Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards are a payment option for recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps.
EBT cards can be used at participating retailers to purchase eligible food items. Aldi is one supermarket chain that accepts EBT payments.
Does Aldi Take EBT?
Yes, Aldi accepts EBT cards as a payment method. EBT cards are accepted at all Aldi locations in the United States.
Aldi has been accepting EBT since the late 1990s as part of their commitment to make healthy foods accessible to everyone.
To pay with an EBT card at Aldi, shoppers simply swipe their card at checkout like any other debit or credit card. The EBT payment will cover any eligible items purchased.
Cashiers at Aldi are accustomed to processing EBT transactions.
What Can I Buy With EBT at Aldi? 6 Items you can buy
At Aldi, EBT cards can be used to purchase any SNAP-eligible foods including:
- Fruits and vegetables – fresh, frozen, canned
- Meat, poultry, fish – fresh, frozen
- Dairy products – milk, cheese, eggs, yogurt
- Breads and cereals
- Snack foods – chips, cookies, granola bars
- Non-alcoholic beverages – juice, coffee, tea
In general, EBT cards can be used on most food items at grocery stores, excluding prepared hot foods or food intended to be eaten in the store.
So almost anything in Aldi’s food line can be purchased with EBT. Even their specialty items like organic, gluten-free, vegan, or gourmet foods are eligible.
The key is that it has to be intended for home preparation and consumption.
What Cannot Be Purchased With EBT at Aldi?
There are certain restrictions on what can be bought with EBT cards at all participating retailers, including Aldi:
- Alcohol
- Tobacco products
- Vitamins and medicines (unless insulin)
- Live animals
- Pet foods
- Cleaning supplies, paper products
- Household items
- Gift cards
Non-food items that are not eligible for EBT cannot be purchased at Aldi or any retailer.
Can You Use EBT To Shop At Aldi On Instacart?
Instacart offers same-day Aldi grocery delivery and pickup services in many areas. EBT SNAP can be used to pay for Instacart orders at Aldi.
To use EBT benefits on Instacart when shopping at Aldi:
- Connect EBT card to Instacart account
- Add eligible Aldi groceries to the cart
- Select EBT as payment method at checkout
- Swipe the EBT card upon delivery/pickup
So EBT cardholders can conveniently order Aldi groceries online through Instacart and pay using their SNAP benefits. Delivery fees and tips cannot be paid for with EBT however.
Aldi’s EBT Payment Policy
Aldi aims to provide an efficient, inclusive shopping experience for all customers. Their EBT payment policy is simple:
- EBT/SNAP accepted at ALL Aldi locations with no special rules or restrictions
- No fees, surcharges, or limits imposed on EBT transactions
- Standard Aldi return policy applies to EBT purchases
- EBT can be used to purchase eligible groceries through Aldi Instacart
- Cashiers trained to provide same level of friendly service to all customers
By accepting EBT seamlessly, Aldi removes barriers so shoppers of all income levels can access fresh, high-quality groceries.
Does Aldi Take WIC?
Aldi does not currently accept WIC benefits. WIC stands for Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children run by the USDA.
The WIC program provides specific supplemental foods, nutrition education, and referrals to pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children under 5.
Since WIC benefits are carefully regulated for certain approved items, retailers must specifically register to become WIC-authorized.
At this time Aldi is not a WIC-authorized retailer. WIC shoppers cannot use benefits to purchase items at Aldi.
How to Use EBT at Aldi?
Using an EBT card to shop at Aldi is quick and easy:
- Bring EBT card to any Aldi store – all locations accept EBT
- Shop for EBT-eligible groceries – almost anything except hot foods, prepared meals
- When checking out, swipe your EBT card first before any other payment
- Enter the EBT PIN on the keypad
- The EBT payment will cover eligible items only
- Any non-eligible items must be paid for separately with another form of payment
- Save receipt to keep track of EBT account balance
- Standard Aldi policies apply to EBT purchases – Twice as Nice Guarantee, etc.
It’s that simple! Aldi cashiers are used to EBT transactions so the process is discreet and convenient.
7 Key Benefits of Using EBT at Aldi
There are great advantages to shopping at Aldi with an EBT card:
- Low prices – Aldi has very competitive prices, so EBT dollars go further
- High quality – Foods meet high European standards despite low costs
- Good variety – Carries most typical grocery categories from produce to pantry items
- Specialty options – Many organic, gluten-free, plant-based products available
- Easy checkout – Cashiers accustomed to EBT payments, no hassle
- Normal return policy – Twice as Nice guarantee still applies on EBT purchases
- Pleasant shopping experience – Aldi treats all customers with respect
In summary, Aldi provides an excellent value grocery shopping trip for EBT users. The low prices help limited food dollars stretch further without sacrificing quality or selection.
List of 6 Aldi Stores That Accept EBT
Since all Aldi locations in the U.S. accept EBT payments, SNAP recipients can use their benefits at any of Aldi’s 2,000+ stores nationwide.
Aldi has stores in 36 states, concentrated most heavily in the Midwest, East Coast, and Southeast regions. Some states with large numbers of Aldi stores include:
- Florida – over 150 locations
- California – over 140 locations
- New York – over 130 locations
- Texas – over 120 locations
- Illinois – around 110 locations
- Pennsylvania – around 100 locations
Check the Aldi store locator to find the nearest Aldi that accepts EBT near you. Most areas have multiple Aldi stores within driving distance.
Alternatives to EBT at Aldi
For non-EBT shoppers, Aldi also accepts all major credit cards, debit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay at checkout.
They operate on a strictly cashless model and do not accept checks or paper coupons.
Customers who prefer to pay cash can purchase Aldi gift cards in-store to use on groceries. Gift cards allow the convenience of online ordering through Instacart as well.
The best way to maximize savings at Aldi is to build a grocery list in advance based on their weekly ads called the Aldi Finds.
This allows shoppers to plan around the lowest-priced items each week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use EBT online to shop at Aldi?
A: Yes, Aldi take EBT. You can order Aldi groceries for delivery or pickup through Instacart and pay with your EBT benefits online.
Q: Do I need to tell the cashier I’m using EBT?
A: No, just swipe your EBT card like any other debit card. The card will tell the cashier it is an EBT transaction.
Q: Can I get cash back on an EBT card at Aldi?
A: No, EBT cards cannot be used to withdraw cash at checkout. You can only purchase eligible food items.
Q: Can I use coupons with EBT at Aldi?
A: No, Aldi does not accept paper coupons. You must pay the shelf price using EBT.
Q: Does Aldi put limitations on EBT purchases?
A: No, Aldi does not impose any special limits or restrictions on EBT purchases. Normal policies apply.
Q: Can I return food purchased on EBT at Aldi?
A: Yes, Aldi’s Twice as Nice return policy applies to EBT purchases. Receipt and original packaging are required.
Q: Do all Aldi locations have the same EBT policy?
A: Yes, all Aldi locations in the US accept EBT cards and follow the same policies. This applies nationwide.
Q: Can I use EBT to shop at Trader Joe’s?
A: No, Trader Joe’s is a separate company from Aldi and does not accept EBT at this time.
Q: Does Aldi provide a senior discount on EBT purchases?
A: No, Aldi does not offer senior discounts. The same EBT prices apply to all recipients regardless of age.
Q: What forms of payment does Aldi accept besides EBT?
A: Aldi accepts all major credit cards, debit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. They do not accept checks or cash.
Key Takeaways:
- Aldi accepts EBT/SNAP benefits at all store locations in the US
- Eligible food items only – no alcohol, tobacco, pet food, paper goods, etc
- The same policies apply to EBT and non-EBT purchases
- Using EBT at Aldi allows low grocery prices without sacrificing quality
- Cashiers accustomed to processing EBT transactions quickly and discreetly
- All major credit/debit cards accepted for non-EBT shoppers
Conclusion:
With its rock-bottom prices on groceries, Aldi is an excellent supermarket choice for EBT recipients looking to stretch their SNAP benefits.
Aldi provides a pleasant, no-fuss shopping experience where EBT cards are treated the same as any other payment method.
Between the savings and quality foods, shopping at Aldi makes EBT benefits go further so families can get more groceries for less.
Shahbaz