Have you ever found yourself juggling a busy schedule, a growing grocery list, and the need to efficiently use your SNAP EBT benefits? If so, Kroger Pickup with EBT is a game-changer! It offers a convenient way to get your groceries while making the most of your benefits. Let's dive into a comprehensive, step-by-step guide on how to navigate this process smoothly.
Unlocking the Convenience: How Kroger Pickup Works with EBT
Kroger's Pickup service (formerly known as ClickList) allows you to shop for your groceries online or through their app, select a convenient pickup time, and then have your order brought right to your car at the store. The great news is that Kroger has fully integrated EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) as a payment option for eligible items, making healthy and affordable food more accessible than ever.
Step 1: Ready to Get Started? Create or Log In to Your Kroger Digital Account
Let's begin your journey to easier grocery shopping! Before you can place an order, you'll need a Kroger digital account.
For New Users:
Visit the Kroger Website or Download the App: Head over to Kroger.com or download the Kroger app on your smartphone (available for both Android and iOS).
Look for "Sign In" or "Create Account": You'll typically find this option in the top right corner of the website or within the app's menu.
Follow the Prompts: You'll be asked to provide your email address, create a password, and provide your name. You may also be prompted to link an existing Kroger Plus Card or create an Alt ID. Linking your Plus Card is highly recommended as it gives you access to digital coupons and fuel points.
Verify Your Account: Kroger will likely send a verification email. Click the link in the email to confirm your account.
For Existing Users:
Simply log in to your account using your email and password. If you haven't linked your Kroger Plus Card, now's a good time to do so in your account settings.
Step 2: Set Your Preferred Store Location for Pickup
Now that your account is ready, you need to tell Kroger where you'd like to pick up your order. This is a crucial step to ensure you're shopping from the correct store.
On the Website: Look for a "Shop" or "Pickup" option, often displayed prominently on the homepage. You'll then be able to enter your ZIP code or city and select your preferred Kroger store from a list of nearby locations. Make sure it's a store that offers Pickup service!
In the App: The app usually prompts you to select a store upon logging in. If not, look for a "Store Locator" or "Change Store" option. You can search by ZIP code or allow the app to use your current location.
Step 3: Add Your SNAP EBT Card to Your Digital Wallet
This is where you integrate your EBT benefits into your online shopping experience. Kroger has made this process straightforward.
Navigate to Your Wallet/Payment Methods:
On the Website: After logging in, go to "My Account" and then look for "Wallet" or "Payment Cards."
In the App: Typically found under "Account" or a similar menu option, then "Wallet" or "Payment Methods."
Add a New Card: Look for an option like "Add new card" or "Add a payment method."
Select "EBT" as the Payment Type: This is important! Don't select credit/debit.
Enter Your SNAP EBT Card Number: Carefully type in the 16-digit number from the front of your EBT card.
Submit/Save: Once entered, save your card information. Your SNAP EBT card will now be stored in your Kroger digital wallet.
Important Note: While EBT covers eligible food items, it does not cover non-SNAP eligible items, delivery fees, service fees, or tips. Therefore, you'll also need to add a secondary payment method (like a credit or debit card) to your wallet to cover these potential charges. This card will only be charged if your order includes non-EBT eligible items or fees.
Step 4: Time to Shop! Build Your Grocery Cart
This is the fun part – filling your virtual cart with all your essentials!
Browse and Search: You can browse categories (produce, dairy, pantry, etc.), search for specific items, or even look through the weekly ad for deals.
Identify EBT-Eligible Items: While shopping, you'll often see an indicator (like "SNAP EBT" or a similar logo) next to items that are eligible for purchase with your EBT card. Generally, most food items are EBT-eligible, but non-food items like cleaning supplies, toiletries, pet food, hot prepared foods, and alcohol are not eligible.
Add to Cart: Click or tap on items to add them to your cart. You can adjust quantities as needed.
Utilize Digital Coupons: Don't forget to clip digital coupons! These can be found in a dedicated "Coupons" section and can be applied directly to your order, helping you save even more.
Review Your Cart: Before proceeding, always review your cart to ensure you have everything you need and that quantities are correct.
Step 5: Proceed to Checkout and Select Pickup Time
Once your cart is full, it's time to finalize your order.
Go to Checkout: Click the "Checkout" or "Proceed to Checkout" button.
Select Pickup: Confirm that "Pickup" is selected as your preferred method.
Choose a Pickup Date and Time Slot: Kroger will display available pickup windows. These are usually one-hour slots. Popular times can fill up quickly, so it's a good idea to reserve your slot in advance, especially for weekend pickups.
Review Your Order Summary: You'll see a breakdown of your order, including an estimated total. This is also where you'll see how your payment will be split between your EBT card and your secondary payment method.
Apply Payment:
Under the "Paying With" section, select your SNAP EBT card. The system will automatically calculate the amount that can be covered by your EBT benefits.
The remaining balance (for non-EBT eligible items or fees) will be charged to your secondary credit/debit card that you linked in Step 3.
Enter Your EBT PIN: You will be prompted to enter your EBT PIN to authorize the transaction for the EBT-eligible portion of your order. This is done securely online.
Place Your Order: Once you've confirmed all details and entered your PIN, click "Place Order" or "Submit Order."
Step 6: Pick Up Your Groceries at the Store
The day has come! Time to get your delicious groceries.
Receive Confirmation: You'll typically receive an email or app notification confirming your order and pickup details.
Head to the Store at Your Scheduled Time: Arrive at your chosen Kroger location during your selected pickup window.
Look for the Designated Pickup Area: Kroger stores have clearly marked "Pickup" or "Online Order Pickup" parking spots, usually close to the store entrance. There will often be prominent signs with instructions.
Check-In:
Follow the instructions on the sign: This usually involves calling a specific phone number provided on the sign or using the Kroger app's "I'm Here" or "On My Way" feature to alert the associates of your arrival.
Provide your order number (found in your confirmation email/app) and your name.
Wait for an Associate: A Kroger associate will gather your order and bring it out to your car.
Review and Load: The associate will often confirm your name and order. They will load the groceries into your vehicle. You can review any substitutions at this point and decline them if you wish.
You're All Set! Enjoy your conveniently acquired groceries!
Tips for a Smooth Kroger Pickup with EBT Experience:
Order in Advance: Especially for popular pickup times (evenings, weekends), try to place your order a day or two ahead to secure your desired slot.
Understand EBT Eligibility: Familiarize yourself with what SNAP EBT covers to avoid surprises at checkout. Generally, it's food for household consumption.
Always Have a Backup Payment Method: A credit or debit card is essential for any non-EBT eligible items, fees, or if there's a discrepancy with your EBT balance.
Check for Substitutions: If an item you ordered is out of stock, Kroger might offer a substitution. You'll usually be notified of this via text or email, and you can accept or decline it at pickup.
Keep Your Phone Handy: You'll need it for check-in and potential communication with the store.
Stay Updated: Ensure your Kroger app is always updated to the latest version to avoid any payment processing issues.
10 Related FAQ Questions (How To)
Here are 10 common questions about using Kroger Pickup with EBT, answered quickly:
How to add my EBT card to my Kroger account?
You can add your SNAP EBT card by navigating to "My Account" then "Wallet" or "Payment Cards" on the Kroger website or app, selecting "Add New Card," and choosing "EBT" as the payment type.
How to know which items are EBT eligible on Kroger's website/app?
Kroger generally indicates EBT-eligible items with a "SNAP EBT" label or similar icon next to the product description online. Most non-hot, non-alcoholic, non-tobacco food items are eligible.
How to pay for non-EBT eligible items when using Kroger Pickup?
You'll need a secondary payment method, such as a credit or debit card, linked to your Kroger account to cover any items not eligible for EBT, as well as any associated fees.
How to change my pickup time or date for a Kroger order?
You can typically modify your pickup time or date within your "My Orders" section of your Kroger account on the website or app, prior to the order being picked by associates.
How to check my SNAP EBT balance within the Kroger app?
After adding your SNAP EBT card to your Kroger wallet, you may see an option to "Check Balance" under the card details. You'll need to enter your PIN to view the balance.
How to use digital coupons with a Kroger Pickup EBT order?
Digital coupons are automatically applied to your eligible items when you link your Kroger Plus Card to your digital account and "clip" the coupons before checkout.
How to handle substitutions with my Kroger Pickup order paid with EBT?
Kroger will often notify you of substitutions. You can accept or decline them when the associate brings out your order. If you decline a substituted item, your total will be adjusted.
How to contact Kroger customer service if I have issues with my EBT Pickup order?
You can contact Kroger's customer service through their website's "Contact Us" section, by phone, or sometimes directly through the app's help section.
How to use EBT for Kroger delivery instead of pickup?
Yes, Kroger now accepts SNAP EBT for delivery orders as well. The process for adding your EBT card and splitting payment is similar to pickup. Any delivery fees will need to be covered by a secondary payment method.
How to know if my local Kroger store offers Pickup and accepts EBT?
You can verify this by setting your preferred store location on the Kroger website or app. When you begin shopping, you'll see if "Pickup" is an available option, and during checkout, EBT will be listed as a payment choice if accepted at that location.
