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Publix accepts EBT cards as a payment method. You can shop for eligible groceries in-store and online, but you’d have to use another card to pay for Publix delivery. Currently, the store doesn’t accept EBT cards for deliveries.
If you want to know more about Electronic Benefits Transfer cards and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), we have an article that explains what they are and how they work. Keep reading this post to learn how to use your EBT card at Publix.
How does using EBT at Publix work?
As aforementioned, Publix accepts EBT cards. You can use your card to pay for groceries at the checkout section of the stores. You can also use your card to buy items on the store’s website. Publix has partnered with Instacart to deliver your orders to your apartment. Fortunately, Instacart accepts EBT cards too. Curbside pickup is also an option if you’re not always at home to collect your order.
When you add items to your virtual cart, you can proceed to the checkout page and add your EBT card as a payment method. Instacart will charge your EBT card for the groceries only. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits paying for delivery fees and other service charges with EBT cards because they are not food items. You must add your debit card, or other accepted payment methods, to cover those extra charges.
If you also have items that the USDA doesn’t approve of in your cart, your debit card will cover the costs. Our post on what you can and can’t buy with your EBT card will help you know the items to avoid or toss into your cart.
Does Publix accept returns for EBT purchases?
Publix accepts returns for purchases you make with your EBT card. The USDA states that all SNAP card holders should be treated equally with regular customers. According to the the department:
You may return or refund an item bought with a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, so long as store policy allows it.
Publix’s return policy states that you can return your purchase if you’re unsatisfied with it. You will need to bring your receipt along with the item to the Publix store you bought it from. The receipt will serve as proof of payment. If you can’t find your receipt, the cashiers will help you look it up on their system. If that doesn’t work, you may need to provide a government-issued identification card. Publix will credit you in the form of a Publix gift card.
Publix will either replace the item or give you a full refund in the form of your original payment. So if you paid with your EBT card, the store will refund the card. Getting cash back for EBT cards is illegal, hence the store won’t refund you in cash.
Conclusion
Like many stores, Publix is taking stores to ensure that low-income earners can shop quality groceries like anybody else. The store’s partnership with Instacart makes it possible for you to buy stuff online with ease. If you want to expand your options, these other grocery stores accept EBT as well.
Irene is a Freelance content writer who helps professionals and startups build an audience with original content online. She has written over +100 articles, and is backed up by 3 years experience. She loves gaming and listening to music, while she’s not tapping furiously on her laptop.