You know how we’re living in this cool digital age where almost everything can be done online? Well, guess what? There’s this awesome service called GoPuff that brings grocery items straight to your door. Super handy, right?
Now, you might be wondering, “Can I use my EBT card to pay on GoPuff?” Great question! I’m here to break it all down for you. 🕵️♂️
We’ll chat about how cards work, especially EBT, when shopping for groceries online, and dive deep into GoPuff. I’ve done all the homework to let you know which items you can (and can’t) get with your EBT card on GoPuff.
So, stick with me and let’s get all your questions answered! Ready? Let’s roll!
Can You Use EBT On Gopuff?
You know how there are tons of grocery services out there, but only a handful of them accept food stamps or EBT as a payment option? You’re probably thinking, “I wonder if GoPuff is one of them?”
Here’s the deal: Sadly, the answer is a straight-up “no.” Right now, GoPuff doesn’t let their customers use EBT cards for payments. I know, it’s a bummer. Even though many people (maybe even you) have EBT benefits, not all grocery services have jumped on board with accepting it.
Let’s take a quick trip down memory lane. GoPuff started its journey in 2013 with a simple idea: to bring groceries straight to people’s homes. Fast forward to now, and guess what? They’re delivering to nearly 1000 cities across Europe and the US. That’s a lot of groceries! 🍎🍞
And it’s not just about the number of cities they cover. They’ve earned a name for themselves by offering top-quality products and stellar service. Remember in 2020, when the US government approved EBT cards to help out low-income families? That was super helpful for many!
I know it’s a bit confusing and disappointing, but hang tight! We’ll dive deep into the reasons behind GoPuff’s decision in the next section. Keep reading; it’s about to get interesting!
Why Does Gopuff Not Accept Payment Via EBT?
let’s talk a bit about EBT and why GoPuff hasn’t given it a thumbs-up yet. 🤔
So, back in 2020, the US rolled out this cool digital service called EBT. Think of it as a special helping hand for people who could use a bit more support. If you’re one of the lucky ones who got approved, you’d get a neat $125 every month on this card. And with this money, you can buy a bunch of approved products. Don’t worry; I’ll list out all the things you can buy with it a bit later.
Now, here comes the twist. You might think, “Hey, GoPuff delivers groceries, so why can’t I use my EBT there?”
The main reason is that GoPuff’s app delivers a lot of prepared food. You know, the kind of food that’s all ready to eat, like pizzas, sandwiches, and maybe even your favorite chocolate chip cookies. 🍕🍔🍪
But here’s the catch: EBT has a list of products it covers, and prepared foods? They’re not on that list. So, that’s the main reason why GoPuff can’t accept EBT payments. They just have too many items that EBT doesn’t cover.
Makes sense now, right? It’s all about matching up with what EBT allows and what GoPuff offers. It’s like trying to fit a square peg in a round hole – they just don’t line up right now.
Grocery Services That Accept EBT Cards
Alright, so GoPuff might not be on the EBT train just yet, but don’t worry! There are plenty of other places ready to roll out the red carpet for you and your EBT card. Let’s dive in and explore some popular grocery spots that give a big YES to EBT payments. 🎉
Before we jump into the list, just a heads up! Always keep an eye on the items that your EBT card covers. I’ve got a whole list of those goodies in the FAQ section if you ever need a quick peek.
1. Walmart
When you think groceries, Walmart’s gotta be one of the first names that pop up, right? They’re big on both curbside pickup and home delivery. Whether you’re browsing their site or using the Walmart app, you’re all set to use your EBT card.
The cool part? Walmart welcomes EBT payments in a whopping 48 states! Just remember to hit at least $35 on your order. If you dip below, there’s a little pickup fee based on how you get your items. And oh, if there’s a fee, that part comes from your debit card, not EBT. Just the rules of the game!
2. Amazon
Surprise! Amazon isn’t just about the latest tech or fashion. They’re big in the grocery game too! And guess what? They’re all in with EBT payments. There are a couple of exceptions, though. So, if you’re in Alaska, Montana, Louisiana, or Hawaii, you might need to look elsewhere.
Amazon’s got two major grocery services:
Amazon Fresh
Think of this like your friendly neighborhood grocery store, but online. They’ve got all the staples: veggies, fruits, milk, meat, and so much more. You want it fast? Their delivery time is super speedy – between 1 to 2 hours. Aim for an order of $35 or more. In some spots, though, it’s $50. And if you go below that amount, there’s a small delivery fee.
Amazon Pantry
This is where things get fun. Amazon Pantry’s got a section just for EBT-eligible items. You’ll spot them easily because they have a cool “SNAP EBT Eligible” label. For a free delivery, make sure your order’s total is $25 or more. If it’s less, a little delivery fee pops up. But hey, if you’re an Amazon Prime member, guess what? Free delivery for you, no matter the amount!
3. ALDI
Everybody loves a good deal, and ALDI is all about giving you quality stuff without emptying your wallet. This fantastic store has made sure to welcome EBT shoppers in nearly 37 states. And here’s a fun fact: they have a whopping 1,700 stores in these states!
And guess what? If you’re all about convenience, you can grab ALDI’s EBT-approved products through the Instacart app. Just set up an account, pick ALDI as your store, and you’re good to go!
4. BJ’s Wholesale
Ever heard of BJ’s Wholesale? It’s this super-cool place where you can buy in bulk and save big. They’re pretty flexible with EBT, especially for in-store shopping across the US. But that’s not all! They’ve also made EBT payments available for food delivery in a few select states like Florida, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, and North Carolina.
Quick note though: If you’re looking to shop online, skip their app. It’s all about the BJ’s Wholesale website for your EBT-friendly orders.
5. Food Lion
When it comes to North Carolina, Food Lion is kind of a big deal. With over 350 stores, they’ve got the state pretty much covered! They’re totally in for EBT payments, especially for curbside deliveries and pickups.
Ordering is a breeze with them! But make sure you stick to the Instacart app if you’re going the EBT route. The starting point for your orders is just $10, but remember, there’s a small delivery fee starting at $4. This bit? It comes straight out of your pocket.
6. Hy-Vee
And then there’s Hy-Vee. They’ve got the online grocery game down, offering both curbside pickups and home deliveries. They jumped onto the EBT bandwagon in August 2020, opening up their online doors for EBT shoppers.
Whether you’re a website kind of person or all about apps, Hy-Vee’s got you covered. Just a tip: always double-check the EBT-approved products. This way, you know exactly what treats you can get with your card.
7. Kroger
Kroger? More like Kro-GREAT! They’ve been in the grocery game for a long time and know how to treat their shoppers right. Got an EBT card? No problem! Kroger’s got you with their curbside pickup and delivery services. Here’s a sweet deal: if you stack your cart with $35 or more, you get to enjoy a free pickup service. Just pick your time, grab your goodies, and get going!
8. Publix
Alright, here’s the scoop on Publix. They hopped onto the EBT scene in 2021. That means you can totally use your card to grab approved products. But remember, if you’re aiming to shop online with Publix, you’ve got to go through the Instacart app. So, fire up Instacart, pick Publix, and start filling that virtual cart!
9. Safeway
Safeway’s been doing its thing since 1915! This trusted supermarket has a huge array of grocery items, and yep, they’re all for EBT payments for online curbside pickups and deliveries. Currently, they roll out the EBT red carpet in 10 states. Just a heads up: they don’t do prepared food delivery via EBT.
10. Albertsons
Albertsons is kinda like Safeway’s sibling, offering up a bunch of online grocery goodies. If you’ve got EBT, they’re all ears! To make things super easy, you can order their EBT-approved products via the Doordash Albertson’s Program.
11. Shoprite
Now, if you’re in places like Pennsylvania, Delaware, Connecticut, New Jersey, Maryland, or New York, you might be nodding your head already. Shoprite is a big deal in these areas. This supermarket chain makes EBT shopping a breeze, offering both delivery and curbside pickup options. Whether you’re a website browser or an app lover, Shoprite has got your back!
12. Target online
Who doesn’t love a good Target run, right? And now, guess what? You can even do a virtual Target run with your EBT card. Late in 2022, Target gave a thumbs up to EBT payments. So, for everyone out there with an EBT card, this means more choices for your shopping needs. Just head over to their official site, pick out the EBT-eligible items you love, and check out. Simple, right?
13. FarmboxRx
Now, here’s a unique one for all you fresh food lovers! FarmboxRx is all about delivering crisp, fresh food and some essential pantry items right to your door. And the cherry on top? In 2021, they started welcoming EBT payments for all those approved items. So if you’re itching for some farm-fresh produce and pantry must-haves, make your way to FarmboxRx’s official site, and let the fresh shopping begin!
How To Use an EBT Card?
If you’ve got an EBT card in your pocket or are thinking about getting one, you’re in the right place. Let’s break down how this nifty card works, step by step, so you can get shopping in no time!
1. What’s an EBT Card Anyway? 🤔
First things first, let’s chat about the EBT card itself. EBT stands for Electronic Benefits Transfer. It’s part of the SNAP Program (that’s the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for the uninitiated) that the US government started in 2020. Think of it as a helping hand, making sure families who need a bit of support can buy food and essentials.
2. Looks Familiar? 💳
When you get your EBT card, you’ll notice it looks a lot like a regular debit or credit card. That’s because it is designed to be user-friendly and work similarly.
3. How to Get One? 📝
Before you can start swiping, you’ve got to get your hands on an EBT card. To do this, you need to:
- Check if you’re eligible. This usually means looking at your income and family size.
- Pop over to your local welfare department or apply online if that option is available.
- If they give you the green light, they’ll send an EBT card your way.
4. Activation Station! 🚀
Now that you’ve got your card, it’s not ready to use straight out of the envelope. It needs to be activated first. But don’t fret – it’ll be up and running within 24 hours of you getting it.
5. Time to Shop! 🛒
Once activated, you can use your EBT card at stores that have the “EBT Accepted Here” sign. When you’re ready to check out:
- Swipe your card in the card machine, just like any other.
- You’ll be asked for a PIN. Make sure to keep this number private!
- The machine will deduct the amount of your purchase from your EBT account.
Payment Methods That EBT Accepts
You know that moment when you’re ready to hit the “checkout” button, and then you pause… wondering how you’re gonna pay? We’ve all been there. While GoPuff might not accept EBT, don’t sweat it! They’ve got a bunch of other ways you can pay. Let’s dive into them!
1. Google Pay: Tap & Go! 📱
Got an Android phone? This might be your go-to. Simply link your bank or card with Google Pay, and you can use it to pay for your GoPuff goodies. Easy peasy!
2. Apple Pay: For the iPhone Lovers 🍎
If you’re more of an Apple aficionado, this one’s for you. Just like Google Pay, once your card is linked to Apple Pay, you can breeze through GoPuff’s checkout in no time.
3. Credit Card: The Classic Choice 💳
Most of us have one of these bad boys in our wallets. Whether it’s Visa, Mastercard, or another type, GoPuff has got you covered. Just punch in your details, and you’re good to go!
4. Venmo: Send Money with a Message 💬
For those who love adding a bit of a personal touch, Venmo’s the way to go. It’s not just for splitting dinner bills with friends! Link your account and use it for your GoPuff shopping.
5. Debit Card: Direct & Simple 🏦
Last but certainly not least, your trusty debit card is always an option. Just like with a credit card, type in your details, and you’re all set.
Conclusion
Alright, friend, let’s put a bow on this. You popped in here with one burning question: “Can I use my EBT card on GoPuff?”
Here’s the scoop: while GoPuff is super handy for many of your shopping needs, using EBT there isn’t in the cards right now. But hey, don’t be disheartened! There’s a whole bunch of other places where that EBT card will be welcomed with open arms. I’ve listed them out for you above. Remember those?
And for all other purchases on GoPuff, they’ve got a variety of payment options, from credit cards to cool mobile payment methods.
So, even if GoPuff and EBT aren’t best buddies right now, you still have a world of choices and convenience right at your fingertips. Shop smart and enjoy!
