Amazon accepts SNAP EBT benefits in 48 states (excluding Alaska and Hawaii) for over 100,000 eligible grocery items sold and shipped by Amazon, including fresh produce, pantry staples, frozen foods, dairy, meat, snacks, and baby food. Add your EBT card in minutes, and SNAP recipients get 50% off Amazon Prime ($6.99/month) for free shipping on $35+ orders. Cash EBT (TANF) works in 22 states for non-food items and fees.
This guide covers setup, how to tell if something is EBT eligible on Amazon, Prime discounts for benefit recipients, what you can buy, and troubleshooting. It’s a game-changer for busy families, seniors, or those without transportation—shop from home and save.
Why Amazon Accepts SNAP EBT (And What Changed)
Amazon started accepting SNAP EBT in 2019 as part of a USDA pilot, expanding to full nationwide access (minus AK/HI for logistics) by 2025. The goal: Make healthy food accessible online, especially for 41 million SNAP households. In 2025, updates include more Whole Foods integration and easier verification for Prime discounts.
Key perks:
- No Prime Needed: Shop without membership.
- Free Shipping: $35+ orders with discounted Prime.
- Cash EBT Expansion: 22 states now allow it for non-food.
Over 1 million SNAP users shop Amazon annually, per USDA.
How to Add Your EBT Card to Amazon and Start Shopping
Adding SNAP EBT takes 5 minutes—no app needed.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Log In: Go to amazon.com and sign in (create free account if new).
- Payments: Click “Account & Lists” > “Your Payments” > “Add a payment method.”
- EBT Option: Select “debit/credit card” but choose EBT. Enter 16-digit number, expiration, and ZIP (PIN optional for verification).
- Verify: Amazon places/refunds $1 hold.
- Shop: Search groceries; add “SNAP EBT Eligible” items to cart.
- Checkout: EBT auto-applies to food; use debit for fees/non-food.
- Track: Email confirmations; benefits deduct instantly.
Pro Tip: Link once—works for Amazon Fresh/Whole Foods too.
Contact Amazon at 1-888-280-4331 or USDA SNAP at 1-800-221-5689 for issues.
How Do I Tell If Something Is EBT Eligible on Amazon?
Spotting SNAP-eligible items is easy—Amazon labels them clearly to avoid checkout surprises.
Identification Tips
- Label: Look for “SNAP EBT Eligible” badge near the price (bold text or icon). No login needed.
- Search/Filter: Type “SNAP EBT Eligible” in search bar—filters 100,000+ items. Use left sidebar: categories (produce, dairy), brands, price.
- Product Page: Under title/price, see “SNAP EBT Eligible” if qualified. If not, it won’t show at checkout.
- Common Eligible: Amazon Basics rice ($5/bag), Happy Belly snacks ($3), Mama Bear baby food ($10/case).
- Ineligible Signs: No label, third-party sellers, or “Ships from [seller]” (only Amazon-sold/shipped qualifies).
Update: Enhanced filters for “Amazon Fresh” and “Whole Foods” sections—now show nutritional info too.
If unsure, add to cart—Amazon flags ineligible before payment.
Amazon Prime Discounts for Benefit Recipients
SNAP EBT users get exclusive perks, including massive savings on Prime.
Prime Access Discount
Qualifying SNAP recipients pay $6.99/month (50% off regular $14.99)—same full benefits: free $35+ shipping, Prime Video, Music, deals.
Eligibility: SNAP EBT, Medicaid, SSI, TANF, WIC, LIHEAP, NSLP, or income <150% federal poverty ($22,590/year single).
How to Get It:
- Go to amazon.com/primeaccess.
- Verify: Upload EBT card image or eligibility letter (SSI/SNAP).
- Activate: Instant 50% off; re-verify yearly.
Value: Saves $96/year + free grocery delivery (vs. $9.99 fees). Includes exclusive SNAP coupons (20% off rice/beans).
Other Discounts:
- Amazon Fresh Subscription: $4.99/month (vs. $9.99) for unlimited delivery on $35+.
- Prescription Savings: Up to 80% off meds via Amazon Pharmacy.
For more, see Grocery Stores That Take EBT.
What You Can Buy with SNAP EBT on Amazon
100,000+ items from Amazon Fresh/Whole Foods—only Amazon-sold/shipped.
| Category | Examples | Price Range | 2025 Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Produce | Apples, bananas, lettuce, berries | $2–$5/lb | Fresh delivery in 2,000+ cities |
| Meat/Seafood | Ground beef, salmon, shrimp | $5–$15/lb | Frozen ships nationwide |
| Dairy/Eggs | Milk, yogurt, cheese, eggs | $2–$6/pack | Plant-based included |
| Pantry | Rice, pasta, canned beans, cereal | $1–$4/item | Subscribe & Save 15% off |
| Frozen | Pizza, veggies, ice cream | $3–$8/bag | Maintains cold chain |
| Snacks/Beverages | Chips, soda, juice, energy drinks | $1–$5/item | Soda eligible federally |
| Baby Food | Formula, jars, cereals | $10–$20/case | High-stock priority |
Ineligible: Non-food, third-party, fees, alcohol, supplements.
Cash EBT (22 states): Adds non-food like cleaners.
State Restrictions and Availability
- SNAP EBT: 48 states (no AK/HI).
- Cash EBT: 22 states (AK, AZ, CO, FL, HI, ID, IL, KY, ME, MO, NH, NM, NY, NV, NC, OR, RI, TN, VT, WA, DC, WV).
- Waivers: 11 states block soda/candy—EBT declines.
Amazon Fresh: Same-day in major cities.
FAQs
Can you use SNAP on Amazon in 2025?
Yes—in 48 states for Amazon/Whole Foods groceries. Add EBT to account; shop labeled items.
How do I tell if something is EBT eligible on Amazon?
Look for “SNAP EBT Eligible” label near price. Search “SNAP EBT Eligible” or filter sidebar—no login needed.
What Amazon Prime discounts for SNAP EBT recipients?
50% off Prime ($6.99/month)—free $35+ shipping, Video. Verify with EBT upload at amazon.com/primeaccess.
Can you use SNAP on Amazon Fresh?
Yes—fresh produce/meat delivery in 2,000+ cities. $35 min for free shipping with Prime Access.
Does Amazon charge fees for SNAP orders?
No for food; $3.99–$9.99 delivery if under $35 (pay with debit). Free with discounted Prime.
Can third-party Amazon sellers take EBT?
No—only Amazon-sold/shipped items qualify.
For eligibility, use SNAP Eligibility Calculator.