Walgreens is not only a large pharmacy chain. Over the years, the store has gradually increased its selection of products from initially selling medication and healthcare products, to stocking essential foods and drinks. These days, you can pop into your local Walgreens for milk and bread!
But do Walgreens take EBT? The answer is yes – Walgreens does accept EBT cards as a form of payment. This article will provide more information about using your EBT card at Walgreens.
Does Walgreens Accept EBT?
The good news is that most, but not all, Walgreens accept EBT cards as a form of payment. Walgreens is one of the most famous pharmacies in the United States, so it’s worth checking to see if your local store accepts EBT.
How To Find Out If A Walgreens Accepts EBT?
Luckily, there is a way to find out whether your local Walgreens accepts EBT. To find out, you can visit the Walgreens company website and locate the ‘Find a Store’ tab. This will allow you to search for stores in your area by entering your zip code.
In addition to this, you will also find the telephone number of each specific store. So, feel free to give them a call beforehand as it may save you a trip.
What Can I Purchase From Walgreens With An EBT Card?
Walgreens is widely recognized as a pharmacy chain. However, it is more than just prescriptions and health supplements, meaning there are plenty of products that can be purchased using an EBT card. Below is a list of SNAP-eligible items, many of which can be purchased at a Walgreens store.
- Fruit
- Vegetables
- Meat (steak, chicken, lamb, etc.)
- Fish
- Dairy products (milk, yogurt, cheese)
- Bread and cereals
- Potato chips
- Soft drinks
- Energy drinks (Red Bull, Monster Energy, etc.)
- Desserts
Items that cannot be purchased using an EBT consist of the following:
- Tobacco products
- Alcohol (beer, liquor, wine)
- Hot food that is prepared at the point of sale
- Medicines
- Vitamins and supplements
- Non-food items such as cleaning products, cosmetics, and pet food.
How To Use My EBT Card At Walgreens
Using your EBT card at Walgreens could not be easier, and the process is not too dissimilar to using a debit card. Here’s what you need to know:
- Once your items have been scanned, enter your card into the reader.
- Next, you will need to enter your four-digit PIN number.
- The cashier will then enter the total transaction cost.
- If this is correct, press ‘OK’ on the reader.
- The cashier will then hand over your receipt once the transaction is complete.
What If I Don’t Have Enough On My EBT Card To Cover The Payment?
In this case, you will need to cover the rest of the payment with an alternative method such as:
- Cash
- Debit/Credit Card
- Discover Card
- Walgreens Gift Card
- Apple Pay
Can I Use My EBT Card At Walgreens Online?
Unfortunately, you cannot use your EBT card when shopping online at Walgreens. This is because it is not signed up for the USDA online EBT pilot program. This does make us wonder why it is accepted in some stores, but that’s another question for another time!
Can I Use My EBT Card For Walgreens Pickup?
This may also come as a shock to you as EBT cannot be used as a payment method for a pickup either, even if you opt to pay in-store. It might be worth making a mental note here and now that anything to do with Walgreens online means your EBT card cannot be used.
Where Else Can I Use My EBT Card?
The most obvious place your EBT card will be of use is at a grocery store. After all, the program was put in place to give families with low, or no income, access to nutritious foods that will allow them to lead a healthier and more active lifestyle.
Walgreens does sell a variety of products, but we must remember that it is best known for selling medication, health supplements, and cosmetics. Using your EBT card at any of the following stores will give you a better selection of SNAP-eligible products.
- Walmart
- Albertsons
- Kroger
- Target
- Costco
- Aldi
In fact, it is hard to come by a grocery store that does not accept EBT cards in this day and age.
Are There Any Restrictions When Using An EBT Card At Walgreens?
There are no restrictions when using your EBT card. The only major rule is that you must be authorized to use it. The card can be used by any household member, but you should not give it to friends or other family members that do not live in the same household as yourself to use.
Walgreens has the right to decline a payment made using EBT if an employee suspects it is being used unlawfully. However, this is usually up to the manager’s discretion.
What Other Items Can I Purchase At Walgreens?
A visit to Walgreens is rarely to pick up groceries. Instead, you may need to pick up a prescription or a health supplement. Walgreens sells a wide variety of medication, cosmetics, and other health and wellbeing products. Our list below contains a few items that may persuade you to pay a visit.
Walgreens sells the following products:
- Beauty products (makeup, nail varnish, tanning products)
- Household essentials (cleaning products, toilet rolls, air fresheners)
- Personal care (body wash, deodorant, shaving products)
- Fitness and nutrition products
- Baby products (diapers, baby wipes, bathing products)
- Medication
So it is plain to see why EBT cards are not accepted at every store as the majority of products do not fall under the SNAP benefits system.
The Final Say
Walgreens does take EBT cards as a form of payment in most stores. Unfortunately, EBT is not accepted for online or pickup orders, but hopefully, this will change in the near future.
If you have any other questions about their policies or would like to find out more about the services they offer, be sure to check out their website or give them a call. Thanks for reading!
