Does Target Accept EBT? (In-store & Online)

Yes, Target accepts EBT, and you can use your EBT card at all Target stores to pay for certain goods such as meat, vegetables, fruits, milk, and more.

Using Your EBT Card at Target Stores

Before you shop, check your last receipt to confirm you have enough money in your account. If you have sufficient balance, you can use your card, and here’s how to go about it:

On Self-Checkout

1. After picking the items you need, move your products to the check-out lane, and separate the eligible goods from the non-eligible ones.
2. Scan your items on the checkout machine.
3. Swipe your card through the Point-of-Scale terminal.
4. Enter your Personal Identification Number (PIN) on the keypad and press ENTER.
5. Input the correct purchase amount and press “OK”.
6. You will receive a printed receipt after the transaction is complete. The receipt contains the amount of your purchase, the name and address of the store, and your new food stamp benefit balance.

On Cashier Checkout

1. Take your items to the check-out lane, and separate the eligible goods from the regular products.
2. A cashier will swipe your card through the Point-of-Scale terminal.
3. Follow the directions on the machine and enter your Personal Identification Number (PIN). Only you should enter your PIN.
4. The cashier will provide you with the amount payable.
5. In the end, the cashier will hand you a receipt containing the transaction details.

Cashiers will know you’re using an EBT card and you’re on welfare because the card type is usually displayed on the cashier’s register.  However, there shouldn’t be anything to worry about since Target treats customers from all backgrounds equally, without discrimination.

Does Target Accept EBT Online?

Target allows you to make online purchases, and works with Instacart. But,  they don’t accept EBT cards online.

Some states in the USA are working on the Online Purchasing Pilot. This program allows one to shop online using an EBT card. Target is still not part of this project; however, it’s just a matter of time until you can shop online at Target using your EBT card.

Does it mean there’s no way to shop at Target online and pay with your EBT card? Luckily, there’s a cheeky workaround! Walk to your nearest ATM and withdraw some cash.  Purchase a gift card using the money, and you’re free to use the gift card for your online purchases.

Does Instacart Take EBT?

There are times you’d want to shop at Target without leaving your house. If this is the case, Instacart is your go-to solution.

Instacart takes EBT cards in all states except Montana, Alaska, and Louisiana.  Customers can buy thousands of items through Instacart, and these are mostly limited to Target’s groceries.

Target offers delivery on Instacart, under some conditions. First, you must spend at least $35. Second, you have to pay $3.99 if you’re not an Express member.

How Does Target Instacart Work With EBT?

You can access Target Instacart services through the Instacart app. The first step would be to sign up for an account (if you don’t have one). Next thing, you will need to enter your card which will be used to make purchases.

When it comes to placing an order, stores are grouped by themes which means you may have to scroll more to locate one.

Move to the search bar and pick whatever you want to buy – the shopping menu with your items appears at the bottom.

After filling your cart, you can proceed to check out, provided you meet the $35 minimum.

Here’s the checking out process:

• Select a delivery date and time
• Set your card for payments
• Provide delivery instructions
• Scan through your items one more time

If everything looks fine, hit the ‘Continue’ button and determine the tip amount to leave your driver. It’s advisable to leave at least five percent. After completing this process and submitting everything, relax and wait for your delivery.

You will continuously receive notifications to inform you about the progress of your order.

Can You Use EBT On the Target Mobile App?

You can’t use your EBT card to make payments on the Target Mobile App. If you must use the Target App, utilize alternative payment methods such as Paypal.

Does Target Accept EBT for Drive Up or Curbside Pickup?

Target accepts EBT cards as payment for drive-up or curbside pickup deliveries. If your order costs less than $35, you’ll pay $3.99 for curbside pickup. Therefore, make sure your card has enough money to cover the delivery fee.

Products Buyable With EBT at Target

It’s okay to use your EBT card at Target, but not all items are eligible. The SNAP program aims to help families access basic and essential food items. Here’s what you may be able to use your EBT card on at Target stores:

• Fruits and vegetables
• Meat, fish, and poultry
• Cereals, wheat bread, and rice
• Dairy products
• Ice and drinking water
• Non-alcoholic beverages, for example, energy drinks
• Snacks
• Seeds
• Accessory foods, for example spices, beverages, sweeteners, etc.

What You Can’t Buy With an EBT Card at Target

Customers can’t use SNAP benefits to purchase certain products. Here’s a list of these items:

• Alcohol
• Tobacco
• Recreational marijuana
• Health and beauty products
• Pet food
• Cooked food
• Household cleaning items
• Paper products
• Live animals (unless the animal is slaughtered before purchase)

You also can’t use your SNAP benefits to pay for the following:

• Gambling
• Firearms and ammunition
• Court-related fees, bail, or fine
• Body piercings and tattoos
• Vacation services
• Lottery tickets
• Adult-oriented materials

Penalties For Buying Restricted Items With SNAP Benefits

For the first time:

You must pay back the amount of the items or services to DTA.

If you commit the offense for a second time:

You must pay back the amount of the items or services to DTA, and you won’t get your benefits for two months.

Third time:

You must pay back the amount of the items or services to DTA, and you will be disqualified permanently from receiving the cash assistance.

Alternative Payment Options Accepted at Target 

Let’s explore other payment methods accepted at Target:

• Cash
• Target RedCard
• Target Temporary Slips (Target Credit Card, Target Debit Card)
• Gift Cards
• Third-party Credit Cards (Mastercard, visa, American Express)
• Gift Certificates
• Personal checks
• Alipay (only approved in authorized stores)
• PayPal (on Target app and Target.com)

Target’s Item Return Policy for EBT Users

If you are unsatisfied with the EBT products, you can return them within 90 days. The receipt should accompany the item(s) to ensure that you get the total price refund. Target will deposit a refund to your EBT card or offer an exchange of the same goods.

What Exactly is Electronics Benefits Transfer (EBT)?

Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) is an electronic system similar to a debit card that allows citizens participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to pay for items with SNAP benefits.

Recipients of these benefits get a plastic card, and they can use the card for payments at any retailer that accepts EBT. Besides SNAP, the other programs that use or are being tested for the use of EBT include the Temporary Aid for Needy Families (TANF) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).

There’s another system that offers benefits similar to SNAP benefits – the Pandemic EBT (P-EBT):

Pandemic EBT (P-EBT ) was created recently, by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), as part of the US government response to the Covid-19 pandemic.  P-EBT serves children that would have received free or discounted school meals, assuming there were no COVID-related school closures.

FAQs

Can You Use Your EBT Card at Target Mini-stores?

When shopping at Target, you’ll come across mini-stores like Starbucks, Apple stand, and CVS Health center. You can’t use an EBT card to purchase electronics or pharmaceuticals, but you can buy items such as cakes and coffee at Target-based Starbucks.

Can Someone Else Use Your EBT Card?

As part of your case,other household  members receiving benefits can  use your EBT card to pay for items, provided they know your PIN.

If you’d like someone else to use your benefits and shop for you, pick them to be your authorized representative.

Can You Get Cashback After Using EBT On Target?

Yes you can get cashback. But you must have your debit card at Target stores, for a successful cashback transaction.