Can You Use EBT to Pay for an Uber One Subscription?
The short and simple answer is no, you cannot use your EBT card to pay for the Uber One membership fee. EBT benefits are strictly for purchasing eligible food items and cannot be used for subscription services, delivery fees, or tips. The Uber One membership is a subscription that provides perks like $0 delivery fees and other discounts, and it must be paid for with a separate, non-EBT payment method, such as a credit or debit card.
How EBT and Uber One Work Together for Groceries
Despite the membership fee restriction, your EBT card and Uber One membership can work together harmoniously. When you are an Uber One member and place a grocery order using your EBT card for the eligible items, you will still receive your Uber One benefits on that order.
Here’s how the process works for grocery delivery with EBT and Uber One:
- Add Your EBT Card: First, you need to add your EBT card to your Uber Eats wallet. This is done through the "Account" > "Wallet" > "Add payment method" section of the app.
- Link a Secondary Payment: Because EBT can only cover eligible food, you must also have a secondary payment method on file to cover any non-eligible items, service fees, or tips. Your Uber One membership fee will also be charged to this secondary card.
- Shop at Participating Stores: Not all grocery stores on Uber Eats accept EBT. Use the "SNAP" filter in the app to find participating retailers in your area.
- Look for Eligible Items: As you shop, look for items marked with the "SNAP" tag. These are the items your EBT benefits will cover.
- Checkout: At checkout, your EBT card will automatically cover the cost of all eligible items. Your secondary payment method will be used for any remaining balance, including fees and tips.
Eligible vs. Ineligible Items When Paying with EBT
It's important to understand what you can and cannot purchase with your EBT card on Uber Eats. This is mandated by federal SNAP rules, not Uber.
Eligible Items (SNAP-Tagged)
- Dairy products, including milk, cheese, and yogurt.
- Fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Meats, fish, and poultry.
- Breads, cereals, and grains.
- Snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages.
- Seeds and plants that produce food.
Ineligible Items
- Hot, prepared foods from restaurants.
- Alcohol and tobacco products.
- Vitamins and supplements.
- Household goods, toiletries, and pet food.
- Service fees, delivery fees, and tips.
Comparison: Standard EBT vs. Uber One + EBT
To better understand the value, here is a comparison of using standard EBT on Uber Eats versus combining it with an Uber One membership.
| Feature | Standard EBT on Uber Eats | Uber One Membership + EBT |
|---|---|---|
| Membership Fee | Not applicable | Required (paid with non-EBT card) |
| Payment for Groceries | EBT card for eligible items | EBT card for eligible items |
| Payment for Fees/Tips | Secondary payment method required | Secondary payment method required |
| Delivery Fee | Varies by order and store | $0 on eligible orders (must meet minimum) |
| Service Fee | Standard service fees apply | Reduced Service Fee on eligible orders |
| Other Perks | No additional benefits | Exclusive member perks and savings |
Free Uber One Trial for EBT Users
Uber has previously offered a special promotion for new Uber One members who add their SNAP EBT card to their account. By linking their EBT card and a secondary payment method, users could receive a free, 3-month Uber One trial. This allows you to experience the full benefits, such as the $0 delivery fee on qualifying grocery orders, without the upfront cost. However, it's crucial to remember that after the trial period ends, you will be charged the regular monthly membership fee on your secondary payment method unless you cancel.
Conclusion
To be clear, you cannot directly use EBT to pay for your Uber One membership. The federal rules governing the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) prevent benefits from being used for subscription costs. However, Uber Eats has integrated SNAP EBT as a payment option for groceries, meaning you can use your EBT card to pay for eligible food items from participating stores. If you are an Uber One member, you will still enjoy your membership perks, like waived delivery fees, when you place an EBT-covered grocery order. Just remember to add a non-EBT payment method to cover the membership fee and any additional costs like delivery fees, service fees, or tips on your orders.
For more information on using SNAP EBT with Uber Eats, you can visit the official Uber help center(https://help.uber.com/ubereats/stores/article/snap-faq?nodeId=eddecddc-c478-4baa-9555-bde7be6bf0ed).
