Shipt is an increasingly popular grocery delivery service known for its convenience, speed, and growing availability across the United States. As more households turn to online grocery shopping, a common question arises: Does Shipt accept EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer)? Given the critical role that programs like SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) play in supporting food access for millions of Americans, understanding where and how EBT can be used is essential.
TLDR: Does Shipt Accept EBT?
No, as of the latest update, Shipt does not accept EBT as a form of payment for grocery deliveries. This includes both SNAP and other EBT-based assistance programs. Customers needing to use EBT will have to shop in-person or through approved retailers that participate in the SNAP Online Purchasing Pilot. However, the landscape is changing, and future support may be on the horizon.
What Is EBT and Who Uses It?
EBT, or Electronic Benefits Transfer, is a system that allows state welfare departments to issue benefits via a magnetically encoded payment card. This card can be used to buy eligible food items from authorized retailers. The most common programs funded through EBT include:
- SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) – Formerly known as food stamps.
- WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) – Offered to low-income pregnant women and young children.
- TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) – Provides financial help to low-income families.
Over 40 million Americans rely on EBT cards to help cover food costs. The ability to use these benefits for online and delivery services is particularly important for households without easy access to transportation or for those with mobility challenges.
The Rise of Online Grocery Shopping
In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, more Americans embraced the ease and safety of online grocery shopping. Companies like Shipt, Instacart, and Amazon Fresh exploded in popularity due to the convenience they offer. However, many of these platforms cater primarily to customers who use credit or debit cards for transactions.
This has led to a growing gap in access for EBT-dependent consumers. In a truly equitable system, customers receiving government food assistance should have the same ability to safely and efficiently shop for groceries online.
Does Shipt Currently Accept EBT?
No. As of now, Shipt does not accept EBT as a valid form of payment for any type of order—whether through the app, website, or in partnership with major grocery chains. This applies even when purchasing eligible food items such as fruits, vegetables, dairy, and bread.
Shipt currently requires a valid credit card, debit card, or prepaid card to complete transactions. Even if your selected grocery store accepts EBT in-store, the Shipt delivery system does not currently support processing EBT payments.
Why Doesn’t Shipt Accept EBT?
The reasons for Shipt not accepting EBT are primarily technical and regulatory. Accepting EBT online requires partnering with the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) through the SNAP Online Purchasing Pilot. To participate, retailers must meet certain federal requirements that ensure secure EBT processing and compliance with benefit usage rules.
Currently, only a limited number of retailers have obtained approval.
Challenges Shipt Faces in Accepting EBT
- Government Regulation: Strict rules govern how and where EBT funds can be used.
- Technological Integration: EBT systems require secure checkout platforms with specific item-level benefit mapping.
- Coordination with Retailers: Shipt operates as a third-party service, and often facilitates shopping from multiple stores without control over their POS systems.
Which Grocery Delivery Services Do Accept EBT?
If you need online grocery services that do accept EBT, you’re not without options. Several platforms have been approved under the USDA’s program. Not all services are available nationwide yet, but they are expanding.
- Amazon Fresh: Accepts SNAP EBT in many areas with free delivery on certain orders.
- Walmart Grocery: Welcomes EBT online ordering with local pickup and delivery in eligible zip codes.
- Instacart (Select Retailers): Partnered with ALDI, Food Lion, and others to implement EBT payment where permitted.
These companies have invested in the infrastructure and received federal approval to process EBT payments securely online, offering a practical alternative to in-store shopping for those reliant on benefits.
How Could Shipt Add EBT Support in the Future?
Given rising interest from consumers and increased government focus on food access equity, it’s possible Shipt may pursue EBT integration in the future. In fact, industry watchers believe most national grocery platforms will eventually be expected to support EBT.
Some steps that need to occur include:
- Joining the USDA Pilot Program: Shipt would need to apply and undergo compliance certification.
- Creating Secure Payment Infrastructure: The platform would have to manage eligible vs. ineligible product filtering.
- Store Participation: Partner grocery chains would need to update their backend systems to process EBT-compatible orders via Shipt.
These changes may take time and considerable investment, but growing consumer demand may help to accelerate the process.
Can You Use EBT for Any Part of a Shipt Order?
Unfortunately, no part of a Shipt order is currently payable by EBT—whether it’s the grocery total, delivery fee, service charges, or tip. All payments on Shipt must be completed with traditional bank or prepaid cards. This makes the platform inaccessible to households relying exclusively on EBT benefits.
That said, customers can employ a workaround by using cash from their TANF benefits (if applicable) to load funds onto a prepaid debit card that can be used on Shipt. However, this solution requires access to TANF funds, which not all EBT users receive.
Understanding the Importance of SNAP Online Expansion
The USDA’s Online Purchasing Pilot is a significant step toward ensuring that low-income individuals can access modern grocery shopping conveniences. As more retailers are approved, a greater number of consumers—especially those in food deserts or rural areas—will benefit.
Shipt joining this program would be a valuable addition, given its fast delivery and partnerships with prominent supermarket chains like Meijer, H-E-B, and Publix.
Conclusion: Where Do We Go From Here?
While Shipt has earned a solid reputation for quality grocery delivery, it currently excludes a significant portion of potential users by not accepting EBT. Households using SNAP or other benefit programs are encouraged to explore alternative platforms until Shipt evolves to accommodate these needs.
Improved access to fresh, nutritious food shouldn’t be dependent on payment method. As digital shopping becomes the norm, services like Shipt must consider how inclusivity and modernization can coexist.
For now, families using EBT should turn to federally approved retailers like Amazon Fresh, Walmart Grocery, and select Instacart partners.
Stay Informed
Keep checking Shipt’s official website or customer service for future updates. Policy changes and tech developments could shift their position in the near future. As food access advocates continue to push for reform, we hope platforms like Shipt will soon bridge the digital divide for all shoppers.