How to Use Your SNAP EBT Card and Check Your Balance

SNAP benefits are loaded onto an EBT card each month — here's how to use it at the grocery store, check your balance, and use it for online grocery orders.

In this guide (4 steps):

1.Use your EBT card at checkout
2.Check your SNAP balance
3.Use SNAP benefits for online grocery orders
4.Report a lost or stolen EBT card immediately

Use your EBT card at checkout

~40s

At a participating grocery store, when you are ready to pay, tell the cashier you are paying with EBT. Swipe or insert your EBT card in the card reader. Select "EBT Food" when prompted. Enter your 4-digit PIN. The amount is deducted from your SNAP balance. You will receive a receipt showing your remaining balance. SNAP can be used for most food items — fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, bread, cereal, and seeds or plants to grow food. SNAP cannot be used for alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, hot prepared foods, or non-food items.

Quick Tip

If you forget your PIN or need to change it, call the number on the back of your EBT card. Do not write your PIN on your card or share it with anyone.

Check your SNAP balance

~23s

Your EBT balance appears on your receipt after each purchase. You can also check your balance: by calling the toll-free number on the back of your EBT card (available 24 hours), through your state's EBT website or app (search your state name + "EBT balance" or "ConnectEBT"), or through the free ConnectEBT app (App Store and Google Play), which shows your current balance and transaction history for most states.

Use SNAP benefits for online grocery orders

~27s

As of 2026, SNAP EBT is accepted online at Amazon Fresh, Walmart.com, and several other grocery websites. To use it on Amazon: go to amazon.com/snap → add your EBT card under "Add a card" → when checking out, select your EBT card as the payment method and enter your PIN. You can order grocery delivery or pickup. Amazon Prime membership is not required for EBT grocery orders — Amazon offers a discounted Prime membership ($7.49/month vs. $14.99) for SNAP recipients.

Report a lost or stolen EBT card immediately

~26s

If your EBT card is lost or stolen, call the number on your state's EBT customer service line immediately (available 24 hours). They will cancel the card and mail a replacement, usually within 3–5 business days. Your SNAP balance is protected — any unused benefits carry over to the new card. In most states, you can report a lost card and check your balance through your state's EBT website or the ConnectEBT app without needing to call.

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SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly called food stamps) provides monthly food benefits on an EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) card. The card works like a debit card at most grocery stores, supermarkets, and some farmers markets. SNAP benefits are automatically reloaded onto the card each month on a schedule set by your state. Understanding how to check your balance and use your EBT card online can make managing your benefits much easier.

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