Shopping online has become a daily habit for many households, but not everyone knows how to use EBT cash online. While EBT food benefits are widely accepted, using cash benefits for online purchases can be a little different. In this guide, you’ll learn how EBT cash works, which retailers accept it online, and what items you can buy.
What Is EBT Cash and Can You Use It Online?
EBT cash is part of the government’s cash assistance programs, such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or state-run programs like CalWORKs in California. It provides funds you can use for daily needs, including food, rent, transportation, and household items.
What You Can Buy with EBT Cash Online
If your state and retailer support online transactions, you can use EBT cash to buy many types of everyday essentials. The goal of this benefit is to help families cover basic living costs, both online and offline.
Here are common items you can buy online with EBT cash benefits:
- Groceries, including fruits, vegetables, meat, and pantry staples
- Non-food household essentials such as soap, detergent, and cleaning supplies
- Personal care products like toothpaste, shampoo, and diapers
- Baby supplies, including formula and wipes
- Clothing, shoes, and school supplies (depending on retailer policy)
- Transportation passes or fuel gift cards in some states
You cannot use EBT cash to buy restricted items such as alcohol, tobacco, or lottery tickets, whether online or in-store.
>>> Learn more: Can You Buy Fast Food With EBT? Eligible Restaurants by State
Which Stores Accept EBT Cash Online?
The ability to use EBT cash online is still expanding across the United States. While most major grocery chains already accept EBT SNAP, only a few retailers currently allow online payments with EBT cash benefits. Availability also depends on your state’s participation in online purchasing programs.
Major Retailers That Accept EBT Cash
Several large retailers are now testing or supporting EBT cash transactions online. As of 2025, these include:
- Walmart: Allows EBT cash for certain orders in states that support cash assistance online.
- Amazon: Accepts EBT cards for SNAP groceries and some EBT cash transactions depending on your state.
- Target: Participating in limited pilot programs for EBT cash purchases.
- ALDI and Safeway: Offer online shopping for EBT users, though EBT cash acceptance varies by state.
- Local grocery chains: Some regional stores such as Hy-Vee, Kroger, and Food Lion are gradually adding support for EBT cash payments.
To confirm, check your state’s EBT website or the retailer’s payment options before shopping online.
Grocery Delivery Services
A few grocery delivery and pickup platforms also support EBT payments for eligible households. You can link your EBT card during checkout to pay for qualifying items.
- Amazon Fresh and Walmart Grocery Delivery accept EBT cards for eligible food purchases, including limited EBT cash in participating states.
- Instacart allows customers to use EBT SNAP, and some states are beginning to include EBT cash pilot programs.
- Safeway and ALDI pickup services offer EBT payment options in selected areas.
Delivery fees, service charges, or tips cannot be paid with EBT cash unless specified by your state’s program. You may need to use another payment method for those costs.
Limitations to Know
Even though EBT cash online is becoming more accessible, there are still important restrictions to keep in mind:
- Not every retailer or state supports online EBT cash transactions yet.
- Some websites may only allow EBT cash for in-store pickup, not for home delivery.
- Certain non-food or restricted items cannot be purchased with EBT cash, including alcohol, tobacco, or digital products.
- You cannot use EBT cash for platform-specific services such as streaming subscriptions or lottery sales.
Because EBT cash usage online depends on both state approval and retailer participation, always verify your options before shopping. You can check your state’s EBT portal or contact the customer service line on your card for the latest updates.
How to Use EBT Cash for Online Shopping
If your state supports online payments, learning how to use EBT cash online is simple. You can complete your purchases in just a few steps.
Step 1 – Check Your State’s Online Restrictions
Before shopping, visit your state’s EBT website or call the number on your card to confirm whether EBT cash is available for online use. Not all states currently support EBT cash payments online, and some may only allow them for in-store pickup.
You can also visit the USDA SNAP Retailer Locator or your state’s Department of Human Services page to see which retailers participate in the online cash program.
Step 2 – Create Account and Add EBT Card
Next, create an account on a participating retailer’s website such as Walmart, Amazon, or Safeway.
When setting up your payment method, choose the option to add your EBT card. Enter your card number and follow any verification steps.
Step 3 – Shop for Eligible Items
Once your card is added, browse and add eligible items to your cart. With EBT cash, you can buy both food and approved non-food products such as:
- Groceries and snacks
- Personal care and baby products
- Cleaning supplies and household essentials
Remember, you cannot use EBT cash for restricted items like alcohol, tobacco, or lottery tickets.
Step 4 – Checkout with EBT Cash
When ready to check out, select EBT card as your payment method. If your state supports EBT cash online, you’ll see an option to use your cash benefits balance.
Follow the prompts to confirm your PIN and complete payment. Some retailers will allow you to split payments, using EBT for eligible items and another method (credit or debit) for ineligible products.
Step 5 – Choose Delivery or Pickup
Finally, decide whether you want your order delivered or picked up in-store. Many grocery retailers now offer both options.
- Home delivery: Available in select states and may include a small service fee (not payable with EBT cash).
- Curbside pickup: A convenient, often free option that lets you collect your order directly from the store.
Once your order is confirmed, your payment will be processed automatically from your EBT cash balance. You can check your updated balance online or on your next store receipt.
Tips to Save Money When Shopping Online with EBT Cash
Using your EBT cash benefits online can make shopping easier, but it’s also helpful to stretch your funds wisely. Here are a few simple ways to save money when shopping online:
- Compare prices before checkout: Retailers often have different prices for the same products. Check a few stores before you buy.
- Use store coupons or promo codes: Many grocery websites allow digital coupons that work with EBT cash orders.
- Buy in bulk when possible: Stocking up on essentials like rice, pasta, or toiletries can save money in the long run.
- Avoid delivery fees: Choose pickup options if your state allows it, since delivery charges cannot be paid with EBT cash.
- Track your spending: Check your EBT balance regularly to make sure your funds last through the month.
Small habits like these help you maximize your EBT cash benefits and make online shopping more efficient.
>>> Learn more: EBT Phone Service: How To Get Free Phone with EBT Or SNAP
Stay Online: Free Phone Service for EBT Users
If you receive EBT, you may also qualify for a free government phone through the Lifeline Program. This federal program helps low-income households stay connected by offering free smartphones with monthly talk, text, and data service.
To apply through AirTalk Wireless, an authorized Lifeline provider:
- Visit AirTalk Wireless.
- Select your state and check eligibility with EBT, SNAP, or Medicaid.
- Complete the online form and upload proof of eligibility (your EBT card cannot be used as proof).
Once approved, your free AirTalk Wireless phone helps you manage your benefits, shop online safely, and access important updates anytime.
FAQs
How do I use EBT cash on Amazon?
To use EBT cash on Amazon, add your EBT card under “Payment Options” in your account. Select “EBT cash” if available in your state when checking out. Availability varies, so confirm that your state supports online cash payments before ordering.
Can I use EBT cash for groceries and household items online?
Yes. EBT cash can be used for both food and non-food items such as toiletries, cleaning supplies, or baby products if your retailer allows it.
Do all states allow online EBT cash purchases?
No. Each state decides whether to enable EBT cash payments online. You can check your state’s EBT website or call the number on your card for updated information.
Final Words
Learning how to use EBT cash online gives you more flexibility and convenience in managing your monthly benefits. As more states expand their online programs, shopping for groceries and essentials will become even easier.