EBT on Amazon Fresh?

Amazon Fresh accepts EBT in most states, but availability varies by location. The best way to learn about it works in your area is to visit Amazon Fresh and enter your zip code. If it is not available yet, check back later — Amazon continues to expand EBT acceptance to new areas.

Can I use EBT to pay for delivery fees on Amazon Fresh?

No. EBT can only pay for the groceries themselves, not for delivery, service fees, or taxes. You will need a credit card, debit card, or other payment method to cover those costs. Some orders may may have access to for free delivery depending on the order size and your location.

What should I do if my EBT card is declined on Amazon Fresh?

First, check that all items in your cart are SNAP-may be able to access — remove anything that is not food. If that does not work, verify that your EBT card information was entered correctly, including the expiration date and zip code. If the problem continues, contact your state's EBT customer service line for help.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.