Does Publix Take EBT Cards?

Publix is a popular supermarket chain that operates in multiple states in the United States.

One of the most frequently asked questions by customers is whether or not Publix accepts EBT cards and if you’re enrolled in SNAP, you might want to know if you can use your EBT card to purchase food and other essential items at Publix.

If you’re wondering whether you could use your EBT card to pay at Publix, the answer is yes, Publix accepts EBT cards at all of its stores in the country.

EBT cards work like debit cards, allowing SNAP recipients to purchase eligible food items at participating retailers. Publix is one such retailer that accepts EBT cards, making it easier for SNAP participants to purchase groceries.

In this article, we will be taking a look at how EBT cards can be used at Publix. Do they accept EBT cards when paying online? Does Publix accept EBT in all states? Let’s find out together!

Does Publix Accept (SNAP) EBT Cards?

Wondering if Publix will accept your SNAP EBT card for making payments, the answer is simply yes. Publix accepts EBT cards for in-store purchases and online orders.

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) is a federal program that provides food assistance to low-income individuals and families. EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) is the method used to distribute SNAP benefits and Publix accepts EBT payments for SNAP-eligible items in all its stores chainwide.

To use an EBT card at Publix, you simply need to select the option of paying with EBT at checkout. After that, put in the EBT card issued to you then enter your PIN (Personal Identification Number) to complete the transaction.

The PIN is a four-digit number that is used to verify the cardholder’s identity. Customers can set up an account with their EBT card to manage their benefits and view their transaction history.

Can You Use EBT At Publix Online?

Yes, you can use your EBT card to shop for groceries online at Publix. The store chain accepts Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards for eligible food items both in-store and online.

With the expansion of the SNAP/EBT program, you can now use your EBT card for online purchases at Publix, including curbside pickup and delivery via Instacart.

To use your EBT card for online purchases at Publix, you will need to add your EBT card to your Instacart account or Publix online account. Once added, you can shop for eligible items on the Publix website or app and pay with your EBT card during checkout.

It’s important to note that while Publix accepts EBT payments for online orders, they cannot process EBT payments for delivery or pickup orders through their website or app. Instead, EBT payments for these orders must be made through Instacart.

How To Pay At Publix Using Your EBT Card (Complete Guide)

Publix accepts EBT cards both in-store and online and paying with your EBT card in both is a very simple process.

Here is a complete guide on how to pay at Publix using your EBT card:

In-Store

1. Shop for your SNAP-eligible groceries and other consumables at Publix.
2. At the checkout, inform the cashier that you will pay with your EBT card.
3. Swipe your EBT card in the card reader.
4. Enter your PIN to complete the transaction.
5. Pay for any other additional non-SNAP-eligible items (if any) using other accepted payment methods.
6. Take your packaged items and move away from checkout.

Online

1. Visit the Publix website or use the Instacart app to shop for your groceries.
2. Add the items you want to your cart.
3. At checkout, select the “EBT/SNAP” option as your payment method.
4. Enter your EBT card information, including the card number and cardholder name.
5. If needed, also add a credit or debit card to your Instacart account to use your EBT card.
6. Review your order and submit it.

Note that you can only save one EBT card to your Instacart account, and you must also add a credit or debit card to use your EBT card. If you need to change your EBT card, remove the first one before adding another.

Paying with your EBT card at Publix is a simple process, both in-store and online.

What Items Can You Buy With An EBT Card At Publix?

According to the USDA, households can use SNAP benefits to buy any food for the household, such as fruits and vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, bread and cereals, and other foods such as snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages.

Additionally, seeds and plants that produce food for the household to eat are also eligible for purchase.

However, you cannot use SNAP benefits to buy other items like beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes, tobacco, vitamins, medicines, and supplements.

Live animals, except shellfish, fish removed from the water, and animals slaughtered before pick-up from the store, are also not eligible for purchase.

Foods that are hot at the point of sale, nonfood items such as pet foods, cleaning supplies, paper products, and other household supplies, and hygiene items and cosmetics are also not eligible for purchase.

It is important to note that EBT cards can only be used to purchase food items, not things like toiletries or household items. Therefore, customers cannot use EBT to purchase non-food items such as soap, paper products, or pet food.

Also note that if you select some non-eligible items while shopping at Publix, you will not be able to pay for them using your EBT card. Instead, you will be required by the cashier to pay for them using other accepted payment methods including checks, credit/debit cards, and more, or return them to the shelves.

Does Publix Accept EBT Cards In All States?

Publix is a participating retailer in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which means they accept EBT cards in all states where they have stores.

Currently, Publix operates in 8 states in the US, including Florida, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, Tennessee, North Carolina, Virginia, and Mississippi and they accept EBT cards in every one of these states.

Customers can use their EBT cards to purchase eligible food items in-store at Publix. However, it’s important to note that Publix only accepts EBT payments for eligible food items and not for non-food items such as toiletries or household supplies.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Publix accepts EBT cards for eligible food items, including fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, and dairy products. However, non-food items such as soap, paper products, or pet food cannot be purchased using EBT at Publix.

Publix’s acceptance of EBT cards allows low-income families to buy food with ease and convenience. The grocery store provides a wide variety of food options for customers to choose from. By accepting EBT cards, Publix is helping low-income families have access to nutritious meals at no additional cost.