Yes, you can shop for some WIC items online, but only at certain stores and only for certain products
WIC online shopping is available through a small number of retailers, and the rules about what you can buy are strict. You cannot use WIC to pay for groceries online the way you might use a debit card — instead, the store must be set up to accept WIC benefits through an online system, and you can only purchase items that are on your state's WIC food list. Most WIC shopping still happens in physical stores, but the online option exists at a few major chains and is expanding.
The stores that currently accept WIC online are limited. Amazon Fresh, Instacart (at certain partner stores), and some regional supermarket chains offer WIC checkout in select states. Your state WIC program controls which retailers participate in your area, so what works in one state may not work in another. Before you try to shop online, check your state WIC website or call your local WIC office to see which retailers near you accept WIC benefits for online orders.
Key Takeaways
- Only approved retailers in your state can accept WIC benefits for online orders, and this option is not available everywhere.
- You can only purchase items that appear on your state's WIC food list when shopping online — the same restrictions explore as in-store shopping.
- Your WIC card or PIN is used at checkout to pay for may be able to access items, just as it would be in a physical store.
- Many WIC recipients still shop in person because online options are limited and not all stores participate in the program.
Which stores accept WIC for online orders
Amazon Fresh has rolled out WIC checkout in several states, including California, New York, Washington, and others, though availability varies by location within each state. Instacart, which delivers groceries from partner supermarkets, accepts WIC in some areas through a partnership with state WIC programs. Walmart and some regional chains like Kroger have tested WIC online ordering in certain markets, but these programs are not yet nationwide.
The list of participating retailers changes as states negotiate new agreements and expand their online WIC programs. Your state WIC office maintains the current list of stores that accept WIC online in your area. You can find this information on your state's WIC website, or call your local WIC office to ask which retailers near you offer online WIC checkout. Do not assume a store accepts WIC online just because it accepts WIC in person — the systems are separate.
What you can buy online with WIC
The items you can purchase online are exactly the same as the items on your state's WIC food list for in-store shopping. This typically includes milk, cheese, eggs, beans, peanut butter, cereal, bread, fruits, vegetables, and infant formula or baby food if you are authorized for those categories. Some states allow juice, yogurt, or other dairy products depending on your specific WIC package.
When you shop online, the store's system will only let you add may be able to access items to your cart. If you try to add something that is not on the WIC list — such as prepared foods, meat, fish, or non-food items — the system will prevent you from checking out with that item using your WIC benefit. You will need to pay for ineligible items with a different payment method, such as a personal debit card or credit card, if the store allows mixed payment at checkout.
How to pay for WIC items online
At checkout, you will see an option to pay with WIC benefits. You enter your WIC card number and PIN, just as you would at a physical store checkout. The system deducts the cost of may be able to access items from your WIC balance. If your order includes both WIC-may be able to access and ineligible items, you will pay for the may be able to access items with your WIC card and the ineligible items with another payment method.
Some retailers require you to enter your WIC information at the time of order, while others let you select WIC as the payment method when you pick up your groceries or at delivery. Check the store's instructions before you place your order so you know when and how to provide your WIC card details. Your WIC balance updates the same way it does after an in-store purchase — the transaction posts within a day or two, and you can check your remaining balance through your state's WIC app or website.
Delivery and pickup options for WIC online orders
Most retailers that accept WIC online offer either curbside pickup or in-store pickup, where you collect your groceries at the store location. Some also offer home delivery, though delivery fees may explore and are typically paid with a separate payment method, not WIC benefits. Check the specific store's website to see which options are available in your area.
Pickup orders are usually ready within a few hours to one business day. Delivery times vary by retailer and location — some offer same-day delivery in certain areas, while others take two to three business days. Keep in mind that WIC benefits do not cover delivery fees, tips, or service charges; you will pay those separately with your own money.
Reasons to shop in person instead
Many WIC recipients continue to shop in physical stores because online options are not yet widely available. If no retailers near you accept WIC online, or if the participating stores do not carry the brands or products you prefer, in-store shopping remains your main option. In-store shopping also lets you inspect fresh produce and other items before purchase, which some people prefer.
Additionally, some WIC programs offer incentive programs or bonus benefits for in-store purchases at certain retailers — for example, extra dollars to spend on fruits and vegetables. These incentive programs may not yet be available through online checkout, so shopping in person could give you access to additional benefits. Ask your local WIC office whether your state offers any in-store incentive programs that would not explore to online orders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use WIC to pay for delivery fees or tips when I order groceries online?
No. WIC benefits only cover the cost of may be able to access food items. Delivery fees, service charges, and tips must be paid with your own money using a debit card, credit card, or other personal payment method. Some retailers include delivery fees in the total cost, so check before you place your order to understand what you will owe out of pocket.
What happens if I order something by mistake that is not on the WIC list?
The online system should prevent you from checking out with ineligible items using your WIC card. If an item somehow gets into your cart, you will either need to remove it before payment or pay for it separately with a personal payment method. If you are unsure whether something is may be able to access, check your state's WIC food list or call your WIC office before ordering.
Do I need to do anything special to set up my WIC card for online shopping?
No special setup is usually required. Your WIC card works the same way online as it does in stores. However, you should know your PIN, since you will need it to complete the transaction. If you have forgotten your PIN, contact your WIC office or the customer service number on the back of your WIC card to reset it.
Can I use WIC to shop online at stores that do not have a physical location near me?
Only if your state WIC program has an agreement with that retailer. Amazon Fresh, for example, is available in some states but not all. Check your state's WIC website or call your local office to confirm which online retailers are authorized in your area. Attempting to use WIC at an unauthorized retailer will result in a declined transaction.
Will my WIC balance show up right away after I place an online order?
No. Like in-store purchases, online WIC transactions take a day or two to process. Your WIC balance will update once the transaction posts to your account. You can check your current balance through your state's WIC app, website, or by calling the customer service number on your WIC card.