Does Sam’s Club Take EBT on Instacart? Full Guide
- Share This:
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
The question “Does Sam’s Club take EBT on Instacart?” is becoming increasingly common as shoppers look for fast grocery delivery that also supports SNAP benefits. Sam’s Club is a popular destination for buying essentials in bulk at great prices, but using EBT with delivery apps is still complicated.
This guide explains Sam’s Club’s policy, why EBT is not supported on Instacart orders, and which stores do allow EBT through Instacart for convenient home delivery.
1. Does Sam’s Club Take EBT on Instacart?
The short answer: No, Sam’s Club does not take EBT on Instacart. This means that if you try to place a Sam’s Club order through Instacart, you won’t be able to add your SNAP EBT card as a payment method. This applies nationwide, regardless of state.
Many shoppers search both “does Sam’s Club accept EBT on Instacart” and “Does Sam’s Club accept EBT for delivery?” because policies have changed over time, especially as many retailers are now rolling out SNAP Online Purchasing. However, as of the most recent guidelines, Sam’s Club does not participate in EBT payments on Instacart.
You can shop at Sam’s Club with EBT, just not through Instacart delivery or curbside pickup.
2. What Sam’s Club Says About Instacart Delivery
Sam’s Club has been clear about its EBT policy: Sam’s Club accepts EBT in-store only. Sam’s Club does not accept SNAP EBT for: Instacart delivery, Instacart curbside pickup, Online orders through SamsClub.com, Drive-up services. Their official policy states that SNAP EBT cannot be used on any online or third-party order types, regardless of location.
Additionally, Sam’s Club processes Instacart orders independently from their in-store point-of-sale system. Because Instacart manages payment processing separately, they cannot integrate Sam’s Club’s EBT acceptance on the platform.
This explains why even in states where Instacart supports SNAP for other stores, Sam’s Club remains excluded.
3. Why EBT Cannot Be Used on Sam’s Club Orders Through Instacart
There are several reasons why does Sam’s Club take EBT on Instacart always results in “no”:
3.1. Sam’s Club Has Not Joined the SNAP Online Purchasing Program
Only retailers approved by the USDA for SNAP Online Purchasing can accept EBT for delivery or online orders. Sam’s Club currently has not joined this program.
3.2. Instacart Requires Retailer Integration
Even though Instacart supports EBT for many stores, the retailer must opt in, complete software integration, and follow USDA rules. Sam’s Club has not completed (or opted into) this integration.
3.3. Club Membership Requirements Complicate Online EBT
Sam’s Club requires a membership for most online orders. SNAP regulations make EBT acceptance on platforms with membership paywalls more difficult unless the retailer creates an EBT-accessible checkout option.
3.4. Instacart Handles Payments, Not Sam’s Club
Instacart collects payments separately, so even though Sam’s Club accepts EBT in person, Instacart does not have the authorization or system support to apply EBT to those specific orders.
>>> Read more: Does Jamba Juice Take EBT? Here’s the Real Answer
4. What Stores Take EBT on Instacart?
If you want delivery but Sam’s Club is not eligible, many other Instacart retailers support EBT. This is helpful for shoppers who are specifically searching for “What stores take EBT on Instacart?”
Common stores that accept EBT on Instacart include:
- Walmart
- Aldi
- Publix
- Kroger
- Safeway
- Food Lion
- Stop & Shop
- Price Rite
- Food Bazaar
- Sprouts (in select areas)
- Meijer
- HEB
Availability varies by state. To check EBT-eligible retailers near you:
- Open the Instacart app
- Go to Account > Payment Methods
- Add your EBT card
- Instacart will show all retailers supporting EBT in your area
This makes it easy to find alternatives when Sam’s Club cannot process EBT.
5. Alternatives If You Want to Use EBT with Sam’s Club
Even though Sam’s Club does not take EBT for delivery or Instacart, there are still several ways you can shop with your SNAP funds.
5.1. Shop In-Club with EBT
This is the most reliable method. Every Sam’s Club warehouse accepts SNAP EBT at checkout for eligible food items.
You can use EBT for:
- Fresh groceries
- Frozen foods
- Meat and seafood
- Dairy
- Pantry staples
- Some beverages
You cannot use EBT for:
- Membership fees
- Alcohol
- Household supplies
- Non-food items
If you’re searching “How can I get a free phone without money down?” or other unrelated terms, keep in mind that EBT cannot be used for non-food items like electronics.
5.2. Sam’s Club Scan & Go
Sam’s Club accepts EBT cards at all locations and through Scan & Go, making it easier for members to pay for eligible food and beverage items.
How to use EBT with Scan & Go:
- Open the app and tap Check Out.
- Enter your EBT card information.
- Select EBT as your payment method before tapping Slide to Pay.
- Tap Continue and enter your 4-digit PIN.
- After the transaction, present the QR code at the exit.
5.3. Consider Walmart Delivery or Pickup for Online EBT
If your goal is specifically online ordering with EBT, Walmart is the best alternative because:
- Walmart owns Sam’s Club
- Walmart supports EBT online
- Walmart offers delivery and curbside pickup
- Prices remain competitive
- Many items overlap with Sam’s Club merchandise
Walmart is the ideal replacement if you want online EBT convenience similar to Instacart.
6. Maximize Your EBT Benefits with a Free Phone
If you rely on SNAP, staying connected can make managing your benefits quicker and easier. SNAP participants automatically qualify for Lifeline, the federal program that lowers the cost of phone and internet service for eligible low-income individuals.
Applying for Lifeline with AirTalk Wireless, qualifying customers may receive:
- Free monthly talk, text, and data
- A free or discounted device, such as smartphones and tablets
For SNAP recipients, combining EBT with Lifeline can free up more of your budget, helping you stretch your benefits beyond groceries.
Final Thoughts
So, does Sam’s Club take EBT on Instacart? Today, the answer is no. Sam’s Club accepts EBT only for in-store purchases, not for Instacart delivery, pickup, or online orders.
While this may change in the future, for now, shoppers who rely on EBT will need to shop in person or use Instacart-supported retailers such as Walmart, Aldi, or Kroger.
Understanding where you can use EBT ensures you make the most of your benefits while still getting convenient access to groceries. If you want online EBT ordering, Instacart’s partner stores provide excellent alternatives.
- Share This:
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
