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If you have questions about the new Amazon’s new SNAP EBT program, we are here to help. In this post, we are going to answer all of your most frequently asked questions about Amazon SNAP EBT including who is eligible and how to use your EBT benefits online.
Keep reading to find out more about using Amazon SNAP EBT.
Amazon accepts SNAP EBT
If you haven’t already heard, SNAP EBT is now accepted on Amazon. This means that food stamp recipients can now use their benefits to purchase eligible groceries online at Amazon.
In April 2019, New York EBT cardholders became the first state eligible to use their SNAP benefits online at Amazon. The EBT Online Purchasing Pilot run by the USDA, gave New York EBT Cardholders FREE access AmazonFresh and Prime Pantry.
EBT cardholders in approved states can use their food stamp benefits to shop for eligible grocery and food items online at Amazon for home delivery.
For the list of our most asked questions about using SNAP EBT online at Amazon, continue reading below.
Amazon SNAP EBT FAQ’s
Here is the full list of our most frequently asked questions about using your EBT Card and SNAP benefits online at Amazon.
Who is eligible to use SNAP EBT benefits on Amazon?
Currently customers with a valid SNAP EBT card living in states participating in the USDA Online Purchasing Pilot can use their SNAP funds on Amazon. Additional states eligible to use SNAP EBT benefits on Amazon will be added to the program in the coming months.
What states are approved to use SNAP EBT online at Amazon?
Currently, there are 19 states that can use their SNAP EBT card online at Amazon.
These states include:
- Alabama
- Arizona
- California
- Washington, DC
- Florida
- Idaho
- Iowa
- Kentucky
- Missouri
- North Carolina
- Nebraska
- New Mexico
- New York
- Oregon
- Texas
- Vermont
- Washington
- Wisconsin
- West Virginia
When will Amazon accept EBT Cards online from other states?
Amazon is expected to accept SNAP EBT from 18 additional states within the coming weeks. The USDA has already approved the following states for the EBT online program:
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- Tennessee
- Virginia
- Wyoming
Amazon is working with the USDA to expand coverage to more states. Check back to this page for updates as states are added.
How do I sign up to use my SNAP benefits on Amazon?
To use your SNAP EBT card, visit the Register for Amazon SNAP EBT page
If you do not already have an Amazon account, you will need to create before you can add your SNAP EBT number and zip code. You can also add your EBT card number at checkout or in your Amazon wallet.
How do I use my EBT Card Online at Amazon?
Sign up or log in to your Amazon account, then enter your EBT Card number and zip code to register your EBT Card.
For step-by-step instructions on how to use your SNAP EBT Card online at Amazon, check out our post here.
Do I need a Prime membership to use my EBT card on Amazon?
No, you do not need a Prime membership to use your EBT card on Amazon. You can purchase eligible food items with your benefits from Amazon groceries, Amazon Fresh, and Prime Pantry without fees.
Can I get free shipping on Amazon with my EBT Card?
To get free shipping with your SNAP EBT card on Amazon, you still have to meet Amazon Pantry and Amazon Fresh order minimums.
Amazon SNAP EBT order minimums for Free Shipping:
| Amazon Program | Free Shipping Order Amount |
| Amazon Grocery | $25 order minimum |
| Amazon Pantry | $35 order minimum |
| Amazon Fresh | $35 order minimum |
What are the differences between AmazonFresh, Prime Pantry and Amazon Grocery?
SNAP EBT customers can enjoy access to Prime Pantry and Amazon Fresh without any membership fees.
AmazonFresh
AmazonFresh is similar to your typical grocery store, delivering perishable, shelf-stable and household products in everyday package sizes. Typically, AmazonFresh is only available to Prime members.
However, Amazon is making the entire AmazonFresh selection available to customers who shop with SNAP in eligible regions without any membership fees.
To receive free delivery on AmazonFresh orders, purchase $35 or more. For orders under $35 ($50 in select regions), you must pay a $9.99 shipping fee.
Additionally, customers can using AmazonFresh can schedule their preferred delivery time within a 1-2-hour delivery window, as early as the same day. For more information, please visit about AmazonFresh Delivery.
Also, if you would like additional information on AmazonFresh memberships, including lower free shipping thresholds, visit About AmazonFresh.
Prime Pantry
Prime Pantry features food items and household products in everyday package sizes. The Prime Pantry service is typically available only to Prime members.
However, Amazon is making Prime Pantry selection available to customers who shop with SNAP in eligible regions without any membership fees.
Additionally, if you would like to receive free delivery on Prime Pantry orders, purchase $35 or more. For orders less than $35, a $5.99 shipping fee will apply. If you would like more information, visit About Prime Pantry Delivery.
Also, for more information on Prime Pantry memberships, including lower free shipping thresholds, visit About Prime Pantry.
Amazon Grocery
The Grocery and Gourmet Food category on Amazon features shelf-stable food and household items in multi-pack sizes. Prime orders receive FREE 2-day Prime shipping.
Orders of $25 or more of eligible items receive FREE shipping in 5-8 business days—or you can place a smaller order and pay a $5.99 shipping fee.
The minimum order size for free shipping is calculated separately for AmazonFresh, Prime Pantry and Amazon Grocery.
To receive free shipping for any one of these programs, you must simply meet order minimums for that program and shipping fees will be waived.
What items are eligible for purchase on Amazon with SNAP benefits?
SNAP benefits can only be used to purchase approved food items on Amazon. The USDA determines which items are eligible to be purchased using SNAP EBT benefits. Eligible items include:
- Breads and cereals
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meats and poultry
- Fish and seafood
- Dairy products
- Snack items
- Non-alcoholic beverages
- Juice and carbonated drinks
For a complete list of USDA eligible food items, visit this page.
How do I know what is eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits on Amazon?
You can identify which items on Amazon are eligible for purchase with SNAP EBT by looking for the “SNAP EBT eligible” label near the product name.
Can I buy non-SNAP items on Amazon with a different form of payment?
Yes, you can buy non-SNAP items on Amazon with other forms of payment. Simply add an additional payment method, such as a gift card, credit card or debit card, at checkout. You can also cash to your Amazon Balance at any participating Amazon Cash location.
Why do similar Amazon Grocery items have different SNAP eligibility?
According to USDA guidelines, Amazon Grocery food items must be sold and shipped by Amazon to be eligible for purchase with SNAP EBT benefits.
Why can’t I pay for Amazon ‘Subscribe & Save’ with my EBT card?
According to USDA guidelines, EBT purchases require customers to authorize the transaction by entering their PIN. Since ‘Subscribe & Save’ is automated ordering, you are not able to use your SNAP EBT benefits.
Can I use my EBT card to purchase eligible food online from Whole Foods Market using my SNAP benefits?
No, you cannot purchase items online directly from Whole Foods with your SNAP EBT benefits. However, many Whole Foods products are available through the Amazon Grocery, Amazon Fresh, and Amazon Pantry delivery programs.
Can I use SNAP benefits to pay for Amazon shipping or delivery?
No, you cannot use your SNAP EBT benefits to pay for Amazon shipping or delivery per USDA guidelines. You can qualify for free shipping by meeting the order minimums stated above.
Can I place an Amazon order without my EBT card and still get free shipping?
Yes, you can order on Amazon without using your SNAP EBT card and still receive free shipping. You must spend the minimum amount to qualify. If not, you must pay for shipping.
What if I don’t meet the free shipping minimum? Can I still buy my items?
Yes, you can still buy your items but you will be charged a shipping fee. You will be required to pay the fee with another form of payment.
Do non-SNAP items help me qualify for free Amazon shipping?
Anything in your AmazonFresh or Prime Pantry baskets will help qualify you for free shipping, regardless of SNAP eligibility.
For Amazon Grocery, any item with the “FREE Shipping” label is eligible towards your free shipping order minimum.
You must meet the order minimum for EACH program to qualify for free shipping.
How can I tell if my zip code is eligible for delivery on Amazon purchases using my EBT card?
After you register for SNAP EBT on Amazon
Why is my zip code not eligible for delivery using my EBT card?
Amazon is participating in the USDA government pilot program to accept SNAP EBT benefits online. Government guidelines determine which zip codes are eligible for delivery.
Do I need to have a credit or debit card to shop on Amazon with my SNAP benefits?
No, you do not need a credit or debit card to shop on Amazon with SNAP EBT. However, please have a credit or debit card on file to pay for non-SNAP items or if your SNAP benefits run out.
What if I do not have a credit or debit card and wish to purchase Amazon items with cash?
If you do not have a credit or debit card but would like to purchase non-SNAP items with cash, you can use a gift card or Amazon Cash.
Can I use an EBT Card and another form of payment on Amazon?
Yes, you can use multiple forms of payment when you checkout. This includes a SNAP EBT card and a debit or credit card. However, only one SNAP EBT card can be used per order.
Can I use Amazon coupons on my SNAP EBT purchase?
Yes, you can use Amazon coupons on your SNAP EBT purchase. For all of Amazon’s current coupon offers, visit the Amazon Coupons Page.
For help using your SNAP EBT Card to shop online at Amazon, check out our article here.
Amazon EBT Program
We hope this list of our most frequently asked questions about Amazon SNAP EBT was helpful to you! If you have any additional question that are not on the list, please let us know in the comments section below. We are happy to answer those for you!
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