Millions of Americans get SNAP and TANF benefits from the federal government and use EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) cards to redeem the benefits at stores. But a large number of those beneficiaries are always get confused about the location to buy products or get cash using the card. When you have the card with benefits and are roaming around looking for a store, then it should be frustrating.
If you ask about Kroger stores, let me assure you that yes, they accept EBT card. Kroger is one of the most popular retail stores in the country. It has a huge line of consumer products and accepts EBT cards for food and soft drink items. This article should be your answer to every question regarding EBT card Accept at Kroger stores.
Does Kroger accept EBT in 2024?
Till this year, Kroger has more than 2,500 stores in more than 40 states, and all of them accept EBT cards from beneficiaries to redeem their benefits. Kroger has a large number of food and other product items, and you can only purchase USDA-approved foods that are eligible for EBT cards. Kroger actually take payment from EBT cards like all other debit or credit cards, but the only difference is that with this card you can buy those eligible foods only. But you will have to pick up the order at the physical store. Most of the stores do accept EBT cards for online delivery. But some of them deliver for free if you buy products over $35. You can even use Kroger’s digital coupons as EBT payments. In that case, you have to separate the order if it includes an item not allowed in SNAP. Accepting the EBT card is one way Kroger wants to extend its service to its customers regardless of their background.
How to use my EBT card at Kroger?
Kroger offers several shopping experiences for EBT cardholders. Usually, you can buy food items and pay with your EBT card at the shop counter. The cash register just swipes your card and requires you to enter the PIN just like any other purchase made through debit or credit cards. Besides, they have self-checkout, online pick-up, and Instacart delivery, so you can choose any of them at your convenience.
Just get into a Kroger store, choose your goods, and opt for the option you want to pay with your EBT card. For self-checkout, go to the checkout machine after collecting your food items and press Start to scan the products. Then select the EBT payment method and insert the EBT card. Since you are buying food, select Food Stamp as a benefit. Now- enter your PIN (4-digit). The screen should show the Accept option soon.
To pick up an online order, you will have to log in to Krogger.com or the Kroger app on your phone. Then follow the on-screen prompts to proceed to the next steps. Here you will have to select the store location, enter the zip code, select the products you want to buy, select the payment method, etc. just like with any other online order. Once you submit, the store assistant will carry your items and load them into your car. Then you will have to swipe your EBT card.
For Instacart delivery you have to set EBT payment on the Kroger app. Just log in to your Kroger account on Kroger.com or the Kroger app. On the page, you will find Delivery and click on Start shopping. Choose items as per your needs and then add them to your cart. Then select your personal information, including address, postal code, city, etc. Click on Checkout delivery and select your delivery time. Confirm the delivery through Instacart. When the payment comes, then input your EBT card’s details along with your name as required. You will get a notification when your order is ready.
Remember, items that are not SNAP-eligible will require you to pay through another method.
Benefits of using EBT at Kroger stores
As a SNAP beneficiary, you will get some benefits from using EBT at the Kroger store. These benefits are:
- Kroger has healthy and nutritious foods for its customers, and SNAP beneficiaries can use their EBT cards to purchase any eligible food products.
- You can buy whatever the number of products you want. There is no minimum amount requirement from Kroger, which is convenient for low-income citizens.
- Kroger stores do not impose any charges or fees for the EBT card purchase. Rather, they offer free delivery if you purchase products over $35.
- When you pay with your EBT card, you can enjoy several options. You can select your products and swipe the card on your own, or the manager can do it for you.
- You can shop online and choose the pickup time and location according to your preference and convenience. And Kroger does not apply any pickup fees to EBT cardholders.
- If you want to buy products that are not EBT eligible, then you can buy those products using your other cards as Kroger offers every payment method.
Do all Kroger stores accept EBT card payment?
Kroger accept EBT cards in all of its stores. Kroger stores are available in some specific states, but Kroger is not available in every state. You can purchase foods at any Kroger store if they are USDA-approved. Follow the list of state names that have Kroger stores:
Tennessee, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Indiana, Idaho, Florida, Georgia, Connecticut, Arkansas, California, Delaware, Hawaii, South Dakota, Texas, Washington, Alabama.
Which items accept my EBT card at Kroger store ?
Kroger sells EBT-eligible items as per USDA SNAP eligibility. The United State Department of Agriculture has specified some kinds of food for SNAP recipients. So, you can buy eligible products using your EBT card. In that case, you can pay with the card and enjoy benefits without any question. But for other products you want to buy, they require you to pay through a payment method. The products that you can buy using EBT include:
- Dairy Products
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Bread and cereals
- Fruit and vegetables
- Snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages
- Seeds and plants
- Non-alcoholic beverages
Visit https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/eligible-food-items to know the eligible food list. The eligible household cannot buy some products such as beer, wine, vitamins, hygiene items, cosmetics, supplements, cleaning supplies, etc.