Grocery shopping can be a real hassle, but the Walmart app tries to make it easier. If you get food stamps, also known as EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer), you probably want to use them when you shop online or through the app. This guide will walk you through how to add your EBT card to the Walmart app so you can shop and pay with your benefits. It’s a pretty straightforward process, and we’ll break it down step-by-step, so you’ll be ready to start ordering your groceries in no time!
What Do I Need Before I Start?
Before you jump into the Walmart app, there are a few things you need to have ready. First off, you’ll need your EBT card, of course! Make sure you know your card number and the expiration date. You’ll also need to have a Walmart account. If you don’t have one already, creating an account is free and easy. You’ll need to provide some basic information like your name, email address, and create a password. Finally, you’ll need the Walmart app downloaded on your phone or tablet. It’s available for both Apple and Android devices. Make sure you have a good internet connection so things run smoothly.
Setting Up Your Payment Information
Adding your EBT card to the Walmart app is done through the payment settings section. Here’s how to find it:
- Open the Walmart app on your phone or tablet.
- Tap on the “Account” icon, which usually looks like a person or a silhouette, found at the bottom right of the app screen.
- Scroll down and look for “Payment methods” or something similar and tap on it.
Once you’re in the payment settings, you should see options to add different payment methods. If you don’t see it right away, look for an “Add payment method” button. Be patient and look around because the layout can vary slightly depending on the app’s updates.
Next, you should be able to click on “Add payment method”. You will need to find the option specifically for EBT. It might be listed as “EBT Card,” “Food Stamps,” or a similar term. You can also search for it in the app’s search bar. Make sure that you are adding the EBT card. If you have multiple cards, be sure to select the correct EBT card before proceeding. This is a very important step to ensure that your benefits are used.
Next, fill in the information on the screen. You will need your card number, expiration date, and possibly the cardholder’s name. Make sure you enter everything exactly as it appears on your EBT card. Double-check your entries to avoid any mistakes! Mistakes can delay the process, and you may have to start over. When finished, tap “Save” or “Add Card”.
Making Sure Your Address is Correct
Your billing and shipping address are very important when you use the Walmart app, especially with EBT. Walmart needs to verify that you’re using the card in the correct location. Make sure your current address, the address where you want your groceries delivered or picked up, matches what’s on file with your EBT card. If your address has changed, you’ll need to update it in the Walmart app and with your EBT provider.
If your billing address in the app doesn’t match what’s on file, you might run into problems during checkout. The app might reject your EBT card, or the order may be canceled. So, it’s crucial that your billing address is accurate.
Here are some tips for ensuring your address is up-to-date:
- Go to your account settings in the Walmart app.
- Find the “Addresses” section.
- Check your billing and shipping addresses.
- Make sure all the details (street, city, state, zip code) are correct.
If you need to change your address in the Walmart app, follow the instructions provided to update your information. If you’ve also moved, remember to contact your EBT provider to update your information there too. This will help make sure that your orders are processed correctly.
Understanding What You Can Buy with EBT
Not everything you see in the Walmart app is eligible for purchase with your EBT card. The rules are pretty simple: EBT benefits are for food. That means you can use your card to buy most groceries, like fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy products, and bread. However, you can’t use EBT to buy non-food items. Things like alcohol, tobacco products, pet food, and household supplies are off-limits.
When you’re browsing the app, you’ll see that many items will have a special tag or indicator telling you if they are EBT eligible. If you’re unsure, look for the tag or carefully check the item description to be sure. Walmart is usually good about marking what you can and cannot buy with EBT, but it’s still important to pay attention.
If you accidentally put non-eligible items in your cart, you’ll have to pay for them separately using a different payment method. Here is a quick table that sums it all up:
| EBT Eligible | Not EBT Eligible |
|---|---|
| Fruits & Vegetables | Alcohol |
| Meat & Poultry | Tobacco |
| Dairy Products | Pet Food |
| Breads & Cereals | Household Supplies |
Before you confirm your order, always double-check your cart to make sure you’re only buying EBT-eligible items when using your EBT card.
Paying with EBT at Checkout
Once you’ve added your EBT card and filled your cart with groceries, it’s time to head to the checkout. The process is pretty similar to any other online shopping experience. Here’s what you’ll do:
Once you’re ready to pay, proceed to checkout. At the payment options screen, select your EBT card as the payment method. The app should automatically recognize your EBT card. However, if you also have other payment methods saved, make sure you select the EBT card you want to use.
- During the checkout process, you’ll choose how you want to receive your groceries. You can select options like home delivery or in-store pickup. Remember that delivery might not be available in every location, so check the options.
- The app will likely show you a breakdown of your order, including the cost of the eligible items and any non-eligible items. You’ll need to pay for the non-eligible items using another payment method.
- After you’ve selected your EBT card and confirmed all the details, the app might ask for your EBT card PIN. This PIN is a four-digit number you created when you activated your card. Enter it correctly, or your payment won’t go through.
If everything goes smoothly, your order will be placed, and you’ll receive a confirmation. If there are any issues, like a declined card or a problem with your PIN, you’ll see an error message, and you may need to contact Walmart’s customer service or your EBT provider for assistance.
In the Walmart app, you can add your EBT card by going into your payment methods and entering the card information.
Troubleshooting and Common Issues
Sometimes, things don’t go as planned, and you might run into some issues when using your EBT card on the Walmart app. One common problem is an incorrect PIN. Make sure you enter the correct four-digit PIN for your EBT card. If you forgot your PIN, you’ll need to contact your EBT provider to reset it.
Another issue is card rejection. This could be due to several reasons: an incorrect card number, an expired card, or insufficient funds on the card. Always double-check the card details you entered, and make sure your card is still valid. If you have enough money on your card, then contact customer service.
If you have non-eligible items in your cart, you’ll need to pay for them using a different payment method. The app might not automatically split the payment between your EBT card and another card, so you’ll need to do this manually. You may also encounter problems with your address.
If you’re having trouble, don’t hesitate to seek help. Here’s what you can do:
- Review the information you entered.
- Contact Walmart customer support.
- Contact your EBT provider for help with card issues.
By following these steps and being prepared, you should be able to successfully add your EBT card to the Walmart app and enjoy the convenience of online grocery shopping with your benefits. Remember to double-check everything, be patient, and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it. Happy shopping!