William Lipovsky
Short Answer
You can use your EBT card online, but only for grocery purchases from participating retailers.
Can You Use EBT Online?
You can use your Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card for online purchases of eligible grocery items at participating stores.
We confirmed this information with state benefits agencies and by viewing official EBT program documentation online.
To find out exactly where you can use your EBT card online, see my previous research on EBT grocery delivery and stores that accept EBT.
Eligible Items
Under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), you can use your EBT card to buy:
- Food for your household, including bread and cereals; fruits and vegetables; meats, fish and poultry; and dairy products
- Seeds and plants that produce food for your household
As a general rule, if an item has a Nutrition Information or Nutrition Facts label, it is likely considered eligible under the SNAP program. For more details, see my research on what you can (and can’t) buy with food stamps and EBT.
Exceptions
When using your EBT card to purchase groceries online, keep in mind that SNAP benefits may only be used to purchase eligible items.
You cannot use your EBT card for prepared foods (intended for immediate consumption rather than home cooking) or other non-food online purchases like household cleaning products or pet supplies.
You also cannot pay for delivery fees or other associated charges with your EBT card.
