Hello there! Have you ever found yourself at Kroger, ready to grab your groceries, only to realize your EBT card is nowhere to be found? It's a common scenario, and thankfully, in today's digital age, losing your physical EBT card doesn't mean losing access to your benefits at Kroger. The good news is that Kroger has embraced technology to make using your SNAP EBT benefits more convenient, especially for online orders. While direct "cardless" in-store payment methods for EBT are not universally available in the same way credit/debit cards might be through mobile wallets, Kroger offers robust solutions for online EBT payments that often culminate in in-store pickup. Let's dive into how you can navigate this!
How to Use EBT Without Your Physical Card at Kroger: Your Step-by-Step Guide
This guide will focus primarily on using EBT for online orders with pickup or delivery, as this is the most common and supported method for cardless EBT transactions at Kroger.
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| How To Use Ebt Without Card At Kroger |
Step 1: Get Connected and Create Your Kroger Digital Account
First things first, to unlock the ability to use your EBT benefits without a physical card at Kroger, you'll need to go digital. This is where your journey begins!
Sub-heading 1.1: Download the Kroger App or Visit Kroger.com
Engage! Are you more of a mobile user, or do you prefer to browse on your computer? Either way, Kroger has you covered.
For Mobile Users: Head over to your device's app store (Google Play Store for Android or Apple App Store for iOS) and search for "Kroger." Download and install the official Kroger app.
For Desktop Users: Open your web browser and navigate to Kroger's official website:
Kroger.com.
Sub-heading 1.2: Sign Up or Log In to Your Account
Crucial Step: If you already have a Kroger digital account, great! Simply log in.
If you're new, you'll need to create an account. This usually involves providing your email address, creating a password, and linking your Shopper's Card (or creating a new digital one if you don't have a physical card). This account is your gateway to online shopping and managing your payment methods.
Step 2: Adding Your EBT Card to Your Digital Wallet
This is the key to paying with EBT without needing the physical card at the point of sale.
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Sub-heading 2.1: Navigate to Your Payment Methods
Once logged into your Kroger digital account (either in the app or on the website), look for sections like "My Account," "Wallet," or "Payment Methods." The exact wording might vary slightly depending on the app or website version, but it's usually easy to find under your profile settings.
Sub-heading 2.2: Add Your SNAP EBT Card Details
Within your digital wallet, you'll see an option to "Add Payment Method" or "Add New Card." Select this.
You will then be prompted to enter your 16-digit EBT card number and the expiration date (if applicable).
Important Note: Kroger allows you to save your EBT card in your online wallet, making future transactions much smoother.
Sub-heading 2.3: Understanding Split Payments
It's important to remember that SNAP EBT benefits can only be used for SNAP-eligible food items. Any non-SNAP eligible items (like household goods, toiletries, or hot prepared foods), as well as any delivery fees, service fees, or tips, cannot be paid for with EBT.
Because of this, Kroger's online system allows for split payments. You'll need to add a secondary payment method (like a credit card, debit card, or gift card) to cover these non-EBT eligible costs. This ensures your order goes through seamlessly.
Step 3: Placing Your Online Order for Pickup or Delivery
Now that your EBT card is linked, it's time to shop!
Sub-heading 3.1: Browse and Add SNAP-Eligible Items to Your Cart
Explore Kroger's vast selection of groceries online. As you add items to your cart, Kroger's system will typically identify which items are SNAP-eligible. You can also often filter your search to show only SNAP-eligible products.
Sub-heading 3.2: Select Pickup or Delivery
At checkout, you'll have the option to choose between Pickup or Delivery.
Pickup: Select a convenient Kroger store location and a time slot for picking up your order. This is a popular option if you want to avoid in-store shopping but still get your groceries without delivery fees.
Delivery: If delivery is available in your area and you're willing to pay any associated fees (which, as mentioned, cannot be covered by EBT), you can choose to have your groceries brought directly to your home.
Sub-heading 3.3: Checkout and Confirm Your EBT Payment
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Proceed to the checkout page. Here, you'll see a summary of your order.
Under the payment options, select your EBT card as the payment method for the SNAP-eligible portion of your order.
You will be prompted to enter your EBT PIN to confirm the payment. This is the equivalent of swiping your card and entering your PIN in-store.
Ensure your secondary payment method is selected for any remaining balance.
Step 4: Picking Up Your Order (or Receiving Delivery)
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The final step in getting your groceries!
Sub-heading 4.1: For Pickup Orders
When your selected pickup time arrives, head to your designated Kroger pickup area (often clearly marked curbside spots).
Follow the instructions provided by Kroger – usually, you'll check in via the app or a text message, and an associate will bring your order out to your car.
Crucially, for pickup orders, since you've already entered your EBT PIN online, you typically will NOT need to physically present your card or re-enter your PIN at the pickup location. The transaction is completed digitally.
Sub-heading 4.2: For Delivery Orders
Your groceries will be delivered to your specified address within the chosen delivery window.
Similar to pickup, since your EBT payment and PIN were entered online, you will not need your physical card at the time of delivery.
Important Considerations and Tips:
Always Check Your Balance: Before placing a large order, it's a good practice to check your EBT balance to ensure you have sufficient funds for your SNAP-eligible items.
SNAP-Eligible Items Only: Reiterate that EBT funds can only be used for eligible food items. Be mindful of this when shopping online to avoid unexpected charges on your secondary payment method.
Keep Your EBT PIN Secure: Just like with a debit card, your EBT PIN is vital for authorizing transactions. Never share it with anyone.
Customer Service is Your Friend: If you encounter any issues or have questions specific to your order or EBT benefits, don't hesitate to contact Kroger's customer service. You can usually find their contact information on their website or app.
In-Store Cardless is Limited: While this guide focuses on online methods, it's important to understand that currently, Kroger Pay (Kroger's in-store mobile payment system) does not support EBT directly. This means you generally cannot walk into a Kroger store, use Kroger Pay, and have it deduct from your EBT balance without your physical card. The online pickup/delivery method is the primary way to use EBT without a physical card at the physical checkout.
10 Related FAQ Questions:
How to check my EBT balance before shopping at Kroger?
You can typically check your EBT balance by calling the customer service number on the back of your EBT card, visiting your state's EBT portal online, or using a mobile app provided by your state's EBT program.
QuickTip: Check if a section answers your question.
How to use EBT for Kroger delivery without the physical card?
You can use EBT for Kroger delivery by adding your EBT card details to your Kroger digital wallet (on their website or app), selecting EBT as the payment method for SNAP-eligible items during online checkout, and entering your PIN to confirm the order.
How to link my EBT card to my Kroger online account?
Log in to your Kroger digital account, navigate to "My Account" or "Wallet," and select "Add Payment Method." Enter your 16-digit EBT card number and expiration date to link it.
How to pay for non-SNAP items when using EBT for online Kroger orders?
You will need a secondary payment method, such as a credit card, debit card, or gift card, to cover the cost of non-SNAP eligible items, delivery fees, or tips when placing an online EBT order with Kroger.
How to change my EBT PIN for Kroger online purchases?
Your EBT PIN is managed through your state's EBT system, not directly through Kroger. You would need to contact your state's EBT customer service or use their online portal to change your PIN.
How to find out if my Kroger store offers EBT for pickup?
QuickTip: Skim fast, then return for detail.
Kroger has expanded EBT payment acceptance for pickup and delivery to all Kroger Family of Stores locations. You can confirm by attempting to place an online order and seeing the EBT option at checkout.
How to deal with substituted items on an EBT online order at Kroger?
If a substituted item's price is higher than the original, the difference will be charged to your secondary payment method. If it's lower, a refund for the difference will be credited back to your EBT card.
How to get a refund for an EBT online order cancellation at Kroger?
If you cancel an entire EBT online order, Kroger will refund the amount to your EBT card immediately.
How to use my EBT card at Kroger self-checkout without the physical card?
Currently, you cannot use EBT without the physical card at Kroger's in-store self-checkout lanes. The online pickup/delivery method is the only way to process EBT transactions without physically swiping or inserting your card.
How to contact Kroger customer service about EBT payment issues?
You can contact Kroger customer service by calling 1-800-KRO-GERS (1-800-576-4377) or by using the contact form on their website under the "Help Center" section.
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