Yes, you can use EBT with Instacart, but only for certain items and only in some states

Instacart accepts SNAP benefits (the food part of EBT) in most states, but the rules depend on where you live and what you order. Instacart must be authorized by your state's SNAP program to accept EBT payments. Not every state has approved Instacart yet, and the list changes. Even in states where Instacart takes EBT, you can only buy items that SNAP covers — fresh produce, meat, dairy, bread, and other groceries, but not prepared foods, alcohol, or household items.

The cash part of EBT (TANF or state cash information) does not work with Instacart. Only SNAP benefits transfer through the app. If you want to check whether Instacart accepts EBT in your state right now, you can look at Instacart's website or contact your state's SNAP office directly — they keep a list of authorized retailers.

Key Takeaways

  • Instacart accepts SNAP benefits in most states, but availability varies by state and changes over time.
  • You can only buy SNAP-may be able to access items through Instacart — fresh groceries, not prepared foods, alcohol, vitamins, or household products.
  • The cash portion of EBT (TANF) does not work with Instacart, only the SNAP food benefit.
  • You enter your EBT card information at checkout just like a debit card, and the payment processes through your state's SNAP system.

Which states allow EBT on Instacart

Instacart has SNAP authorization in most U.S. states, but the exact list shifts as states negotiate with Instacart and as the program expands. States that have approved EBT on Instacart include California, New York, Illinois, Texas, Florida, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and many others. A few states have not yet authorized Instacart to accept SNAP, though the number of participating states grows regularly.

Your state's SNAP office maintains the official list of which online retailers can accept EBT in your area. You can contact your state's SNAP program directly, or search your state's name plus "SNAP online retailers" to find the current list. Instacart's website also shows whether EBT is accepted in your state when you enter your zip code during checkout.

How to pay with EBT on Instacart

When you check out on Instacart, you select EBT as your payment method and enter your EBT card number, expiration date, and PIN — the same information you would use at a physical store. Instacart then sends the transaction to your state's SNAP system to verify the funds and process the payment. The entire process happens in the app or website, and you do not need to enter a separate PIN screen like you might at a grocery store checkout.

Your EBT balance updates after the transaction completes, just as it would after swiping your card in person. If your order contains any items that SNAP does not cover, Instacart will separate those items and ask you to pay for them with a different payment method — a credit card, debit card, or another EBT card if you have one.

What you can and cannot buy with EBT on Instacart

SNAP covers the same items on Instacart as it does in physical stores. You can buy fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, breads, cereals, snack foods, and non-alcoholic beverages. You can also buy seeds and plants that produce food. The rules do not change based on whether you shop in person or through Instacart.

SNAP does not cover prepared or hot foods, alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, medicines, pet food, household supplies, or personal care items. On Instacart, these items will be flagged as ineligible for EBT payment. If your cart contains both may be able to access and ineligible items, Instacart separates them at checkout and asks you to pay for the ineligible ones with another payment method.

Delivery fees and tips with EBT payments

You cannot use SNAP benefits to pay delivery fees, service fees, or tips on Instacart. These charges must be paid with a credit card, debit card, or other non-SNAP payment method. When you check out, Instacart will ask you to provide a separate payment method for fees and tips even if you are paying for groceries with EBT.

Some people set up a second payment method before they start shopping to avoid confusion at checkout. If you do not have a credit or debit card, you may be able to use a prepaid card or gift card for the fees, depending on what payment options Instacart accepts in your area.

Instacart+ membership and EBT

Instacart+ is a paid membership that offers free delivery on orders over a certain amount and other perks. You can use Instacart+ with EBT, and your SNAP benefits still work the same way — they cover the groceries, and you pay for delivery fees and membership with another payment method. The membership does not change which items are may be able to access for SNAP or how your benefits are deducted.

If you use Instacart+ regularly, the free delivery benefit might offset the membership cost, especially if you place frequent orders. However, the membership fee itself cannot be paid with SNAP benefits.

What happens if Instacart is not available in your state yet

If your state has not authorized Instacart to accept EBT, you can still shop for groceries online through other retailers that do accept SNAP. Amazon Fresh, Walmart, and many regional grocery chains accept EBT in most states. You can search your state's SNAP program website for the full list of authorized online retailers in your area.

Some states are still in the process of authorizing online retailers, so the list may grow over time. If you want Instacart to be available in your state, you can contact your state's SNAP office to ask about the status of negotiations with Instacart or to request that they pursue authorization.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the cash part of my EBT card on Instacart?

No. Only SNAP benefits (the food portion) work with Instacart. Cash information programs like TANF do not work with Instacart or most online grocery retailers. You can only use the cash portion at ATMs or in-person at stores that accept it.

What if my order has items that are not SNAP-may be able to access?

Instacart separates may be able to access and ineligible items at checkout. Your EBT card pays for the may be able to access groceries, and you pay for ineligible items (like household supplies or alcohol) with a credit card, debit card, or other payment method. You can remove ineligible items if you do not have another way to pay for them.

Do I need to do anything special to set up EBT on Instacart?

No. When you reach checkout, you straightforward select EBT as your payment method and enter your card details. Instacart handles the rest. Make sure your state is listed as accepting EBT on Instacart before you start shopping, so you do not add items to your cart only to find out EBT is not available in your area.

Can I use someone else's EBT card on Instacart?

No. EBT cards are issued to a specific person and should only be used by that person. Using someone else's card is against SNAP rules and can result in penalties or loss of benefits. Each household member with their own EBT card can set up their own Instacart account.