Can't use EBT Cash at Walmart online - which stores actually work?

same thing happened 2 me! think its a glitch in there system. i called the EBT customer service # on back of card and they said walmart SHOULD accept it but the didn't fix anything

I've worked through this issue before. First, make sure you've set up your EBT Cash PIN separately - some people don't realize it needs a separate verification from the CalFresh side. For Walmart specifically, they have limitations on EBT Cash usage online. When you're at checkout, you need to select "EBT Cash" as the payment method FIRST before any other payment methods. Also make sure you're on Walmart.com and not using the app (the app had issues with EBT Cash last year). Amazon doesn't accept EBT Cash at all, only SNAP/CalFresh for food items. Target has started accepting EBT Cash online for delivery and pickup in certain areas of California, so that might be worth trying. If you're still having issues, sometimes the problem is that your local county office needs to update something on the back end of your case. Getting through to them by phone can be a nightmare though.

Walmart online is SO FRUSTRATING with EBT!!! I had the exact same problem last month and spent HOURS trying to figure it out. Turns out they only let you use EBT Cash for certain delivery zones and pickup locations. Try changing your delivery address or pickup store - that fixed it for me!!

I help clients navigate EBT issues regularly, and online EBT Cash usage is unfortunately still very limited in California. Here's what you need to know: 1. Walmart technically accepts EBT Cash online, but their system has been problematic since 2024 after they updated their payment processing system. Many counties in California are affected. 2. Target does accept EBT Cash online in most California counties now, but only for pickup orders, not delivery. 3. Grocery Outlet partners with Instacart in some areas and accepts EBT Cash. 4. For household essentials specifically, try Dollar General online - they've recently expanded their EBT Cash acceptance. 5. If you're facing technical issues rather than store policy problems, I'd recommend trying to reach your county CalFresh office directly to verify there are no holds or issues with your EBT Cash account. Sometimes there are flags on accounts that prevent online transactions specifically. If you're having trouble getting through to your county office by phone (which is common), you might want to try Claimyr (claimyr.com). I've had clients use their service to get through to CalFresh workers much faster when dealing with urgent EBT issues. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8.

Has anyone used Instacart with EBT Cash? I know they take regular CalFresh but not sure about the cash part. Been thinking about trying it.

I went through this EXACT SAME NIGHTMARE scenario last month with my EBT Cash!!! Spent literally hours trying to make Walmart work. It's so frustrating because they don't tell you WHY it's not working! Here's what FINALLY worked for me: 1. I had to CALL my county office (took forever to get through) 2. Found out there was a "payment restriction flag" on my account for online transactions 3. They had to remove it on their end 4. Had to wait 24 hours for it to update in the system 5. THEN Walmart finally worked Apparently this is happening to TONS of people since they updated their fraud prevention system in 2025. The most INFURIATING part is that nobody tells you this!!! Not Walmart, not the EBT customer service line. Hope this helps someone else avoid the nightmare I went through!!!

I tried that Claimyr service someone mentioned above when I was having EBT issues last month. It actually did get me through to a real person in about 15 minutes instead of waiting on hold for hours. The worker told me there was a system-wide issue with Walmart and EBT Cash in multiple counties that they're still working on fixing. My workaround has been using Target for pickup orders - it's been working consistently for me in Sacramento County.

anybody know if u can use EBT cash on amazon?? really need some stuff but cant get to store

UPDATE: Target pickup worked!!! I was able to use my EBT Cash for a pickup order with no problems. Thank you everyone for your help. For anyone having the same issue, try Target's website - you have to select EBT Cash at checkout, then enter your card and PIN. I still want to get the Walmart issue fixed, so I'm going to try calling my county office about that possible restriction flag on my account.

So glad to see Target worked for you! This thread has been super helpful - I've been having the exact same Walmart issues. Just wanted to add that I called my county office yesterday about the "online transaction restriction" that Derek mentioned, and sure enough, I had one on my account too! The worker said it's been automatically flagged on tons of accounts since January 2025 due to some new fraud prevention measures. She removed it and said to wait 24-48 hours before trying Walmart again. For anyone still struggling, definitely ask specifically about "e-commerce blocks" or "online transaction restrictions" when you call your county office. The workers know exactly what you're talking about now because they've been getting so many calls about it.

I am having issues with Wal-mart too but I will be looking into calling the local county office Monday to check into the "online restriction" thing!!! In the meantime, how do I use EBT Cash with Target or CVS? Thanks in advance!!!