Does Aldi Accept EBT? A Guide to Using Food Stamps at Aldi
This information is current as of April 8, 2022.
Those new to the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) or Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards might be asking, “Does Aldi accept EBT?”
Luckily for thousands of SNAP participants in the U.S., Aldi does accept EBT as payment. So you can use your SNAP food stamps to buy plenty of healthy and delicious food at this family-favorite grocery store.
This article explores how to use your food stamps at Aldi, what you can and cannot buy, Aldi curbside and delivery services, returning EBT products, etc.
Using Food Stamps at Aldi
Using your EBT food stamps at Aldi can be done in simple steps. If you’re new to EBT, you may have recently received your card. This card will automatically be refilled monthly with your SNAP benefits. You will be notified of your monthly benefit amount once your application has been approved.
EBT cards are like regular debit cards, except they’re explicitly used to buy food items at certain retailers. Like Aldi, most major grocery stores and supermarket chains accept EBT, and you’ll see a sticker or sign that says so on the registers or customer service counter. You may also see a complete list of EBT-accepting retailers near you by Googling “your state’s places that accept EBT.”
Paying with EBT at Aldi
Once you’ve located your nearest Aldi, you can head there and start grocery shopping as usual. The following section will cover precisely what SNAP covers food items and which are ineligible. If you need to combine eligible and ineligible items, you can do so in the same purchase.
Once at the checkout, you’ll let the cashier know that you’ll pay with an EBT card. All EBT-accepted items can be paid for by swiping or tapping the EBT card on the card machine. Then, follow the prompts, including inputting your PIN, and complete the payment.
You’ll need to pay the remaining balance with another source of cash if:
- Your EBT card has less money on it than the total cost of your groceries, or
- Non-eligible items are included in your purchase
Once your purchase is complete, the total cost will deduct from that month’s SNAP balance. If you ever have a leftover balance at the end of the month, it will roll over to the following month.
What Can I Buy With EBT at Aldi?
When using your EBT food stamps, you can purchase fruits, veggies, meat, fish, chicken, dairy, bread, cereals, snacks, juices, sodas, seeds, and plants.
It’s important to remember that SNAP benefits help low-income families access healthy foods for their families. Luckily, Aldi even has a Healthy Living Recipes page online. They share various recipes you can make from their products.
You can find recipes for:
Ineligible Items
Because the SNAP program aims to improve health through nutrition, it won’t pay for certain items at Aldi.
Using your EBT card at Aldi, you cannot buy:
- Alcohol
- Cigarettes/tobacco
- Foods with a Supplemental Facts label (vitamins, medicines, etc.)
- Hot foods or hot prepared meals
- Pet food
- Cosmetics/hygiene products
- Cleaning supplies and paper products
- Household supplies
- Live animals
If you want to purchase any of these items, you can combine them with your SNAP items. Then, at checkout, you’ll need to pay for them separately.
EBT Curbside Pickup and Delivery at Aldi
Aldi is great for SNAP recipients because it allows you to use your EBT card for delivery and curbside pickup services.
After the beginning of the 2020 pandemic, many families began using either pickup or delivery services for their grocery shopping. These options save you precious time and get all of your groceries picked out and packed together for you.
Note that these services usually cost between $1.99 and $5.99 per use, which you’ll need to pay out of pocket. Some items may also have slightly higher prices online than they would in-store.
Curbside Pickup at Aldi
To enjoy curbside pickup at Aldi with your EBT card, you’ll first head to the official Aldi curbside website. Then, choose the items that you want from the site and add them to your cart, as you would when online shopping.
Before checking out, add your pickup location and when you’ll be arriving. Then, place your order and pay for the items with your EBT card.
Pull up to the Aldi location you have chosen at the selected time. Look for signs that direct you to a particular waiting area for curbside customers. An employee will soon bring the groceries out to your car.
Grocery Delivery at Aldi
Aldi can also package and deliver your groceries to you in a few clicks. Follow the same prompts as you would for curbside pickup, starting with exploring the shopping page. Then, choose your items, add your address, pay for the goods and service, and wait for an Aldi employee to arrive at your house with your groceries.
Aldi Alternative Forms of Payment
When looking to combine your EBT card with another form of payment to complete your grocery shopping at Aldi, you can use any of the following:
- Cash
- Aldi gift cards
- Most debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express)
- Contactless payment (Apply Pay and Google Pay)
Aldi does not accept WIC benefits or checks.
Returning an Item Bought with EBT
Aldi’s return policy for EBT items is the same as for non-EBT items. Aldi wants its customers to have the best shopping experience. So the retailer backs their items with something called the Twice as Nice Guarantee.
The Twice as Nice Guarantee will provide you with a full refund for any unused items you purchased at Aldi. This Guarantee is mainly for food items; it does not cover non-food items.
You’ll need to have the original receipt and product packaging and return it to an Aldi store manager, who will issue your refund.
If you don’t have a receipt, you’ll receive an Aldi gift card instead of a refund to your original payment method. Otherwise, your original method of payment will be credited. For example, if you paid with your EBT card, the money would be refunded. However, you cannot refund an EBT purchase and get a cash refund.
The Benefits of Shopping at Aldi
Aldi stores tend to be smaller than competing grocery stores, focusing on having must-need items available for all families. Instead of using expensive brands, most of Aldi’s products are made for Aldi only.
This means they are more affordable while still meeting health and safety standards, and they aim to give customers what they’re looking for.
For a complete list of Aldi products, check out their website.
Final Thoughts
So, does Aldi accept EBT? If you get your SNAP benefits on an EBT card, you can use this card at any Aldi near you. By using it like any debit card, you’ll have access to a great variety of meats, vegetables, dairy products, and more.
Aldi even gives EBT customers access to their curbside pickup or delivery options. This way, you can shop online and receive your groceries without stepping foot inside the store. Their return policy for unused food items is also easy, refunding your money back onto your EBT card if you’re unhappy with a product.
If you’re shopping and haven’t taken advantage of cash-back apps, try combining them with your SNAP benefits to get the most bang for your buck.
Save Money on Your Wireless Phone Service
Are you looking for assistance with your wireless phone service? When you qualify for government benefit programs like SNAP, you’re eligible for Lifeline or the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Both Lifeline and ACP are government programs that help low-income consumers receive free or heavily discounted communication services.
Click here to find out more and apply for this valuable benefit.
Get a Tablet for $10.01
If you qualify, you can get an 8″ tablet for just $10.01. To get started, apply here!
