How do I add my EBT card on Instacart for delivery or pickup?

December 10, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the USDA, the SNAP Online Purchasing Pilot allows EBT cardholders in most states to shop for groceries online, and Instacart is a major participant. This process makes fresh food more accessible, and learning how to add my EBT card on Instacart is the first step toward utilizing your benefits for convenient grocery delivery or pickup.

Quick Summary

A guide detailing the steps to add your EBT SNAP card to Instacart using the mobile app or website. It explains the need for a secondary payment method for non-eligible items and fees, how to shop for eligible products, and the checkout procedure.

Key Points

Add EBT in Settings: Navigate to "Account Settings" and then "Payment Methods" to find the "EBT SNAP" section.
Backup Payment Required: You must have a credit or debit card linked for delivery fees, service fees, tips, and non-eligible items.
Identify Eligible Items: Look for the "EBT" or "SNAP" label on products within the app or website to know which items you can buy with your benefits.
One EBT Card Per Account: Only one EBT card can be saved to your Instacart account at a time. To change it, you must remove the old one first.
PIN Entry at Checkout: You will need to enter your EBT card's PIN after placing your order to verify and complete the purchase.
Adjust Payments Later: You can adjust payment totals between your EBT and backup cards after placing an order, up until it's delivered.
SNAP-Eligible Filter: Use the "EBT > SNAP eligible" filter in search results to see only products covered by your benefits.

Adding your EBT SNAP card to your Instacart account is a straightforward process that can be completed on both the mobile app and the website. By linking your card, you can use your food assistance benefits to purchase EBT-eligible items from participating retailers for delivery or in-store pickup. Before you start, remember that you will also need a separate debit or credit card on file to cover any non-eligible items, fees, and tips.

How to Add Your EBT Card Using the Instacart Mobile App

Follow these simple steps to add your EBT card via the Instacart app:

Open the Instacart app: Launch the application on your smartphone.
Access Account Settings: Tap the "Account" icon, typically found in the top or bottom right corner of the screen.
Navigate to Payments: Tap on "Settings," then select "EBT SNAP" under the "Payment Methods" section.
Add Your Card: Tap the "Add EBT SNAP card" button.
Enter Card Information: Provide the first name, last name, and the EBT card number exactly as it appears on your physical card. You will need to re-enter the card number to confirm.
Save Your Card: Tap "Save." Instacart will verify your card information.
Add a Backup Payment: The app will prompt you to add a credit or debit card if you haven't already. This is required for charges not covered by your EBT card.

How to Add Your EBT Card on the Instacart Website

If you prefer to use your computer, follow these instructions to link your EBT card online:

Log In to Instacart: Visit the Instacart website and log in to your account.
Go to Account Settings: Click the three horizontal lines in the top-left corner to open the menu. Then, click on "Your account settings".
Find EBT SNAP Settings: Click "Add EBT SNAP card" under "EBT SNAP settings".
Add and Enter Details: Click the "Add" button next to "EBT SNAP card." Enter your name and EBT card number as requested, and then click "Save".
Secure a Backup Payment: Add a separate credit or debit card to your account. This is essential for paying any service fees, delivery tips, and non-SNAP eligible items.

Understanding EBT-Eligible and Ineligible Items

Your EBT card will only cover specific food items allowed under federal SNAP regulations. To make shopping easier, Instacart marks eligible products with an "EBT" or "SNAP" label.

EBT-Eligible Items on Instacart

Fruits and vegetables: All fresh produce is eligible.
Meat, poultry, and fish: This includes fresh and frozen options.
Dairy products: Milk, cheese, and yogurt are covered.
Bread and cereals: Various breads, cereals, and grains are included.
Snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages: Chips, crackers, juice, and bottled water are typically eligible.
Seeds and plants: Items that produce food for your household are eligible.

Ineligible Items Not Covered by EBT

Non-food items: Examples include household supplies, toiletries, and paper products.
Alcohol and tobacco: All alcoholic beverages and tobacco products are excluded.
Hot, prepared foods: Ready-to-eat hot food items are not covered.
Vitamins and supplements: Any product with a "Supplement Facts" label is not eligible.
Pet food: Pet supplies are not covered by SNAP benefits.

Comparison of EBT vs. Backup Payment Charges


Purchase Type	Payment Method Used	Notes
EBT-Eligible Food Items	EBT Card	Your SNAP benefits will automatically be applied to these items.
Non-EBT Food Items	Debit or Credit Card	Items like hot foods or vitamins are charged to your backup card.
Delivery/Pickup Fees	Debit or Credit Card	Instacart's fees are not covered by SNAP benefits.
Service Fees	Debit or Credit Card	These fees help fund the platform's operations.
Tips for Shopper	Debit or Credit Card	All tips for your shopper are charged to your secondary card.
Bottle Deposits	Debit or Credit Card	In states with bottle deposits, this is charged to your backup card.

Shopping with EBT and Checking Out

Once your EBT card is linked, you can start shopping. When browsing, look for the "EBT" or "SNAP" label on product pages to easily identify eligible items.

At checkout, you will see a breakdown of your payment. The total for all EBT-eligible items will be charged to your EBT card, while the total for ineligible items, fees, and tips will be charged to your backup debit or credit card. After placing your order, you'll be prompted to enter your EBT card's PIN to verify the SNAP portion of the purchase.

Conclusion

Learning how to add my EBT card on Instacart empowers you to take advantage of the convenience of online grocery shopping. With a clear understanding of the setup process, the distinction between eligible and ineligible items, and the role of a backup payment method, you can start using your SNAP benefits on Instacart with confidence. The platform's user-friendly interface guides you through each step, making the process seamless. For additional help, you can always visit the official Instacart Help Center.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, per government regulations, EBT cards can only be used for SNAP-eligible food items. You must use a separate credit or debit card to pay for delivery and service fees, as well as tips.

Instacart accepts EBT SNAP benefits, but does not accept EBT cash. EBT SNAP funds are for eligible food purchases, while EBT cash benefits cannot be used on the platform.

No, you can only use your EBT card at participating retailers. Look for the 'EBT' label on the store tile to confirm it accepts EBT for online purchases.

All U.S. states now participate in the SNAP Online Purchasing Pilot, allowing EBT online shopping. If your state issued your EBT card, you can use it on Instacart at participating retailers in your area.

You can view your remaining EBT balance at checkout before placing your order. For a more detailed balance check, you may need to use a separate app or contact your state's EBT office.

If an item is out of stock, your shopper will suggest a replacement. If the replacement is EBT-eligible, your EBT card will be charged. If not, your backup payment method will be used for the cost difference.

Yes, you can add items after checkout. You will be prompted to select whether the new item should be charged to your EBT card (if eligible) or your backup card.

To remove your card, go to the Account icon, then Settings, select EBT SNAP under Payment methods, tap the pencil icon, and then the red minus sign next to your card to delete it.