SNAP Benefits Update: New Retail Giant Now Accepting EBT Payments for Online Orders | Here Are Other Stores That Do the Same

A new SNAP benefits update has been announced when BJ's Wholesale Club announced that food stamp recipients can now use their Electronic Benefits Transfer card when making online purchases for all of the company's locations.

The retail chain announced that EBT payments online can be made through their website BJs.com or the BJ's mobile app, according to the Go Banking Rates report.

The service is made available in 48 states and the District of Columbia, according to Agriculture Department. Alaska and Montana are the only states that have not enrolled in the pilot of EBT payments online, as of March 2022.

PYMNTS reported that BJ's Wholesale Club's announcement comes three days after Walmart had said that it made updates to its online shopping channels to make it easier for SNAP EBT recipients to shop and pay.

BJ's members can also choose multiple delivery methods and choose to split payments to use both their EBT card and a debit or credit card.

Monica Schwartz, who is BJ's Whole Club Executive Vice President and Chief Digital Officer, said in the press release that the EBT payment options allow their members the time and money-saving benefits.

EBT Payments Online

Most major grocery chains accept EBT payments online, including specialty grocers such as Trader's Joe and big-box chain Target.

Go Banking Rates reported that the expanded online purchasing pilot program conducted by the Agriculture Department's Food and Nutrition Services allowed consumers to have a much wider list of online options.

Large national or regional chains participating in the pilot program include Walmart, Aldi, Publix, Safeway, and ShopRite among others.

7-Eleven Hawaii also participates in the program, including other smaller chains and independent retailers.

Amazon Fresh also accepts EBT payments online, with its selections more comparable to a traditional grocery store.

Recipients can schedule their EBT grocery delivery within a one to two-hour delivery time. The minimum order value for free delivery with Amazon Fresh is $35 or $50.

As of now, food delivery apps such as DoorDash, GrubHub, Uber Eats, and PostMates do not accept EBT SNAP benefits, as stated on National Council on Aging report.

Food Stamps

Food stamps or officially known as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is federally funded and are aimed to help families stretch their food budget, particularly those with low income.

U.S. Gov noted that the COVID-19 pandemic has made it easier for families to get good stamps and take part in meal programs, with recipients set to receive additional funding. In addition, more people may be eligible to receive SNAP during the pandemic.

Food stamps are issued each month through EBT cards, which is used much like credit or debit card.

EBT cards can be used to buy eligible food items and can be bought at authorized SNAP grocery stores or participating farmers' markets.

To qualify for SNAP benefits, one must meet certain income limits and other requirements.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Mary Webber

WATCH: Shop BJ's Wholesale Club for same-day grocery delivery. - from BJ's Wholesale Club