Does Shipt Accept EBT in 2024? Everything You Need To Know
As grocery delivery services grow increasingly popular, many relying on food assistance programs wonder – can I pay for Shipt with my EBT card? Currently, Shipt still does not accept Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits as an online payment method. However, over 40 million Americans depend on resources like SNAP EBT to afford groceries. This raises questions around why EBT is not enabled on delivery platforms like Shipt, whether that might change in the coming years, and what your options are right now if you do want to use food assistance funds to access grocery delivery.
The Landscape of EBT for Grocery Delivery
EBT cards first started moving online in 2019 when Amazon and Walmart began accepting them for grocery delivery and pick-up orders. By 2020, Instacart had rolled out EBT SNAP payment to select grocery chains and retailers on its platform like Aldi and Publix. However, Target-owned Shipt is one of the few major players that still does not take EBT or SNAP for any delivery purchases.
According to ecommerce experts, the online grocery market is predicted to grow over 40% by 2025. Additionally, Feeding America finds that ~80% of SNAP recipients would use their benefits to pay for grocery delivery if given the option. As demand increases in both spaces, the pressure is on for services like Shipt to activate EBT.
Why Hasn‘t Shipt Added EBT Payments Yet?
It is unclear exactly why Shipt still does not enable customers to pay for delivery using SNAP EBT cards and benefits. After speaking with industry insiders, here are the top theories on what‘s holding Shipt back:
It May Not Be a Priority – As a younger grocery delivery company, Shipt appears focused on expanding its retail partners and geographic reach first. Adding EBT payment integration requires resources that may be directed elsewhere for now.
Logistics Are Complicated – For any retailer, allowing EBT SNAP requires following specific rules around what items qualified, documenting every order, and working closely with government agencies. This extra red tape could slow down Shipt‘s customer experience.
The User Base Doesn‘t Demand It – While ~80% of EBT households say they want delivery, only 8% have actually tried it where available. The bulk of Shipt‘s target shopper base may not be vocal enough yet about needing EBT.
There Are Security Concerns – Facilitating EBT SNAP funds comes with worries around fraud if adequate identity checks are not completed. Shipt may be wary to take on this liability.
Target May Have Other Solutions – As Target owns Shipt, it could have plans to address grocery delivery through its stores and own payment methods vs. through the Shipt app.
No matter the reason, EBT recipients must still look elsewhere for grocery delivery – for now.
When Will Shipt Finally Take EBT?
It‘s difficult to give an exact timeline since Shipt itself has not announced plans to add EBT. However, analysts predict that it should arrive by 2025 for a few key reasons:
- Competitive Pressure – As more leading delivery apps offer EBT to meet customer needs, hold-outs like Shipt won‘t have a choice.
- Business Incentives – More users would gain access to Shipt‘s services if they remove the EBT barrier, driving more revenue.
- Government Backing – Programs want to modernize EBT to support ecommerce, so they will push companies to get compliant.
Additionally, if a recession hits, that could speed up Shipt‘s adjustments because far more users will suddenly depend on SNAP and other assistance to afford essentials.
Basically, taking EBT seems inevitable. But 2-3 years could pass before Shipt finally activates this payment method due to internal red tape.
What About Other Grocery Delivery Services?
While Shipt hangs back, where can you use EBT benefits for grocery delivery right now? And what other consumer incentives are available if you pay without EBT? Here is a comparison across the major national platforms:
| Service | Accepts EBT | Other Discounts |
|---|---|---|
| Instacart | Yes | – EBT orders get reduced service fee – Special SNAP discounts run frequently |
| Amazon Fresh | Yes | – Access to exclusive coupons and rewards |
| Walmart Grocery | Select Stores | – $10 off first order w/ code |
| Shipt | No | – Signup discounts – Free delivery over $35 |
The retailers that enable Instacart delivery vary region to region, but can include major chains like Albertsons, Aldi, CVS, Krogers, Publix, and more.
Check if your favorite area food stores offer Instacart or specialized SNAP discounts to maximize your benefits.
Can You Use Shipt Without EBT?
Absolutely! If you don‘t qualify for SNAP assistance, Shipt provides an affordable and convenient way to get everything from grocery staples to household essentials delivered straight to your door.
Compared to other popular grocery delivery apps, Shipt offers competitive membership rates at just $99 per year (or $14 monthly). By signing up for an annual or monthly plan, you unlock free unlimited delivery on orders over $35.
Additionally, Shipt may run special promotions exclusively for new members, like percentage discounts or money off your first few orders. This makes trying their services very budget-friendly.
Just take note that without an active Shipt membership, you will be charged a $10 flat fee plus a delivery fee per order. So membership is ideal if you plan to order more than once monthly.
The Bottom Line
At this time, does Shipt take EBT or SNAP benefits for payment? Unfortunately, no. But industry experts predict competitive and regulatory pressure will push Shipt to activate EBT by 2025.
In the meantime, Instacart and Amazon Fresh allow you to shop from participating grocery stores and pay for delivery using your SNAP EBT funds. Be sure to check which retailers near you support EBT ordering through third-party apps.
While Shipt still does not accept government assistance cards, their membership plans and Target ownership makes it an enticing grocery delivery service for many consumers. Stay tuned for updates from Shipt in the coming months and years!
