Hey there! If you’re wondering whether you can use your EBT card to buy groceries on the Kroger app, you’re in the right place. This is a super common question, especially with more people shopping online these days. Let’s break down everything you need to know about using EBT on the Kroger app and how it all works.
Does Kroger Accept EBT on Its App?
Yes, absolutely! Kroger does accept EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) cards for online purchases made through both its website and its mobile app. This is great news because it means you can use your SNAP benefits to shop for groceries from the comfort of your home or on the go.
Setting Up Your Account for EBT Payments
To get started, you’ll need to create a Kroger account, or log into your existing one, if you don’t have one already. Make sure your account has your correct address because this is where your groceries will be delivered or where you’ll pick them up.
Once logged in, you’ll have to add your EBT card information to your account. Kroger allows you to do this easily, just like you would add a credit or debit card. You will need to input your EBT card number and other relevant information. You might also need to enter your EBT card’s PIN, as you would when using it in a physical store.
After adding your EBT card, you can start shopping! But there’s a catch. Not everything you buy on the Kroger app can be paid with EBT. Non-food items, like paper towels or cleaning supplies, are typically excluded. The app will sort out what is eligible and what isn’t. You can also pay for a portion of your order with your EBT card and then pay the rest with another method, like a debit card.
Here are some general steps:
- Create or log into your Kroger account.
- Go to your account settings or payment methods.
- Add your EBT card details (card number, etc.).
- Enter your EBT PIN.
What Can I Buy With EBT on the Kroger App?
So, what exactly can you buy with your EBT card on the Kroger app? Generally, you can purchase SNAP-eligible food items. This means most groceries like fresh produce, meat, dairy, and bread are covered. However, there are some things that you can’t buy with EBT, no matter where you shop.
The good news is that Kroger’s website and app are pretty good at identifying what’s covered by EBT. When you’re shopping, you’ll see a clear indicator or a special tag on products that are eligible for EBT purchases. This makes it easy to know what you can add to your cart using your benefits.
However, it’s important to keep an eye out for items that aren’t covered. These typically include non-food items like household supplies (cleaning products, paper towels), pet food, alcohol, and tobacco products. These items cannot be purchased with your EBT card and you will have to pay for them with another payment method.
Here’s a quick overview:
- Eligible: Fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, bread, cereals, etc.
- Ineligible: Alcohol, tobacco, pet food, non-food household items, etc.
Understanding the Delivery and Pickup Options with EBT
Kroger offers two main ways to get your groceries: delivery and pickup. Both of these options are available when using your EBT card, but there are some things to know about each.
With delivery, Kroger delivers the groceries right to your doorstep. If you choose this option, you’ll need to check the delivery fees. Kroger might charge a fee for delivery services, and you’ll need to pay this fee with a payment method other than your EBT card. That’s because delivery fees are not usually covered by SNAP.
The pickup option is often free, or has a small fee. With pickup, you place your order online and then go to the Kroger store to collect your groceries. You will select a pickup time, and a Kroger employee will bring your order out to your car. This is a great option if you want to avoid delivery fees, and you can usually use your EBT card for the groceries and pay the pickup fee using another payment method.
Let’s look at the fees:
| Service | Fees | EBT Eligible? |
|---|---|---|
| Delivery | Varies | No (usually) |
| Pickup | Often free | Yes (for groceries) |
Splitting Payments: Using EBT and Other Payment Methods
Sometimes, you might want to buy both EBT-eligible and non-eligible items in the same order. The good news is, you can split your payment between your EBT card and another form of payment, like a debit card or credit card.
During checkout, the Kroger app will usually let you specify which items you want to pay for with your EBT card and which ones you’ll pay for with another method. The app will automatically calculate the total for the EBT-eligible items and the total for the rest of the order.
Make sure to select “EBT” as one of your payment methods and then specify the amount of your purchase you want to pay with your EBT card. You will have to pay the rest, such as fees or non-eligible items, with another payment method. This flexibility makes it super convenient to shop for everything you need in one go.
Here’s a simple guide:
- Add items to your cart (EBT and non-EBT).
- Proceed to checkout.
- Select EBT as a payment method.
- The app will separate the eligible and non-eligible items.
- Pay the remaining balance with another card.
Troubleshooting Common Problems with EBT on the App
Even though the Kroger app is pretty user-friendly, you might run into a few hiccups when using your EBT card. Don’t worry; these issues are usually easy to resolve. A common problem is that your EBT card might be declined during checkout.
If your card is declined, double-check that you’ve entered the correct card number, expiration date, and PIN. It’s also important to make sure you have enough money in your EBT account to cover your purchase. Keep in mind that any non-food items won’t go through using your EBT card.
If you have trouble, make sure you are using the correct card, it is active, and it hasn’t expired. If you’re still having problems, it’s best to contact Kroger customer support. They can help you troubleshoot and find a solution. You can find their contact information on the Kroger app or website.
Here are some troubleshooting tips:
- Double-check your card details.
- Ensure you have enough funds.
- Make sure you’re only buying eligible items.
- Contact Kroger customer service.
Staying Informed About EBT Changes on Kroger App
EBT policies and how they work with the Kroger app can sometimes change. It’s important to stay informed about any updates to make sure you can continue to shop without any problems. One way to stay informed is to regularly check the Kroger app and website for updates.
Kroger often posts announcements about changes to their payment options or EBT policies. Another great resource is the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture), which manages the SNAP program. You can find their official guidelines and any updates on their website.
You can also sign up for email alerts from Kroger. These will notify you of any major changes or promotions. Keeping up-to-date means you’ll always know the latest rules and how to shop using your EBT benefits on the Kroger app. It’s a good idea to check periodically, and also before making a large purchase.
Some places to check for updates:
| Source | Information |
|---|---|
| Kroger App/Website | Announcements, FAQs |
| USDA Website | SNAP policies, guidelines |
| Email Alerts | Promotions, changes |
Conclusion
So, to wrap things up, yes, you absolutely can use your EBT card on the Kroger app! It’s a convenient way to shop for groceries, and Kroger makes the process pretty easy. Just remember to check for eligible items, understand the delivery and pickup options, and know how to split payments if you need to. By following these tips, you can easily use your SNAP benefits to make your grocery shopping a breeze. Happy shopping!