If you’re a SNAP recipient, you need to know which grocery stores make using your benefits simple, convenient, and dignified. When it comes to major grocery chains, one of the most common questions is: Does Kroger take EBT?
The answer is a clear and simple yes. Kroger is one of the largest and most EBT-friendly grocery chains in the country, fully supporting SNAP recipients.
This guide will walk you through Kroger’s official policy, how to use your card in-store, for pickup, and for delivery. We’ll also cover common questions and explain how your EBT eligibility can help you get a free smartphone.
1. Does Kroger Accept EBT? The Official Policy
Here is the official breakdown of how to use your EBT card at Kroger and its entire family of stores.
Yes, Kroger Accepts EBT Cards (SNAP) at All Stores
So, does Kroger accept EBT? Yes, absolutely. All stores under the Kroger Co. Family of Stores accept EBT cards (also known as SNAP or food stamps) at every checkout lane, including self-checkout.
This policy applies not just to stores named Kroger, but to all the grocery chains they own, such as:
- Ralphs
- Fred Meyer
- Harris Teeter
- Smith’s
- King Soopers
- Fry’s
- Food 4 Less
- …and many more.
They are a fully authorized USDA SNAP retailer, and using your benefits there is a simple, standard process.
Does Kroger accept food stamps?
Yes. “Food stamps” is the common name for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The Kroger Co. Family of Stores accepts SNAP EBT at all participating pickup locations and through delivery on the Kroger website and Kroger mobile app.
How to Use Your EBT Card at Kroger (In-Store Process)
Using your EBT card at Kroger works just like using a debit card:
- Swipe or Insert: At the card reader, swipe your EBT card or insert the chip.
- Select Payment: The screen will ask you to select your payment type. Choose “EBT.”
- Enter PIN: Enter your 4-digit EBT PIN on the keypad. This is required for all EBT purchases to protect your benefits.
- Confirm Amount: You may need to confirm the purchase amount.
If you are purchasing both eligible food items (such as fruit, milk, and cereal) and ineligible items (like cleaning supplies, vitamins, or hot food), the register will automatically separate them. This is often referred to as a “mixed-basket” transaction.
The system will use your SNAP funds to pay for eligible food and then request a second form of payment (such as cash, credit, or a debit card) to cover the remaining balance.
Does Kroger Accept EBT for Cash Back? (TANF vs. SNAP)
This is a key distinction. Your EBT card has two separate “purses” or accounts:
- SNAP (Food Benefits): You can never get cash back from your SNAP benefits. This is a strict federal rule.
- TANF (Cash Benefits): If you also receive cash assistance from a program like Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) on your EBT card, you can get cash back at the Kroger register. When paying, you would select “Cash” instead of “EBT” or “Food,” and you can get cashback just like you would with a regular debit card.
2. Using EBT for Kroger Online & In-Store Purchases
Kroger has expanded its EBT payment options, making it one of the most flexible grocers for SNAP recipients.
What Can I Buy with EBT at Kroger?
You can use your EBT card to buy any SNAP-eligible food items, which include:
- Fruits and vegetables (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt)
- Breads and cereals (pasta, rice, breakfast cereal)
- Snack foods (chips, ice cream, cookies)
- Non-alcoholic beverages (soda, juice, bottled water)
- Seeds and plants that produce food (like tomato plants or herb seeds)
You cannot use EBT for alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, medicine, hot prepared foods from the deli, or any non-food items, such as pet food, paper towels, or cleaning supplies.
Does Kroger Take EBT for Pickup (Formerly ClickList)?
Yes. This is a major convenience for EBT users. Kroger accepts EBT for its online Pickup service (formerly known as ClickList).
You can build your grocery cart on the Kroger website or app. When you check out, you will select “Pay at Pickup.” When you arrive at the store, an associate will bring a mobile payment machine to your car, where you can swipe your EBT card and enter your PIN, just as you would in-store.
Can I use SNAP EBT for Delivery?
Yes, in most locations, Kroger now accepts EBT for home delivery orders. This is a newer feature and a significant benefit.
Customers with SNAP EBT benefits can now pay using their SNAP EBT card online for delivery. You can add your SNAP EBT card to your Kroger online wallet and even split the payment with another card.
Any fees that may apply to the order, such as the delivery fee or driver tip, must be covered by another form of payment, like a credit or debit card, as EBT funds cannot be used for these charges.
How to Check Your EBT Balance Before Shopping at Kroger
Before you shop, it’s always a good idea to check your balance. You can do this in three simple ways:
- Call the EBT customer service number on the back of your card.
- Check your state’s official EBT portal online.
- Look at the bottom of your last grocery receipt.
3. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use my EBT card at a Kroger gas station? This is a common question. You cannot use SNAP EBT funds to purchase gasoline. However, you can use your EBT card inside the gas station’s convenience store to buy eligible snacks and drinks.
What happens if I return an item I bought with EBT? Per federal law, you cannot get a cash refund for items bought with SNAP. The refund amount will be credited back to your EBT card’s SNAP balance.
Does Kroger accept P-EBT? Yes. P-EBT (Pandemic-EBT) cards function similarly to regular SNAP EBT cards. Kroger accepts P-EBT for all eligible food items, including those purchased through online pickup and delivery. You can use it for in-store purchases and for online pickup and delivery orders through the Kroger app or website. To use it online, add your P-EBT card to your online account in the “Wallet” section and select it as the payment method at checkout.
4. Other Benefits and Programs with EBT
Your EBT card is a gateway to other essential services.
Get a Free Phone with Your EBT Eligibility
Because you are a SNAP recipient, you automatically qualify for the federal Lifeline program.
This program helps low-income families stay connected by providing free or low-cost phone service. With a leading provider like AirTalk Wireless, you can use your SNAP eligibility to get a complete package at no cost:
- A FREE 4G/5G Smartphone
- FREE Unlimited Monthly Talk & Text
- FREE Data
This allows you to access your benefits, place online grocery orders, and stay in touch with work, school, and family.
Does Kroger Also Accept WIC?
Yes. Kroger is a fully authorized WIC retailer. The WIC program (Women, Infants, and Children) is separate from SNAP and provides specific nutritional items for women and young children (e.g., specific brands of formula, milk, cereal, and juice).
Kroger checkout systems are designed to handle WIC transactions, but you must purchase the exact WIC-approved items.
5. Final Words
In summary, the answer to “Does Kroger take EBT?” is a clear yes. It’s one of the best and most convenient stores for SNAP recipients, offering full support for EBT payments in-store, for curbside pickup, and even for home delivery.Don’t forget to use your SNAP eligibility to also get a free smartphone from providers like AirTalk Wireless.