An EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) card is a service that allows participants to purchase food at authorized retailers.
With this card, shoppers can buy fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and other qualifying items using the funds provided by government assistance programs like SNAP and WIC.
Many low-income families depend on EBT to access nutritious food. Most big-box retail stores accept EBT, but what about Walgreens? Does Walgreens take EBT?
The answer is yes; many Walgreens locations accept EBT cards, making them a convenient one-stop location for all your nutritional needs.
What Items Can I Buy With My EBT Card?
Though primarily known as a pharmacy, Walgreens has since expanded its offerings to include a wide variety of groceries and household essentials.
Here are the items you can buy using your EBT:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Dairy products like milk, cheese, yogurt, and eggs
- Bread and cereals
- Meat and poultry
- Non-perishable stables like beans, rice, canned goods, and pasta
- Seeds and plants that produce food for the household to eat
You can’t buy alcoholic drinks, hot food, pet products, cleaning supplies, cosmetics, and hygiene items with EBT cards.
You also can’t use it to purchase over-the-counter (OTC) medicine, as well as vitamins and supplements. Medicaid and similar health insurance programs usually cover prescription medication.
Does Walgreens Accept Online EBT Payments?
Walgreens accepts online EBT payments through the Walgreens website and app.
Walgreens recently partnered with DoorDash to allow online EBT payments when buying items through the app.
What Other Payment Methods Does Walgreens Accept?
Walgreens accepts a variety of payment methods beyond EBT cards, including:
- VISA
- MasterCard
- Discover Network
- American Express
- PayPal and PayPal Credit (formerly Bill Me Later)
- Walgreens gift cards
- myWalgreens Credit Card
- myWalgreens MasterCard
- Cash
- Check
- CareCredit
- Contactless payment, including Apple Pay, Google Pay, and tap-to-pay credit cards
- Masterpass
Does Walgreens Accept OTC Benefit Cards?
OTC (Over-the-Counter) Benefit cards are funded by select health insurance plans, including Medicare Advantage, CompleteCare, and Increased Benefit.
The card lets you purchase over-the-counter medications and health and wellness products with preloaded funds. Funds are loaded monthly, quarterly, or annually, depending on the plan.
The good news is that Walgreens accepts OTC benefit cards for eligible items, including:
- Cold and flu medication
- Allergy medication
- Vitamins
- First aid items
- Laxatives
- Denture care
- Antibiotic creams
- Eyedrops
If you have an OTC Plus card, you can also use it to pay for fitness equipment, healthy foods, activity trackers, and home utilities such as oil, electric, gas, internet, and water service.
Final Thoughts
Walgreens is a convenient option for low-income families who rely on EBT cards to purchase groceries.
With the card, families can purchase fruits and vegetables, dairy products, meat and poultry, and whole-grain products.
The card isn’t eligible for non-food items like toiletries, cleaning supplies, and cosmetics, as well as alcohol, tobacco, pet food, and OTC medications, vitamins, and supplements.
