Is your stomach rumbling? Are you ready to fill your cart with all your favorite Kroger goodies, but wondering how to use your EBT card for online orders or pickup? You're in the right place! Kroger has made it incredibly convenient for SNAP EBT cardholders to shop, whether you prefer the ease of online ordering for pickup or delivery, or even if you're planning an in-store trip.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through every single step of adding your EBT card to your Kroger account, ensuring a smooth and stress-free shopping experience. Let's get started and make that grocery run a breeze!
How to Add Your EBT Card to Kroger: A Step-by-Step Guide
Adding your EBT card to your Kroger account for online shopping (pickup or delivery) is a straightforward process. Follow these steps carefully to ensure your card is successfully linked and ready for use.
Step 1: Access Your Kroger Account (or Create One!)
Before you can add your EBT card, you'll need to be logged into your Kroger digital account.
1.1 Existing Users: Sign In.
Open the Kroger mobile app on your smartphone or visit Kroger.com on your web browser.
Look for the "Sign In" or "My Account" option, usually located in the top right corner of the website or within the app's menu.
Enter your email address and password associated with your Kroger account.
Forgot your password? Don't worry! There's usually a "Forgot Password" link that will guide you through resetting it.
1.2 New Users: Create an Account.
If you don't have a Kroger account yet, it's quick and easy to set one up.
On the Kroger website or app, look for a "Create Account" or "Register" option.
You'll typically need to provide your email address, create a password, and provide some basic personal information like your name and phone number.
Make sure to link your Shopper's Card (loyalty card) if you have one, as this allows you to access digital coupons and fuel points. If you don't have one, you can usually create an "Alt ID" using your phone number.
Step 2: Navigate to Your Digital Wallet
Once you're signed in, you'll need to find the section where you manage your payment methods. This is often referred to as your "Wallet" or "Payment Methods."
2.1 Find "My Account."
On the website, "My Account" is typically a prominent link after you sign in.
In the mobile app, tap the menu icon (often three horizontal lines, sometimes called a "hamburger menu") and look for "My Account" or a similar option.
2.2 Locate "Wallet" or "Payment Methods."
Within the "My Account" section, you'll usually see a submenu or a list of options. Look for "Wallet," "Payment Cards," "Payment Methods," or something similar.
Click or tap on this option to proceed.
Step 3: Add Your New EBT Card
Now you're ready to input your EBT card details.
3.1 Select "Add New Card."
Inside your digital wallet, you should see an option to "Add New Card," "Add a Payment Method," or a similar button.
Click or tap on this to open the card addition form.
3.2 Choose "EBT" as Payment Type.
The system will likely ask you to select the type of card you're adding.
Look for "EBT," "SNAP EBT," or "Electronic Benefits Transfer" and select this option. This is crucial, as it tells Kroger's system how to process your card correctly.
3.3 Enter Your EBT Card Number.
Carefully type in your 16-digit EBT card number into the designated field. Double-check for any typos!
3.4 Click "Submit" or "Add Card."
Once you've entered your card number, click the "Submit," "Add Card," or "Save" button to finalize the addition.
3.5 Verification (Optional but Common).
Sometimes, Kroger might require a quick verification step for your EBT card. This might involve entering your EBT PIN at this stage, or it might be prompted later during checkout. Don't be alarmed if it asks for your PIN; this is for security and to verify the card.
Step 4: Shop for SNAP-Eligible Items
With your EBT card added, you can now start filling your virtual cart!
4.1 Browse for Groceries.
Shop as you normally would on Kroger's website or app. You can use the search bar, browse by department, or explore weekly ads and digital coupons.
4.2 Identify Eligible Items.
Kroger makes it easy to identify items that are SNAP EBT eligible. You'll often see a "SNAP EBT" label or icon next to these products.
Remember: SNAP benefits can only be used for food items for your household. This includes fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, breads, cereals, and seeds/plants that produce food.
Ineligible items include hot prepared foods, alcoholic beverages, tobacco, vitamins, pet food, cleaning supplies, and hygiene products.
Step 5: Checkout and Payment Selection
When you're ready to complete your order, head to checkout.
5.1 Proceed to Checkout.
Click on your shopping cart icon and then "Proceed to Checkout" or "View Cart and Checkout."
5.2 Select Pickup or Delivery Option.
Choose whether you want Pickup (where you collect your order at the store) or Delivery (where your groceries are brought to your home).
Select your preferred pickup time slot or delivery window.
5.3 Choose EBT as Payment.
On the payment screen, you should see your added EBT card as an option.
Select your EBT card as the payment method for the SNAP-eligible portion of your order.
Kroger's system will automatically separate your cart into SNAP-eligible items and non-SNAP eligible items (like delivery fees, tips, or non-food items).
5.4 Add a Secondary Payment Method (if necessary).
For any non-SNAP eligible items, fees, or if your EBT balance isn't sufficient for the entire SNAP-eligible portion, you'll need to provide a secondary payment method. This could be a credit card, debit card, or Kroger gift card.
5.5 Enter Your EBT PIN.
You will be prompted to enter your EBT PIN to authorize the transaction. This is a critical security step, just like using your card in a physical store.
Do NOT share your PIN with anyone.
5.6 Confirm Your Order.
Review your order details, payment breakdown, and pickup/delivery time.
Click "Place Order" or "Confirm Order." You'll receive an order confirmation email shortly.
Important Considerations When Using EBT at Kroger
Split Payments: Kroger allows you to easily split payments between your EBT card (for eligible food items) and another payment method (for non-eligible items, fees, or if your EBT balance is insufficient).
Fees and Tips: Remember, SNAP EBT benefits cannot be used to pay for delivery fees, service fees, or tips. You will always need a separate payment method for these charges.
Weighted Items: For items sold by weight (like certain produce or meats), Kroger may initially debit slightly more (up to 10%) from your EBT card than the estimated price. Once the order is fulfilled and the exact weight is known, any over-debited amount will be refunded back to your EBT card. If the final price is higher, the difference will be charged to your secondary payment method.
Returns: If you need to return an item purchased with EBT, the refund will typically be credited back to your EBT card, not as cash or store credit.
Mobile App Updates: Ensure your Kroger mobile app is updated to the latest version. Sometimes, payment functionalities, including EBT, require the most recent app version for optimal performance.
In-Store Use: While this guide focuses on online use, remember you can always use your EBT card directly at the checkout counter in any Kroger store, just like a debit card, by swiping it and entering your PIN.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to check my EBT balance on Kroger's website?
To check your EBT balance on Kroger's website, after adding or selecting your SNAP EBT card as a form of payment at checkout, look for a "Check Balance" option. Click it, enter your EBT PIN, and your balance should appear.
How to use EBT for Kroger Pickup orders?
When placing a Kroger Pickup order online or via the app, select your EBT card as the payment method during checkout. You'll be prompted to enter your PIN to authorize the SNAP-eligible portion of your order. You might need a secondary payment for any non-SNAP items or fees.
How to apply for SNAP EBT benefits?
To apply for SNAP EBT benefits, you typically need to contact your state's SNAP agency or visit the USDA Food and Nutrition Service website for information on eligibility and how to apply in your specific state. Kroger does not handle SNAP applications directly.
How to identify SNAP-eligible items on Kroger.com?
On Kroger.com, SNAP-eligible items are usually marked with a "SNAP EBT" label or icon next to the product image or description. This helps you easily distinguish what can be purchased with your benefits.
How to use multiple payment methods with EBT at Kroger online?
Kroger's online system allows for split payments. When checking out, after selecting your EBT card for SNAP-eligible items, the system will automatically show the remaining balance for non-eligible items (like fees) which you can then pay with a credit card, debit card, or gift card.
How to troubleshoot EBT card issues on Kroger's platform?
If you're having trouble adding or using your EBT card, first ensure your app is updated. Then, double-check your card number and PIN. If issues persist, contact Kroger Customer Service at 1-800-KRO-GERS (1-800-576-4377) for assistance.
How to get a refund for EBT purchases at Kroger?
For items purchased with your SNAP EBT card, refunds will be credited directly back to your EBT card. Kroger does not provide cash or store credit for EBT returns.
How to avoid common EBT pitfalls when ordering from Kroger online?
To avoid pitfalls, always ensure you have a secondary payment method for non-SNAP eligible items (like delivery fees), and be aware that weighted items may have a slightly higher initial hold on your EBT balance which will be adjusted upon fulfillment. Always double-check your order before confirming.
How to use EBT for Kroger Delivery orders?
Using EBT for Kroger Delivery is the same as pickup: add your EBT card to your Kroger wallet, shop for eligible items, and select EBT as your payment method at checkout. Remember that delivery fees and tips cannot be covered by EBT and will require another payment method.
How to unlink an EBT card from my Kroger account?
While the primary focus is adding, if you need to unlink your EBT card, navigate to "My Account" > "Wallet" or "Payment Methods." You should see an option to "Remove" or "Delete" an existing card. Confirm the action to remove it from your account.
