Hello Folks! Today, we're here to help debunk 5 common myths about using SNAP benefits online, from hidden fees to security concerns, and explore how to save on groceries with EBT at major retailers.
Myth #1: Grocery delivery is more expensive than in-person shopping.
The total cost of grocery shopping online versus in-person depends on a number of factors, including the prices of the items in your cart, delivery fees, and tips. In many cases, EBT cardholders have access to exclusive benefits that online grocery retailers provide to reduce or eliminate costs specific to online ordering.
For example, delivery platforms such as Gopuff have offered EBT cardholders a reduced ($35) minimum order total to qualify for free shipping, while Uber Eats has offered free three month memberships to Uber One when you link an EBT card to your account. Uber One also includes free delivery on online grocery orders! From Thrive Market to Amazon, Walmart, and Instacart, a number of retailers also offer discounted memberships and free or reduced delivery fees when you link your EBT card to your account.
Myth #2: Item prices are marked up and made higher when you order grocery delivery versus in-store.
Some grocers do mark up their prices for online grocery orders, but it’s not a universal practice. In fact, many grocers offer the same prices in-store and online, and online grocery orders often give you access to online-only discounts, promotions, and offers!
Myth #3: It’s unsafe to use EBT for online grocery orders because your card information won’t be processed securely.
Ordering groceries online can actually be safer than making purchases in-person. Because reputable online retailers use similar technology to process EBT payments as they’ve done for credit and debit cards for years, grocery delivery platforms now securely process billions of dollars per year in EBT orders.
In fact, the most widely publicized source of card theft is a type of device that specifically targets in-store shoppers. In these cases, fraudsters illegally place “skimmers” over top of legitimate in-store payment terminals, stealing EBT card numbers and PINs for later use.
When you place a grocery order online, no physical swipe occurs, so fraudsters cannot use this kind of attack to steal your information. While it’s critical to verify the security of e-commerce sites and protect your digital information using strong passwords and two-factor authentication, the key takeaway is that these sites are not inherently less safe to use with your EBT benefits. You can read more about keeping your EBT card safe in our article on the topic.
Myth #4: You can only use EBT SNAP online at Amazon, Walmart, and Instacart.
EBT cardholders are able to use EBT SNAP at a growing number of online grocery stores and delivery platforms, including platforms such as Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Gopuff. While not all of the retailers on Uber Eats and DoorDash accept EBT, a growing number of the storefronts across Uber Eats, DoorDash, and other delivery platforms are enabling EBT. For example, in 2024, Uber Eats began accepting EBT payments for grocery delivery orders from major stores such as Safeway, Vons, Food Bazaar, and DoorDash started accepting EBT for grocery orders from Dollar General and Morton-Williams.
Myth #5: You can only buy shelf-stable pantry items if you shop online with EBT.
You can actually pay for the full range of EBT-eligible groceries when you shop online. This means you can use your benefits to buy a wide range of produce from major grocers like Safeway and Albertsons on Uber Eats, get staples delivered quickly from online retailers like Gopuff, or get fresh food alongside shelf-stable food and the other household items on your shopping list from Dollar General using DoorDash.
Additional Resources for EBT Cardholders
- USDA SNAP Retailer Locator: https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/retailer-locator
- Official SNAP State Directory: https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/state-directory
- SNAP food eligibility policy: https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/eligible-food-items
