As of 2026, SNAP online purchasing is available in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. If you receive SNAP benefits, you can use your EBT card to buy eligible groceries online from approved retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Instacart, and dozens of regional grocery chains. A bipartisan bill introduced in February 2026 aims to make this program permanent, converting what started as a pilot in 2019 into a lasting feature of federal nutrition assistance.
Which States Allow SNAP Online Purchasing in 2026?
Every U.S. state now participates in the SNAP Online Purchasing Program. Alaska was the 50th state to join in 2023, completing nationwide coverage. The only U.S. territories that have not yet implemented online purchasing are Guam and the Virgin Islands.
| Region | SNAP Online Status |
|---|---|
| All 50 U.S. States | Available |
| District of Columbia | Available |
| Guam | Not yet available |
| U.S. Virgin Islands | Not yet available |
This means no matter where you live in the United States, you can shop for groceries online using your EBT card through at least one approved retailer.
Which Retailers Accept EBT Online?
The number of retailers accepting SNAP benefits online continues to grow. Here are the major national and regional options available in 2026:
National Retailers Accepting EBT Online
| Retailer | Delivery | Pickup | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon / Amazon Fresh | Yes | Yes | Available nationwide |
| Walmart | Yes | Yes | Available nationwide |
| Instacart | Yes | Yes | Partners with many grocery chains in all 50 states and DC |
| Target | Yes | Yes | Select locations |
| ALDI | Yes | Yes | Via Instacart in participating states |
| BJ's Wholesale | Yes | Yes | Select states |
| Sam's Club | Yes | Yes | Select locations |
| Costco | Yes | Yes | Via Instacart in select areas |
Regional Retailers Accepting EBT Online
Many regional grocery chains also accept EBT for online orders, including:
- Northeast: Stop and Shop, ShopRite, Hannaford, Wegmans, Price Chopper, FreshDirect
- Southeast: Publix (via Instacart), Food Lion, Piggly Wiggly (select locations)
- Midwest: Hy-Vee, Meijer, Kroger
- West: Safeway, Albertsons, Fred Meyer
- Southwest: H-E-B (via Instacart), Fry's Food
For a complete and current list of approved retailers in your state, visit the USDA FNS SNAP Online page.
What Can You Buy Online With SNAP Benefits?
The same rules that apply to in-store SNAP purchases apply online. You can buy:
Eligible items:
- Fruits and vegetables (fresh, frozen, canned)
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt)
- Breads and cereals
- Snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages
- Seeds and plants that produce food
Items you cannot buy with SNAP online:
- Alcohol and tobacco
- Vitamins and supplements
- Hot prepared foods
- Non-food items (cleaning supplies, paper products, pet food)
- Delivery fees, service charges, or tips
Important: You will need a second payment method (debit card, credit card) to cover any delivery fees, tips, or non-SNAP-eligible items in your order.
How to Use Your EBT Card for Online Grocery Shopping
Step 1: Choose an Approved Retailer
Visit the retailer's website or download their app. Confirm they accept EBT online in your area.
Step 2: Create an Account and Add Your EBT Card
During checkout setup, look for the option to add an EBT card as a payment method. You will enter your card number. Some retailers require you to verify your identity.
Step 3: Shop for Eligible Items
Browse and add SNAP-eligible groceries to your cart. Most retailer websites label which items qualify for EBT payment.
Step 4: Choose Delivery or Pickup
Select your preferred fulfillment method. Remember that delivery fees and tips cannot be paid with SNAP benefits, so have a backup payment method ready.
Step 5: Complete Your Order
At checkout, apply your EBT card to eligible items. Enter your EBT PIN to authorize the transaction. Any remaining balance for non-eligible items or fees will be charged to your other payment method.
Do You Qualify for SNAP Benefits?
If you are not currently receiving SNAP benefits, you may be eligible. SNAP eligibility is based on household size, income, and assets. Use our free eligibility screener to check in under two minutes.
SNAP Income Limits for FY2026 (October 2025 through September 2026)
The following limits apply to the 48 contiguous states and DC:
| Household Size | Max Gross Monthly Income (130% FPL) | Max Net Monthly Income (100% FPL) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,696 | $1,305 |
| 2 | $2,292 | $1,763 |
| 3 | $2,888 | $2,221 |
| 4 | $3,483 | $2,680 |
| 5 | $4,079 | $3,138 |
| 6 | $4,675 | $3,596 |
| 7 | $5,271 | $4,055 |
| 8 | $5,867 | $4,513 |
Each additional person adds approximately $596 to the gross income limit and $459 to the net income limit.
Alaska and Hawaii have higher income thresholds due to higher costs of living. Many states also use broad-based categorical eligibility (BBCE), which may raise the gross income limit to 200% of the federal poverty level or higher.
Asset Limits
| Household Type | Asset Limit |
|---|---|
| Most households | $3,000 |
| Households with a member age 60+ or disabled | $4,500 |
Assets include cash, bank accounts, stocks, and bonds. Your home, one vehicle, and household items generally do not count.
Is SNAP Online Purchasing Becoming Permanent?
Yes, legislation is moving forward. In February 2026, Representatives Mark Messmer (R-IN) and Adam Gray (D-CA) introduced a bipartisan bill in the U.S. House to permanently authorize SNAP online purchasing. The program has operated as a pilot since 2019, when it first launched in New York with eight retailers including Amazon, Walmart, and Safeway. Since then, it has expanded to all 50 states and hundreds of retailers.
The bill aims to convert the pilot into a permanent feature of the SNAP program, providing long-term certainty for both retailers and SNAP recipients.
What Are the Benefits of SNAP Online Purchasing?
SNAP online purchasing addresses several barriers that SNAP recipients face:
- Transportation access: Households without reliable transportation can have groceries delivered
- Disability and mobility: People with physical limitations can shop from home
- Rural areas: Residents in food deserts gain access to more grocery options
- Time savings: Working families can order groceries without taking time off
- Price comparison: Online shopping makes it easier to compare prices across stores
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use SNAP benefits on Instacart?
Yes. Instacart accepts EBT SNAP payments in all 50 states and Washington, DC. You can shop at participating retailers through the Instacart app or website and pay for eligible grocery items with your EBT card. Delivery fees and tips require a separate payment method.
Can I use my EBT card on Amazon?
Yes. Amazon and Amazon Fresh accept SNAP EBT cards for eligible grocery purchases nationwide. Amazon also offers discounted Prime memberships for SNAP recipients through the Amazon Prime Access program.
Do I have to pay delivery fees with SNAP?
SNAP benefits cannot cover delivery fees, service charges, or tips. You will need a debit card, credit card, or other payment method for those charges. Some retailers offer free pickup as an alternative.
Can I buy hot food online with EBT?
No. SNAP benefits cannot be used to purchase hot prepared foods, whether in-store or online. Only cold or shelf-stable grocery items are eligible.
What happens if an item is out of stock after I order?
Retailers handle substitutions differently. Most will offer a comparable replacement or issue a refund to your EBT card for unavailable items. Check your retailer's substitution policy before placing your order.
How do I apply for SNAP?
You can apply through your state's SNAP office, usually online, by mail, or in person. The process typically involves submitting an application, providing income documentation, and completing an interview. Visit our free eligibility screener to check if you qualify before applying.
How long does it take to get approved for SNAP?
Most states process SNAP applications within 30 days. If you are in an emergency situation with very low income and resources, you may qualify for expedited processing within 7 days.
Key Takeaways
- SNAP online purchasing is available in all 50 states and DC as of 2026
- Major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Instacart accept EBT online nationwide
- A bipartisan bill introduced in February 2026 aims to make the program permanent
- The same items eligible in-store are eligible online, but delivery fees require a separate payment method
- Check your eligibility with our free screener to see if you qualify for SNAP benefits
Not sure if you qualify for SNAP or other assistance programs? Our free benefits screener checks your eligibility for 11 or more federal and state programs in under two minutes.
