Does Shipt Accept Food Stamps, SNAP, or EBT? (2024)

This information is current as of July 27, 2022.


The number of grocery stores that accept EBT payments is steadily growing, even though many are shifting towards delivery and pick-up services. Shipt is one of those services, not a grocery store chain in and of itself. Since Shipt is not an actual grocery store, what are their payment options? Does Shipt Accept EBT?


Does Shipt Accept Food Stamps, SNAP, or EBT? (1)

Unfortunately, Shipt does not accept Food Stamps, SNAP, or EBT payments. However, this is to be expected as Shipt is not a grocery store but a delivery service, in the same vein as Doordash or Postmates. It’s a subscription-only service where you pay Shipt for picking up and delivering your groceries.


Shipt, as a growing delivery service, doesn’t have much to offer. You will not see well-integrated pages with the Shipt site overlaid onto a grocery retailer. So, the products that you have to choose from are limited. You simply pick what you want, and Shipt sends a delivery driver to pick it up and deliver it to you.


Why Doesn’t Shipt Accept SNAP or EBT?


The government seems to be well behind the times when it comes to dealing with online payments rather than payments made in stores. Since they haven’t devised a way to integrate online payments safely and efficiently with in-store payments, some delivery services simply won’t take EBT.


They would end up losing money. Fortunately, online shopping is starting to make headway in the EBT department, and companies like Shipt will eventually come around.


Apparently, EBT cards lack the typical CVV number required for online payments, or at least to provide a safe and streamlined online purchasing process. If you were paying the grocery store directly, that would be one thing.


But Shipt is not a grocery store, and some things you purchase are not necessarily eligible for EBT payments. The USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) has not developed the software to separate eligible and ineligible products within an online system. Online services such as Shipt are entirely separate from grocery retailers.


What Payment Methods Does Shipt Accept?


Outside of EBT, Shipt accepts all the payment types you expect from an online retailer and delivery service. They take all the major US credit cards and debit cards. You can also purchase and spend Shipt gift cards.


If you are dead set on purchasing some eligible EBT items and having them delivered to your front door, you would have to jump through some hoops to get there. EBT cash benefits are helpful. You can use the withdrawn cash to purchase a Shipt gift card.


You’re on your own, and if you want to spend your EBT card to have your groceries delivered, you will have to sign up for another delivery service.


How Much Does Shipt Cost?


Shipt has a tiered membership plan of which there are three to choose from—the standard membership plan, the plus plan, and the premium plan. They are priced at $25, $30, and $50, respectively, so they aren’t exactly a cheap membership service, even if you go with the plan at the bottom of the barrel.


Unless you have the premium plan, you will also have to pay delivery costs. There is also the option to pay for your membership annually, saving you a little bit of money on whichever tier plan you choose.


If the total of your order exceeds $35, you won’t have to pay a delivery fee. Still, the rule remains for everything under $35 unless you are a premium member. The fee is entirely up to what you ordered, so it’s not a single, all-encompassing charge.


If you shop for groceries of any kind, it’s important to note that Shipt also marks up the prices of the groceries they offer. This may be why Shipt is the least popular delivery service.


They are heavy on the expensive side, and it doesn’t make much sense to go with them if you have other options in your area. According to Shipt, a fee of $5 is added to every $35 worth of items you order.


When you add that you’re expected to tip the delivery drivers, which most people would want to do regardless, you’re getting into a category of extreme prices. These prices make going to Walmart much more palatable, especially since Walmart accepts EBT payments for online and in-store grocery shopping.


What Delivery Services Accept EBT?


Most of the delivery services that accept EBT are either the grocery stores or a delivery service that facilitates payment through the grocery store. Amazon is an entity all its own, and it kind of stands apart in terms of EBT accepting examples here.



When the USDA instituted its Online Purchasing Program, it opened a new avenue for online purchases using EVT cards. However, that typically only extends to directly paying the grocery store you are shopping at.


Instacart is an exception since it is not an actual grocery store. The difference between Instacart and Shipt is that Instacart accepts payment through the grocery store you are using at the time, so the EBT transactions still work.


As we stated above, Amazon is not a grocery store. Still, it does have a division that is essentially an online grocery store, where you choose food items. They are delivered to you from one of Amazon’s closest distribution centers.


Why Doesn’t the Online Purchasing Pilot Include Shipt?


The Online Purchasing Pilot is an online purchasing option for EBT transactions with grocery stores that are a part of the program. It’s more complex than that, however. States must participate in the Online Purchasing Program, and there is no compulsion.


Fortunately, most states do, to one degree or another. But it doesn’t end there either. A grocery chain must apply with the state to become a part of the state’s list of online grocery retailers. Then it is all tabulated and added to the Online Purchasing Pilot database.


Certain grocery stores may not be accepted by the state, and some do not apply, especially if they see it as disadvantageous. Once they apply, the state must approve the application, which also takes time, as the gears of government do not turn quickly.


Shipt would immediately be ineligible if they were to apply with the respective states in which Shipt operates. They would be ineligible because they are not a grocery chain. Look at theStore Eligibility Requirementsvia the Online Pilot Purchasing Program. You will see why Shipt fails to qualify.


Shipt must meet one of two categories—either have a staple food inventory or have staple food sales, which can be applied to Shipt. You can undoubtedly buy those things and bring them to you through Shipt, but that’s not the same as buying them from Shipt.


Are There Any Online Retailers That Directly Accept EBT Payments?


There is only a single online retailer that accepts EBT payments. The critical difference is this online retailer is not a grocery store. If you guessed Amazon, you would be correct. AmazonFresh is an arm of Amazon and is essentially a grocery store all on its own.


Though it’s only a tiny part of a gigantic retail engine, it’s apparently enough to qualify for EBT purchases. With AmazonFresh, you can order online, pay with your EBT card, and deliver your food directly to your doorstep.


AmazonFresh is a very recent innovation from Amazon, only beginning in 2020 and becoming a significant success, seemingly overnight. While their stock is not as broad and varied as some of the other major grocery retailers, it’s still extensive, and you will find most of the things you want.


All Things Considered


Shipt does not currently accept EBT as a form of payment. How long that will be the case is anyone’s guess. They don’t meet the criteria for jumping on board the Online Purchasing Pilot.


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Does Shipt Accept Food Stamps, SNAP, or EBT? (2024)

FAQs

Does Shipt Accept Food Stamps, SNAP, or EBT? ›

Shipt accepts SNAP EBT at Meijer and Target, and customers have access to a discounted SNAP membership for $4.99/month. For more information, click here. At this time, Shipt is unable to accept store gift cards** - we apologize for the inconvenience.

What payment methods does Shipt accept? ›

Shipt accepts all major US credit and debit cards, including reloadable gift cards. To be used through Shipt, these cards must have a three-digit CVC code, usually located on the back of the card. Shipt is also unable to accept EBT cards.

Where can I pay online with EBT cash? ›

Additionally, EBT cardholders are able to use their benefit cards for online purchasing at Safeway, Amazon, Walmart, and more. For additional information regarding online purchasing, please visit the EBT Online webpage.

Can you use a red card for Shipt? ›

If you have a Target Circle Mastercard (formerly Redcard), you'll get 5% off your Target order placed through Shipt.com or the Shipt app. * Be sure your Target Circle Mastercard is added as a form of payment in your account, and select this form of payment at checkout.

What is Shipt membership? ›

Shipt members get access to unlimited deliveries from a variety of local stores. For Shipt Annual or Monthly Membership pricing, click here.

How do you get approved for Shipt? ›

- At least 18 years of age. - Valid mailing address. - Valid U.S. driver's license, Social Security Number, and auto insurance. - A reliable vehicle, 1997 or newer.

How much do Shipt shoppers make per order? ›

For example, if the order was $100, you'd be paid $5 + $7.50 = $12.50. Earning $12.50 for what could take an hour between driving and shopping doesn't sound like a lot, but remember you keep 100% of your tips. Add $5 or $10 on top, and you're looking at $17.50 to $22.50 for one order.

Can EBT be used on DoorDash? ›

How do I use my SNAP benefits on DoorDash? Get started by adding your SNAP/EBT card as a saved payment method under your Account Settings. When shopping, look for stores and items with a SNAP label and add eligible items to your cart. At checkout, the SNAP-eligible amount will automatically apply to the order subtotal.

Are SNAP and EBT the same thing in California? ›

California Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT)

The CalFresh Program, formerly known as Food Stamps and federally known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP, can add to your food budget to put healthy and nutritious food on the table.

Is Target 360 the same as Shipt? ›

Target Circle 360 is a paid membership that gives Target guests access to same-day delivery with no product markups, the ability to add preferred personal shoppers through Shipt, and access to order from any retailer in their area on the Shipt app or website.

How do you qualify for Shipt? ›

Requirements
  1. At least 18 years old.
  2. Valid current mailing address.
  3. Valid U.S. driver's license and auto insurance.
  4. A reliable vehicle (1997 or newer).
  5. Knowledge of produce selection.
  6. Ability to lift 45 pounds.
  7. Smartphone - iPhone (iOS 10 or newer) or Android (5.1 or newer).

Is Target not using Shipt anymore? ›

Target delivery with Shipt

Target acquired Shipt in 2017. Since then, Target has rolled out same-day delivery through Shipt nationwide, giving Target customers convenient access to all the products they love.

How to get Shipt for $49? ›

**Subject to the terms and conditions of the membership. $99 annual membership fee discounted to $49 when you have a Target Circle card (credit, debit and reloadable) saved to your Target account.

What is the downside to being a Shipt shopper? ›

Cons: Deliveries can be irregular, which can make it difficult to earn a steady income from just Shipt. You don't get any benefits since you're an independent contractor. You don't have guaranteed income since Shipt might be slow in your area.

Why is Shipt charging me for delivery? ›

If you do not have a Shipt membership, a delivery fee will be added at checkout to help cover the costs of shopping and delivery. *Note: Deliveries under $35 with a Shipt membership will incur a $7 fee and applicable service fees per order.

How do you pay for groceries as a Shipt shopper? ›

Once the order is accepted by a shopper, Shipt will load funds on a prepaid credit card held by the contract shopper. When a shopper receives and accepts an order, Shipt will fund this prepaid card with the approximate amount of the order.

Does Shipt take cash? ›

We currently accept all major US credit and debit cards, including reloadable gift cards.

Can you pay with gift card on Shipt? ›

If it's a Visa, or a similar reloadable gift card, then yes! At this time, store gift cards cannot be used towards Shipt orders. Shipt gift cards can be redeemed in the Shipt app for Shipt credits which will automatically apply at checkout.

Is there instant pay with Shipt? ›

Drive and Deliver with Shipt

Get paid for completed routes every Friday - or, use Instant Pay to immediately transfer what you earn to your bank account. Pay down debt or save up for something special - it's up to you!

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