Does Kroger Accept EBT and SNAP in 2026? Complete Policy Guide

In-Store EBT Payments at Kroger

All Kroger stores, including its family of brands (Fred Meyer, Ralphs, Smith’s, Harris Teeter, King Soopers, and Fry’s), accept EBT cards at every checkout lane and self-checkout. Using your card in-store is straightforward:

1. Swipe or insert your EBT card at the card reader.
2. Select “EBT” or “Food” when prompted for payment type.
3. Enter your 4-digit PIN on the keypad.
4. Confirm the purchase amount.

If you buy a mix of eligible and ineligible items (called a mixed-basket transaction), Kroger’s register will automatically separate them. Your SNAP funds pay only for eligible food, and you’ll need to provide another payment method, such as cash or a debit card, for the remaining balance.

What You Can Buy with EBT at Kroger

SNAP-eligible items at Kroger include:

• Fruits and vegetables (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• Meat, poultry, and fish
• Dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt)
• Breads and cereals (pasta, rice, breakfast cereal)
• Snack foods (chips, ice cream, cookies)
• Non-alcoholic beverages (soda, juice, bottled water)
• Seeds and plants that produce food

You cannot use EBT for alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, medicine, hot prepared foods from the deli counter, or non-food items such as pet food, paper towels, or cleaning supplies.

Online Pickup and Delivery with EBT

Kroger does not publish a complete online EBT policy on its official website. However, third-party reporting indicates that Kroger accepts EBT for online pickup and home delivery in some states. To confirm whether your local Kroger location offers these options, contact your nearest store directly.

For pickup orders: Build your cart on the Kroger website or app. Select “Pay at Pickup” at checkout. When you arrive, an associate will bring a mobile payment machine to your car where you can swipe your EBT card and enter your PIN.

For delivery orders: Add your SNAP EBT card to your Kroger online wallet at checkout. You can split the payment between your EBT card and another payment method. Important note: delivery fees, driver tips, and any service charges must be paid with a credit or debit card, not SNAP benefits.

DoorDash launched SNAP/EBT delivery from nearly 2,700 Kroger stores as of May 2026, including Mariano’s, Fred Meyer, Ralphs, Harris Teeter, and other Kroger banners. On DoorDash, SNAP customers can purchase eligible groceries and have them delivered. DoorDash offered $0 delivery fees on the first SNAP order through June 15, 2026, though other fees, taxes, and gratuity still apply.

Cash Back and Other Payment Rules

You cannot get cash back from SNAP benefits under federal law. However, if your EBT card carries TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) cash assistance benefits in addition to SNAP, you can withdraw cash from your TANF account at Kroger. You cannot use your SNAP funds at Kroger gas stations, though you can purchase eligible snacks and drinks inside the gas station convenience store.

Returns of items bought with SNAP are refunded to your EBT card, not as cash. If you receive a refund, the amount goes back to your SNAP balance.

Family of Kroger Brands and Other Details

EBT is accepted at all locations under the Kroger Co. family of stores, including Fred Meyer, Ralphs, Smith’s, Harris Teeter, King Soopers, Fry’s, Food 4 Less, Pick’n Save, and many others. Kroger also accepts P-EBT (Pandemic EBT) cards using the same process as regular SNAP EBT cards.

If you need to combine Kroger coupon policy usage with EBT, confirm with your local store how coupons interact with SNAP benefits. Some stores may allow coupons on eligible items, though Kroger does not publish clear guidance on this in a central location. Before shopping, check your EBT balance by calling the number on the back of your card, visiting your state’s official EBT portal, or looking at the bottom of your last receipt.

How to Confirm Kroger’s EBT Policy at Your Location

Kroger does not publish a complete EBT policy on its website. Because of this, details such as online pickup and delivery availability vary by location and state. To confirm what your local Kroger accepts:

• Call the Kroger customer service number or your nearest store directly.
• Ask the cashier or service desk about online ordering options.
• Check the Kroger app or website during checkout to see if EBT is offered as a payment option.
• For DoorDash delivery, search for your local Kroger banner in the DoorDash app to confirm availability.

If you use other major retailers, compare their policies: Walmart EBT policy, Target EBT policy, and Amazon EBT policy all have different online and in-store options.