Where You Can Use Your EBT Card to Buy Groceries Online

Amazon does not take EBT cards directly, but Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods Market—both owned by Amazon—do accept EBT for may be able to access groceries through a program called SNAP Online.

If you have a SNAP benefit card (also called an EBT card), you can shop for groceries on Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods Market websites and have them delivered or pick them up in store. You cannot use EBT on the main Amazon.com site to buy groceries, and you cannot use it for non-food items, prepared foods, or household goods on any Amazon platform.

The SNAP Online program is run by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and lets you spend your SNAP benefits at certain online retailers. Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods are the two Amazon-owned options, but other stores like Walmart, Target, and Instacart also participate. Each retailer has its own rules about delivery fees, minimum orders, and which items count as SNAP-may be able to access.

Key Takeaways

Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods Market accept EBT for groceries, but the main Amazon.com site does not.
You can only use EBT to buy food items that SNAP covers—fresh produce, meat, dairy, bread, and canned goods—not prepared foods, household items, or vitamins.
You must set up your EBT card in your account before you can check out with it on Amazon Fresh or Whole Foods.
Delivery fees and minimum order amounts vary by store and location, and some fees may not be covered by your SNAP benefits.
Not all zip codes have access to SNAP Online delivery yet, so you may need to check whether your address qualifies.

How to Use EBT on Amazon Fresh

Amazon Fresh is Amazon's grocery delivery service. To use your EBT card there, you first create or sign into your Amazon account, then go to the Amazon Fresh website (separate from Amazon.com). In your account settings, you add your EBT card information the same way you would add a credit card. Amazon will verify that your card is valid and that you have SNAP benefits.

Once your card is linked, you shop for groceries normally. When you reach checkout, you can choose to pay with your EBT card. The system will separate SNAP-may be able to access items from ineligible ones and charge your EBT card only for the groceries that may have access to. Any non-may be able to access items (like paper towels, vitamins, or hot prepared foods) will need to be paid for with a different payment method, or you can remove them from your order.

Delivery times and fees depend on your location and whether you have an Amazon Prime membership. Some areas offer free delivery on orders over a certain amount; others charge a flat fee per delivery. Check your zip code on the Amazon Fresh website to see what options are available where you live.

How to Use EBT on Whole Foods Market

Whole Foods Market also accepts EBT through the SNAP Online program. You can shop on the Whole Foods website or in the Whole Foods app, add your EBT card to your account, and order groceries for delivery or in-store pickup. The process is similar to Amazon Fresh: link your card, shop, and at checkout the system will separate may be able to access from ineligible items.

Whole Foods delivery is handled through Amazon Fresh in most areas, so delivery fees and timing follow the same rules. In-store pickup is often free or has a lower fee than delivery. Not every Whole Foods location offers online ordering with EBT, so check the website to see if your nearest store participates.

What You Can and Cannot Buy with EBT Online

SNAP covers the same foods whether you shop in a store or online. You can buy fresh fruits and vegetables, meat and poultry, fish and seafood, dairy products like milk and cheese, breads and cereals, snack foods like chips and cookies, and canned or frozen foods. You can also buy seeds and plants that produce food.

SNAP does not cover hot or prepared foods, vitamins and medicines, household items like soap or paper towels, pet food, alcohol, or tobacco. On Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods, items are labeled as SNAP-may be able to access or not, so you can see before you add them to your cart. If you accidentally add an ineligible item, you can remove it at checkout or pay for it separately with another payment method.

Checking Whether SNAP Online Works in Your Area

SNAP Online is not available everywhere yet. Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods operate in most major cities and suburbs, but rural areas and some smaller towns may not have coverage. To check whether you can use EBT in your zip code, go to the Amazon Fresh website or the Whole Foods website and enter your address. The site will tell you whether delivery or pickup is available.

If neither Amazon Fresh nor Whole Foods delivers to you, other SNAP Online retailers may. Walmart, Target, Instacart, and some regional grocery chains also accept EBT online. You can search for SNAP Online retailers on the USDA's official list or call your state's SNAP office to find out which stores near you participate.

Fees and Minimum Orders

Delivery fees on Amazon Fresh vary by location and time slot. Some zip codes have free delivery on orders over $100 or $150; others charge $3.99 to $9.99 per delivery. These fees are not covered by your SNAP benefits—you pay them with a separate payment method. In-store pickup at Whole Foods is usually free or costs less than delivery.

Some locations have a minimum order amount, such as $35 or $50, to may have access to for free or discounted delivery. Check your specific zip code to see what minimums and fees explore to you. If you have an Amazon Prime membership, you may get free or discounted delivery on Amazon Fresh orders, depending on your location.

Linking Your EBT Card to Your Amazon Account

To link your EBT card, sign into your Amazon account and go to the payment methods section. Select "Add a payment method" and choose "EBT Card." Enter your card number, expiration date, and the three-digit security code on the back. Amazon will verify the card with your state's SNAP system.

The verification process usually takes a few minutes, but it can take up to 24 hours. Once your card is verified, you can use it to pay for groceries on Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods. You can link multiple EBT cards to one account if you manage benefits for more than one person, though each card must be verified separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Your EBT card will only pay for SNAP-may be able to access groceries—fresh produce, meat, dairy, bread, and similar foods. Non-food items like cleaning supplies, paper products, or vitamins must be paid for with a credit card, debit card, or other payment method. At checkout, the system automatically separates may be able to access from ineligible items.

What happens if my EBT card is declined when I try to check out?

A decline usually means your card was not verified, your benefits have run out, or there is a temporary issue with your state's SNAP system. Try unlinking and re-linking your card to your account. If that does not work, contact your state's SNAP office or the customer service number on the back of your EBT card to check your balance and account status.

Do I have to pay delivery fees with my EBT card?

No. Delivery fees and service charges are not covered by SNAP, so you must pay them with a credit card, debit card, or other payment method separate from your EBT card. Only the groceries themselves are charged to your EBT card at checkout.

Can I use EBT on the main Amazon.com website to buy groceries?

No. EBT only works on Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods Market, not on Amazon.com. If you try to use EBT on the main site, it will be declined. You must shop on the Amazon Fresh website or app, or on the Whole Foods website or app, to use your EBT benefits.

What if my zip code does not have Amazon Fresh or Whole Foods delivery?

Check whether Whole Foods has a store location near you that offers in-store pickup, as this may be available in areas without delivery. You can also search the USDA's list of SNAP Online retailers to find other grocery stores, pharmacies, or delivery services that accept EBT in your area. Walmart, Target, and Instacart are common alternatives in many regions.

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.