When shopping for groceries and food items, you’d probably prefer to make payments using the easiest or most convenient means of payment. Kroger is one of those retail stores that provide flexible and convenient payment methods to customers.
Being that Kroger is one of the largest retail stores in America, with up to 2,000 pickup locations nationwide, you may be wondering, does Kroger take Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT)? Here’s everything you need to know.
Does Kroger Take EBT?
Kroger does accept EBT benefits at all 2,000+ stores. No additional fees apply and there’s no minimum order amount on EBT cards. Customers can pay for groceries and various food items, excluding alcohol, household supplies, and non-food items. When you order items of $35 or more, you qualify for Kroger free delivery.
To find out more on what Kroger items you can pay for with your EBT card, which pick-up locations do not take EBT cards, and how much you can pay using your EBT benefit card, keep on reading!
Can I Pay for Groceries Using My SNAP EBT on Kroger.com?
Yes, you can now pay for products ordered online at Kroger with your SNAP EBT card.
If you are a SNAP recipient, you can use your EBT card for payment at any Kroger pick-up location of your choice. Also, Kroger now offers free delivery on purchases of $35 or above.
You simply need to place your order online and pick up the items you ordered at a pickup location that is convenient for you.
Select “EBT at pickup” as your payment option, and when it is time to pick up, simply swipe your EBT card to complete your order.
Is there a Minimum Purchase Amount for Using EBT on Kroger Pickup?
No, Kroger does not specify any minimum purchase amount before customers can use their EBT cards.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) was extended during the coronavirus pandemic to enable more unemployed Americans to pay for food items without hassles.
Since then, Kroger has enabled payment for purchases on its app or website for customers using SNAP EBT cards. This service does not come with any limits, and it is available to all EBT cardholders in the US.
Will I Be Charged the Typical Kroger Pickup Fee When Using EBT?
No, Kroger has waived the pickup fee of $4.95 on all purchases as it is aimed at helping Kroger customers order and pick up food items and groceries with more ease.
The retail giant has also employed thousands of more employees to enable them to stay on track with the huge amount of orders coming in every day.
Do All Kroger Stores Accept EBT?
Kroger takes or accepts EBT at all its pick-up locations. This service is available at its over 2,000 stores across the country. Additionally, Kroger takes EBT at all their pick-up locations in the 47 states where EBT is accepted.
In an announcement made by Kroger in April 2020, this move is to enable more customers to access fresh, affordable food and groceries, and other essentials through their pick-up service. You will see the list of pick-up locations nearest to you when checking out.
What Can I Pay for Using My EBT Card?
You can use your EBT card to purchase any grocery or food item of your choice. As long as you order household food items, there`s no restriction regarding the kind of food items you can pay for.
Do note, however, that the United States Department of Agriculture through its Food and Nutrition Service does specify the kinds of food you can purchase with your SNAP benefits card. You can buy:
- Dairy products
- Cereals and breads
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Snacks
- Non-alcoholic beverages
- Seeds and plants
- Check here for a more detailed guide
Additionally, households are not permitted to use the SNAP benefit cards to purchase non-food items, such as cosmetics, beer, cigarettes, medicines, supplements, cleaning supplies, and live animals, unless the animals have been slaughtered before being picked up.
Does Kroger Take EBT On Instacart?
Yes, you can add your EBT card as a payment method on Instacart. Simply follow the steps below:
- Click Account and select your account settings
- Select Payment method
- Select Add EBT card
- Enter the first name, last name, and card number on the EBT card
- Finally, click on Save.
Does Kroger self-checkout take EBT?
Yes, but always select EBT as you check out. Kroger accepts SNAP benefits for its online grocery pickup service. You can either shop online for groceries at Kroger.com or use the Kroger mobile app and pick up your orders at a nearby Kroger pick-up station.
Can I Buy Protein Powder With EBT on Kroger?
The answer to this is a bit tricky. Here’s the thing: if the label has ‘Supplement Facts” inscribed on it, you cannot pay for it with your EBT benefits because the USDA classifies it as a supplement. But if the description says “Nutritional Facts”, then you can pay using EBT.
Note that this does not only apply to Kroger stores, but it also extends to other online stores such as Amazon, Walmart, Aldi, and FreshDirect.
To learn more, you can see our other guides on Dollar General taking EBT, Walgreens taking EBT, and whether or not Costco takes EBT.
Conclusion
If you are a SNAP beneficiary and you`re wondering whether Kroger takes EBT, then you`re in luck because Kroger accepts EBT cards for payments.
Kroger will not charge any additional fees and there’s no limit or minimum order amount on EBT cards. Kroger allows you to shop and pay for groceries and all kinds of food items except alcohol, everyday household supplies, and other non-food items. You can also qualify for Kroger free delivery if you order for items of $35 and above.
