Does Safeway Accept EBT? Delivery, Pick-Up & Payment Guide
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Does Safeway accept EBT? It is a key question for many low-income families relying on SNAP benefits, and the answer is yes. As one of the largest grocery chains in the United States, Safeway accepts EBT for both in-store purchases and online orders in eligible areas, making it easier for customers to access fresh, nutritious food. With convenient payment options and wide product availability, Safeway helps EBT users shop with confidence and maximize their monthly food assistance benefits.
1. Does Safeway Accept EBT?
If you’re wondering, “Does Safeway accept EBT?”, the answer is Yes. Safeway currently accepts EBT cards for both in-store purchases and online shopping in eligible areas.
This is great news for anyone using the SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), as Safeway, one of the largest grocery chains in the U.S., has been part of the SNAP payment program launched by the USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture) since 2019. With over 900 locations nationwide, Safeway offers EBT users’ convenient access to quality food without worrying about payment methods.
For online orders, customers can easily add their EBT card to their Safeway account at checkout. The system separates your order at checkout; SNAP-approved items are charged to your EBT balance, while the rest can be effortlessly covered with your credit or debit card, keeping the payment flow quick and hassle-free.
Beyond standard EBT, many households also benefit from P‑EBT, a pandemic-era solution born during COVID-19 to bridge the nutritional gap for families and school-aged children when classroom doors were closed and lunchrooms went silent. P‑EBT benefits are loaded onto a card that works just like a regular EBT card and follows the same usage rules.
If you’re also using a P‑EBT card and wondering, “Does Safeway accept P‑EBT cards?”, the answer is: Yes.
Safeway accepts P‑EBT as a valid form of payment, just like traditional EBT. Because P‑EBT functions under the same system as EBT, all retailers that accept EBT, including Safeway, also accept P‑EBT. Users do not need to take any extra steps to use their P‑EBT card at Safeway, whether shopping in-store or online.
By accepting both EBT and P‑EBT, Safeway not only makes food more accessible but also helps ease financial burdens during challenging times.
>>> Also read: 15+ Surprising Things You Can Buy with EBT on Amazon
2. In-Store Purchases Using EBT at Safeway
How to use your EBT card at a Safeway store
When shopping in person at a Safeway store, you can use your EBT card to pay in just a few simple steps:
Step 1: Select SNAP-eligible items
While shopping, you’re free to choose any items in the store. However, to pay using your EBT card, you need to ensure that the selected products fall within the SNAP-approved list. If your cart contains both eligible and non-eligible items, the cashier will help separate them at checkout.
Step 2: Go to the checkout counter
When you’re ready to pay, let the cashier know that you would like to use your EBT card. Often, the checkout system will detect your EBT card and automatically divide eligible and ineligible charges for payment.
Step 3: Insert your EBT card and enter your 4-digit PIN to confirm
At checkout, simply slide or slot your EBT card into the terminal, punch in your secure four-digit PIN, and let the system handle the rest.
Step 4: Payment processing
- The cost of qualifying SNAP items will be automatically withdrawn from your SNAP funds at checkout.
- For purchases that fall outside the SNAP, like service charges, packaging, or ineligible goods, you can settle the difference using cash, a debit card, or any credit card of your choice.
Step 5: Receive your receipt and check your balance
After completing your purchase, you’ll get a receipt that details how much was spent from your EBT card and what balance remains. This is a convenient way to keep track of your monthly SNAP budget.
(*) You do not need to pay any IC (weight debit) fees at the register; the temporary 10% “EBT weight debit” fee only applies to online orders and does not affect in-store transactions.
What items are eligible for EBT payment?
When using your EBT card at Safeway, you can only use your SNAP benefits to purchase items approved by the USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture). These are generally essential foods used to prepare meals at home.
SNAP-eligible items include:
- Fresh, frozen, canned, or dried fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Milk, cheese, butter, and other dairy products
- Bread, cereal, pasta, and other grain products
- Healthy snacks and ready-to-eat cold cereals
- Non-alcoholic beverages like fruit juice and bottled water
- Garden seeds and food-bearing plants intended for home cultivation
Items that are NOT eligible for EBT payment include:
- Alcohol, beer, wine, and tobacco products
- Hot foods prepared for immediate consumption
- Medications, vitamins, and dietary supplements
- Personal care items: soap, toilet paper, cosmetics, feminine hygiene products, etc.
- Household items: detergent, kitchenware, electronics
- Pet food
If you’re unsure whether a product is EBT-eligible, you can ask a Safeway staff member or try scanning the item at a self-checkout kiosk to verify its eligibility.
>>> Read more: What Is EBT Cash? What You Can Use It For
What payment methods does Safeway accept?
In addition to EBT, Safeway accepts a variety of convenient and secure payment methods to meet the needs of all customers.
Below is a complete list of accepted payment methods at most Safeway locations:
- EBT cards: Specifically used to cover groceries that qualify under the SNAP benefit program.
- Debit cards: Safeway accepts a wide range of debit cards, whether they’re linked to local banks or powered by global networks such as Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or American Express.
- Credit cards: All major credit cards are accepted.
- Safeway gift cards: Safeway gift cards can be used as cash to cover almost anything you find on the store shelves.
- Cash: Accepted at all traditional checkout lanes.
- Mobile payments: Safeway supports contactless checkout via Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay, offering a speedy and secure payment alternative.
- Checks: Some locations may still accept personal checks with valid ID, although this may vary by store.
If you’re using multiple payment methods (such as EBT and a credit card), Safeway’s POS system will automatically split the transaction to ensure eligible items are charged correctly to each payment method.
3. Does Safeway Delivery Accept EBT Cards?
Does Safeway accept EBT for delivery?
Safeway currently accepts EBT card payments for home delivery orders, but this service is only available in certain regions. The ability to use EBT for online shopping and home delivery is part of the SNAP Online Purchasing Pilot. Safeway joined this program to help SNAP recipients access essential groceries more conveniently, especially those who are unable to shop in person.
As of now, Safeway supports EBT payments for delivery in the following states and regions (subject to updates based on federal and local policy):
- California
- Washington
- Oregon
- Arizona
- Maryland
- Washington, D.C.
- Virginia
- Texas
- New Mexico
- Delaware
- …and other states that may be added periodically based on federal guidelines.
Not all Safeway stores within the states listed above support EBT delivery. Availability depends on your specific ZIP code and local store policy.
If you’re wondering, “Does Safeway accept EBT for delivery near me?”, here’s how to check quickly and accurately:
- Go to open the Safeway app.
- Sign in to your account or create a new one if needed.
- Enter your ZIP code to select your nearest store.
- Choose the Delivery option and begin adding items to your cart.
- At checkout, if the system allows you to add an EBT card and splits payment into SNAP and non-SNAP categories, your area supports EBT for delivery.
If you don’t see the EBT payment option during checkout, it likely means your address is currently not within a supported delivery zone.
Using EBT for Safeway pick-up orders
In addition to home delivery, Safeway also allows customers to pay with EBT for online orders picked up in-store. This is a great option for shoppers who want to save on delivery fees while still enjoying the convenience of ordering online.
Safeway permits the use of EBT for pick-up orders in areas participating in the SNAP Online program. The payment conditions are like those for delivery:
- You can only use EBT to pay for SNAP-eligible items.
- Any non-SNAP costs (like bag fees, taxes, or ineligible items) must be paid using an additional payment method, such as a credit or debit card.
If you’re searching for “does Safeway pick up accept EBT”, the answer is yes, provided your selected store location is within a supported area.
4. How to Maximize EBT Benefits – With New, Free Smartphones?
If you’re currently receiving SNAP benefits and using your EBT card to purchase groceries at Safeway or other participating retailers, don’t overlook additional support programs that could significantly reduce your daily financial burden.
One of the most valuable and widely recognized programs is the Lifeline Program, a federal initiative that offers free or discounted phone and internet services to eligible low-income individuals.
Lifeline is a government assistance program managed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), designed to help qualifying households access communication services at more affordable rates.
If you’re already enrolled in federal benefit programs like SNAP, you are automatically eligible for Lifeline. Thus, getting a free phone from a Lifeline provider, such as AirTalk Wireless, will be easier than ever.
Eligible individuals may receive:
- Up to $9.25/month discount on phone or broadband internet service
- Up to $34.25/month discount if you live on Tribal lands
- Access to free smartphones or heavily subsidized devices through approved Lifeline providers
By maximizing your benefits through programs like Lifeline, you’re not only receiving food assistance, but also gaining access to critical services that can improve your quality of life, such as communication, employment opportunities, and digital access to health and education.
Final Words
We hope all the information provided above has given you the clearest and most complete answer to the question, does Safeway accept EBT. Don’t miss out on the benefits available to you. Visit your nearest Safeway or shop online today to start using your EBT card with ease and confidence.
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