Kroger is a giant in the industry that sells everything from groceries to beauty products to household items. While Kroger accepts various traditional payment methods in-store and online, the question is if it also takes SNAP EBT?
Kroger accepts SNAP EBT at all of its locations across the country. You can use the EBT card at Kroger to pay for SNAP-eligible items with no minimum purchase limit or additional fees. However, while you can pay for SNAP-eligible items via your EBT card for Kroger Pickup, their delivery option still does not accept EBT.
Read on to find out what you can buy with SNAP benefits at Kroger and how to make the payment online.
How To Use Your EBT Card at Kroger?
Using an EBT card at Kroger is very simple. You can use your EBT card as you would any debit or credit card at the checkout.
Let the cashier know you will be using your EBT card. You will need to enter the 4-digit PIN to authenticate the purchase. You can also do the same at the self-checkout by selecting EBT as the payment method. Remember that you can only use SNAP-eligible items with the EBT card. If you have bought any items not covered by the SNAP benefits, you can pay for them using an alternative payment method.
Does Kroger Accept EBT Online?
You can use SNAP benefits to buy food staples and other eligible items at Kroger online for pickup. However, EBT is only accepted as a valid payment method for pickup, not delivery. Kroger has added the option of paying for pickup with EBT to support low-income families and facilitate limited contact shopping. In 2020, Kroger temporarily waived its $4.95 pickup fees and minimum purchase threshold.
How To Use EBT for Kroger Pickup?
Follow the steps below to use your SNAP EBT card online for Kroger Pickup.
Step #1: Select Location and Shop For SNAP-Eligible Items
Log into Kroger-com or use the store’s app to select your preferred location. Then, shop for SNAP-eligible items and place your order. If you have non-food or household items in your basket, ensure to carry along an alternative payment option when collecting your order.
Step #2: Choose The Payment Method and Pickup Time
Once you are done shopping, select the date and time for your pickup. You will also be asked about your payment method. Select SNAP/EBT as your payment option. Remember that your EBT card will be charged on location, not online. So, keep the card with you when picking up your groceries.
Step #3: Pull In To Pickup Your Order
After placing your order, a Kroger associate is assigned to shop for you and complete the list before you pull in for pickup. Then, drive to the store’s location and look for the pickup signs when it’s time for you to pick up your groceries. The pickup signs have a contact number that you have to dial to inform the store of your arrival. After pulling into the parking spot, call the number so an associate can bring out your order.
Step #4: Make The Payment
The associate for the store will bring out your order and load it into your vehicle. You can then use your EBT card to pay for the order via a mobile point-of-sale system. At this point, if you have any non-eligible items, you can use another debit or credit card to make the additional payment.
Not that even though Kroger announced the temporary waiver of its pickup fee in 2020, it did not disclose when the exemption would end. As per their website, the pickup fee is free for orders over $35. However, if your order does not reach the $35 limit, you can call the store to check if you need to pay the $4.95 pickup fee. To find out the contact information for your selected store, you can search through the Kroger Store Locator.
What Can You Buy At Kroger Using The EBT Card?
For SNAP beneficiaries, there are some restrictions on what can be bought with the EBT card. For example, SNAP benefits can only be used to purchase food staples or things with a “Nutrition Facts” label on the back. This means that anything apart from essential food items cannot be bought with the SNAP EBT card, including cleaning supplies, beauty products, and hygiene items.
Here is everything you can buy using your EBT card:
- Poultry, meat, and fish
- Vegetables
- Fruits
- Cereals and bread
- Dairy products
- Snacks and non-alcoholic drinks
- Plants and seeds that the individual can use to produce more food
Also, note that you cannot purchase any food items sold hot or cigarettes and tobacco. Read here to learn more about what you can and cannot buy with SNAP benefits.
The Bottom Line
You can use the SNAP EBT card to buy eligible food items at all Kroger locations and their pickup service. Unfortunately, the company still does not accept EBT for online delivery. However, you can shop online through the pickup option and pay when you reach the store to collect your order.