Does Publix Accept EBT?

3 years ago
4 mins 9 secs

One aspect EBT cardholders are curious about is the answer to the question, “Does Publix accept EBT?”. When this is one of the largest supermarkets you’ll find in several parts of the US, who wouldn’t? Being able to use these cards in such a place means you can get access to several kinds of foodstuff at a time. Here’s what you should know about Electronic Benefits Transfer cards and their usage in Publix. 

Publix accepts EBT on every eligible foodstuff that you purchase offline and online. However, you must place orders using Instacart for pickup or delivery. You don’t have to worry about benefit exclusion as you get SNAP and EBT benefits on most food items. Additionally, you can use your card to buy sweet treats like cakes, sushi, and cold subs at Publix.

Is EBT Accepted at Publix for Online Purchases?

When you don’t want to spare a trip to the supermarket, your first thought would be to order online. If you’re using an EBT card, you don’t have to worry about online delivery at Publix. The supermarket will take and deliver your order through Instacart.

The following describes the steps you should follow when using EBT at Publix online:

  • Log into your account to begin to shop but if you don’t have an account, start by creating one
  • After you’ve logged in, search for Publix, visit the lobby and begin shopping for eligible items
  • Tap the cart symbol on the screen to checkout after you’ve finished shopping
  • Select the payment method
  • Fill your card information in the space available
  • Enter your address where indicated
  • You can edit how much you want to pay with your EBT card
  • Select “Confirm payment method.”
  • Ensure all information is correct and proceed to click “place order.”
  • Enter your EBT pin to verify the order and complete the transaction
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How to Use EBT at Publix

Using EBT cards at Publix is like using a debit card to make purchases. The difference is that the card can’t purchase all items in the supermarket. Therefore your first step is to discover which items are eligible for you.

You can buy several items with your EBT card except:

  • Pet food
  • Cleaning agents
  • Cosmetic Items
  • Toiletries
  • Hit bar foods
  • Drugs and supplements
  • Products from Tobacco
  • Alcoholic beverages

As long as you add food items that are not within these categories, you’re in the clear. However, if you want to purchase any of these items, use a different payment method.

Once you’ve finished shopping, proceed to the checkout as you should in any store. Inform the cashier that you’ll be paying with an EBT card so they can input the correct information. Afterward, they’ll demand your pin to complete your purchase.

What Can You Purchase With EBT at Publix?

Using an EBT card, you can get the basic things and more that you need for a healthy diet. That said, it’s possible to get any fresh fruit, vegetables, milk, and dairy products and use this card for payment. You can also buy eggs, cereals, snacks, and other non-alcoholic beverages that are healthy.

Do I Have to Separate EBT-Eligible Items When Using EBT?

Usually, it’s unnecessary to separate the EBT-eligible items from those you can’t buy with an EBT card. The barcode on each product automatically distinguishes these products once you scan through them.

After the cashier has separated the items, you first pay with the EBT card to get the remaining balance. Then, you pay up using a different payment option, like a credit card.

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On the other hand, some smaller Publix stores might request that you separate these items. So, it’s always important to inform the cashier that you’re using EBT before they process the payment.

Does Publix Accept EBT for Subs?

Unfortunately, you can’t pay with EBT at Publix for a hot sub because EBT laws prohibit such. These foods include subs that others make on request and deli sandwiches. However, you can buy ready-made cold sandwiches since they’re not hot-food items.

Is EBT Accepted at Publix for Cakes?

If you love bakery items, you can use your EBT card for these purchases. Bakery items you can buy include bread, cakes, cupcakes, and cookies. If you’re lucky, the Publix store near you might be taking custom cake orders regardless of EBT payment.

Since cakes are premade and are not hot food items, you won’t have a problem with them. However, buying custom-made cakes can be tricky. While some stores might consent to this, others won’t, so it’s best to get ready-made in most cases.

Conclusion

EBT cards have made life easier for several individuals. With Publix’s new online EBT program, online grocery shopping with EBT is even better. This is a significant step toward making food delivery more affordable for people of all income levels.

Interested in finding out if other supermarkets accept EBT? Check out these articles.

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