Millions of low-income Americans are gearing up for one of the biggest online sales of the year — Amazon Prime Day 2025, happening July 9–10. But if you’re one of the nearly 42 million people receiving SNAP benefits and wondering whether you can join in on the savings using your EBT card, here’s the good news: you can — but there’s a catch.
What You Can Buy with EBT on Amazon
Amazon now accepts EBT cards for SNAP-eligible purchases — and that includes grocery items you can buy online, even during Prime Day. That means you can shop discounted food products without leaving your house.
Here’s what’s covered under SNAP when shopping on Amazon:
-
Fresh fruits and vegetables
-
Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt
-
Meats, poultry, and fish
-
Canned goods and pantry staples
-
Bread, cereals, snacks, and seeds
These items are often part of special Prime Day promotions, especially through Amazon Fresh or Whole Foods Market delivery in certain areas. So if you’re watching your grocery budget, Prime Day is a great time to stock up and save.
What You Can’t Buy with EBT
While EBT does work on Amazon for groceries, you cannot use your SNAP benefits to buy:
-
Electronics, phones, or computers (even if they’re 60% off)
-
Kitchen tools or cookware
-
Prime memberships
-
Toiletries or household goods
-
Hot or prepared foods
So if you’re eyeing those lightning deals on TVs or smart speakers, you’ll need to use a regular credit or debit card — EBT won’t cover those.
How to Use Your EBT Card on Amazon
The process is fairly easy, but many people don’t even know it’s possible. Here’s a step-by-step:
-
Go to Amazon’s SNAP EBT Page
-
Sign in or create a free Amazon account
-
Add your EBT card info under “Payment Methods”
-
Start shopping from SNAP-eligible items only (Amazon will label them clearly)
-
When you check out, your EBT card will cover eligible food purchases
You can also use another payment method during checkout to pay for anything not covered by SNAP.
Bonus Tip: You Can Get Prime at 50% Off With Your EBT Card
You can’t use your EBT balance to pay for a Prime membership, but there’s a workaround: Amazon offers a special low-cost Prime membership for EBT cardholders at just $7.49/month — half the regular price.
This discounted plan gives you full access to Prime Day deals, fast and free shipping, and access to Amazon Prime Video.
To enroll:
-
Visit Amazon Prime Access
-
Upload proof of government assistance (such as your EBT card or a benefits letter)
-
Enjoy all the perks of Prime for less
What’s New for 2025?
Amazon has expanded its delivery zones for Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods in 2025, meaning more people than ever can take advantage of SNAP grocery delivery — even in some rural areas. They’ve also introduced “Pantry Packs” that allow you to buy in bulk using EBT, which can help you stretch your benefits further.
And during Prime Day, many of these items are being offered in bundled discounts or “Buy More, Save More” deals, specifically for food items eligible under SNAP.
Final Takeaway
If you receive SNAP benefits, Amazon Prime Day can be a golden opportunity to restock your kitchen at major discounts — as long as you know what you’re allowed to buy with your EBT card.
The biggest mistake people make? Not linking their EBT card to Amazon in advance. Set it up now so you can act fast when deals go live — because some food items (like protein powder, snacks, and shelf-stable pantry items) are already starting to sell out.