Grocery shopping can be a hassle, but the Walmart app makes it a whole lot easier! Did you know you can use your EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) card, also known as food stamps, to buy groceries online through the app? This guide will walk you through the steps of how to add your EBT card so you can start enjoying the convenience of online grocery shopping. We’ll cover everything from the basics to some handy tips to make the process smooth and simple.
Is it possible to add my EBT card directly to the Walmart app?
Yes, absolutely! You can definitely add your EBT card to your Walmart app to use it for online grocery purchases and pickup or delivery orders. However, it’s a little different than adding a regular credit or debit card. Let’s get into the steps on how to get it done.
Getting Ready to Add Your Card
Before you start, make sure you have a few things ready. First, you’ll need your EBT card and PIN. Keep this information safe and secure! Next, you need to have the Walmart app downloaded and installed on your phone. If you don’t have it, you can find it in your app store (Google Play Store for Android phones or the App Store for iPhones). Finally, you need a Walmart account. If you don’t have one, creating one is simple and free. It just requires a valid email address and a password.
Once you have the app downloaded and an account set up, you are ready to begin. You will be able to shop for groceries and add them to your cart. Be sure that the items you’re adding are eligible for purchase with EBT. Items that are not eligible include things like alcohol, tobacco, and other non-food items. Check the app for details on what is and isn’t allowed before you start shopping.
Having your EBT card physically present will make things easier as you enter the card information. Make sure you know your PIN, as you will need to use it during the checkout process. It’s always a good idea to have a way to contact customer support if you experience any trouble. This could be the phone number for your local Walmart store or the customer service number.
Here are some things you should avoid:
- Sharing your PIN with anyone.
- Using public Wi-Fi when entering your payment information.
- Leaving your card information saved on a public computer.
Adding Your EBT Card in the App
Okay, now for the fun part! Adding your EBT card to your account is fairly straightforward. Once you’re logged into your Walmart account, go to the “Account” section, which is usually found at the bottom of the screen (it might look like a person’s silhouette). This section is where you can manage your payment methods, shipping addresses, and other account settings.
Within the “Account” section, look for the “Payment methods” or “Wallet” option. This is where you’ll be able to add and manage your payment cards. Tap on this to proceed. You should see an option to add a new payment method. Choose the option to add a credit or debit card, as that is how you will add your EBT card. The app will then prompt you to enter your card details, so make sure your EBT card is available.
You will be asked to enter your card number, expiration date, and security code (CVV). With your EBT card, the security code is not relevant because it does not have one. You may also need to enter your billing address. Once you have entered all the information, review it carefully to make sure there are no errors. Then, you can usually tap a button labeled “Save” or “Add.” Once you’ve added your EBT card, you will select it as your payment option at checkout.
Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Open the Walmart app and log in to your account.
- Go to “Account”.
- Select “Payment methods” or “Wallet.”
- Tap “Add a new payment method.”
- Select “Credit/Debit Card”.
- Enter your EBT card details.
- Save your payment info.
Using Your EBT Card at Checkout
Now that your EBT card is added, it’s time to use it! Once you have finished adding items to your shopping cart, proceed to the checkout. During checkout, you’ll be asked to select your payment method. Choose your EBT card from the list of payment options. Remember, your EBT card can only pay for eligible food items. Any non-food items in your cart will need to be paid for using another form of payment, like a credit or debit card.
When you select your EBT card, you might be prompted to enter your PIN to authorize the transaction. This is the same PIN you use when you swipe your card in a physical store. If your order includes both food and non-food items, the app will usually split the charges. Your EBT card will be charged for the eligible food items, and you’ll be prompted to select another payment method for the remaining items.
Once you have entered your PIN and selected a payment option for any non-EBT-eligible items, you can complete your order. You will then receive a confirmation of your order and details about pickup or delivery (depending on the option you chose). Always check the order confirmation to make sure everything is correct, including the payment breakdown. It’s a good idea to keep a record of your purchases for your own budget tracking.
To illustrate, imagine a shopping cart breakdown:
| Item | Price | EBT Eligible? | Payment Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apples | $5.00 | Yes | EBT |
| Cereal | $6.00 | Yes | EBT |
| Shampoo | $8.00 | No | Credit/Debit |
| Total | $19.00 |
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Sometimes, things don’t go as planned. Here are some common problems you might encounter and how to fix them. One common issue is that your card gets declined. This could happen for a number of reasons, such as insufficient funds on your EBT card or incorrect card details being entered. Double-check the card information to ensure you’ve entered the right numbers and expiration date. If the problem continues, contact the EBT card issuer or your local food assistance office to verify the card’s status and balance.
Another problem is not being able to select the EBT card at checkout. This could be because you haven’t added the card correctly in your account. Review the steps above to ensure you’ve added it properly. Sometimes, there might be a technical glitch in the app, so try closing and restarting the app. You can also try logging out of your account and logging back in.
If you are still experiencing issues, it is best to contact Walmart customer support for help. They can walk you through the troubleshooting process and help to resolve any problems. You can usually find their contact information on the Walmart website or within the app. Remember to have your card information ready when you contact customer service. This information will help them to assist you in the best possible way.
Here’s a quick checklist:
- Check card details: Make sure you have entered the correct information.
- Verify funds: Ensure there are enough funds on your EBT card.
- Restart the app: Close and reopen the Walmart app.
- Contact support: If problems continue, contact Walmart customer service.
Conclusion
Using your EBT card on the Walmart app can save you time and effort, giving you more flexibility when it comes to grocery shopping. By following these steps, you can easily add your EBT card and enjoy the convenience of online shopping and delivery or pickup services. This is a safe and easy way to manage your groceries and stay within your budget. With a little practice, you’ll be a pro in no time! Happy shopping!