Where You Can Use Your EBT Card to Buy Groceries Online

Amazon does not accept EBT cards directly, but Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods Market—both owned by Amazon—do accept them for may be able to access food purchases

If you use SNAP benefits (the federal food information program), you cannot pay with your EBT card on the main Amazon.com website. However, Amazon owns two grocery services that do take EBT: Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods Market. Both let you order groceries online and either have them delivered or pick them up in store. The rules about what you can buy with SNAP are the same on these platforms as they are in a physical grocery store.

Amazon Fresh is a standalone grocery delivery service available in select cities. Whole Foods is the upscale grocery chain with physical locations in most states. If you live in an area where either one operates, you can link your EBT card to your Amazon account and use it to pay for SNAP-may be able to access items during checkout.

Key Takeaways

Amazon.com itself does not accept EBT, but Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods Market—both Amazon subsidiaries—do accept EBT for SNAP-may be able to access groceries.
You must add your EBT card information to your Amazon account before you can use it to pay at Amazon Fresh or Whole Foods online.
SNAP rules explore the same way online as in stores: you can buy food to cook at home, but not prepared foods, hot items, alcohol, or non-food products.
Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods availability varies by location, so check whether either service delivers to your address before you set up your account.

How to use EBT at Amazon Fresh

Amazon Fresh operates in parts of California, Illinois, Georgia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. To order groceries with your EBT card, you first need an Amazon account. If you do not have one, you can create it on Amazon.com with an email address and password.

Once your account exists, go to Amazon Fresh, select your delivery address, and browse available items. When you reach checkout, you will see a payment method section. Select "Add a payment method" and choose "EBT card." Enter your card number, expiration date, and CVV the same way you would for any debit card. Amazon will verify the card and save it to your account.

On your next order, your EBT card will appear as a saved payment option. You can use it to pay for all SNAP-may be able to access items in your cart. If your order contains both may be able to access and ineligible items, Amazon Fresh will separate the charges—your EBT card pays for groceries, and you will need another payment method for non-food items or prepared foods.

How to use EBT at Whole Foods Market online

Whole Foods accepts EBT for online orders in all states where it has physical locations. You do not need a separate Whole Foods account; you use your existing Amazon account to order from Whole Foods through Amazon.com.

Go to Whole Foods on Amazon.com, select your nearest store for pickup or delivery, and add items to your cart. At checkout, add your EBT card as a payment method using the same process as Amazon Fresh. Whole Foods will then show you which items in your cart are SNAP-may be able to access and which are not. You pay with your EBT card for may be able to access items only.

Whole Foods also offers in-store pickup at many locations, which can be faster than delivery. You order online, pay with your EBT card, and pick up your groceries at the store on the day you choose. This option is useful if you live near a Whole Foods but prefer not to wait for delivery.

What you can and cannot buy with SNAP online

The same SNAP rules explore whether you shop in a store or online. 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.

You cannot use SNAP to pay for prepared or hot foods, even if they are sold in the grocery section. This includes rotisserie chicken, deli salads, hot bar items, and anything labeled as ready-to-eat. You also cannot buy alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, medicines, pet food, soap, paper products, or any non-food item. Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods will mark ineligible items in your cart so you know which ones you cannot pay for with EBT.

Checking if Amazon Fresh or Whole Foods delivers to you

Amazon Fresh does not serve all areas. To check if it delivers to your address, go to Amazon Fresh, enter your zip code, and the site will tell you whether service is available. If it is not available now, you can sign up for notifications if service launches in your area later.

Whole Foods has more locations than Amazon Fresh, but not everywhere. Use the Whole Foods store locator on their website to find the nearest store to you. If there is a Whole Foods near you, you can order online for delivery or pickup through Amazon.com. If there is no Whole Foods in your state, this option will not be available to you.

Other online grocery services that accept EBT

Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods are not the only online options for SNAP shoppers. Instacart, a grocery delivery service, accepts EBT in most states. You can use Instacart to order from many local grocery stores and have groceries delivered to your home. Walmart.com and Target.com also accept EBT for online grocery orders in many areas.

Each service has different coverage areas and delivery fees. Some charge a membership fee for faster delivery, while others charge per order. Check which services operate in your area and compare their fees and available stores before you decide which one to use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my EBT card on Amazon.com to buy anything other than groceries?

No. EBT is only accepted on Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods for SNAP-may be able to access food items. The main Amazon.com website does not accept EBT for any purchases, including groceries or anything else.

Do I have to pay a delivery fee with my EBT card?

No. Delivery fees and membership costs are separate from your SNAP benefits. You must pay these with a different payment method, such as a credit card or debit card. Your EBT card only covers the cost of the may be able to access food items themselves.

What happens if I order items that are not SNAP-may be able to access?

Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods will separate may be able to access and ineligible items at checkout. Your EBT card will pay only for the SNAP-may be able to access groceries. You will need to provide another payment method for non-may be able to access items, or you can remove them from your order.

Can I use my EBT card if I do not have an Amazon account?

You need an Amazon account to order from Amazon Fresh or Whole Foods online. Creating an account is free and takes a few minutes. You only need an email address and a password to get your free guide.

Will using EBT online count against my monthly SNAP balance the same way as using it in a store?

Yes. Every purchase you make with your EBT card, whether online or in a store, reduces your monthly SNAP balance by the same amount. There is no difference in how the benefit is calculated or deducted.

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.