Using WIC on Walmart.com and the Walmart App

You can use your WIC card to buy approved WIC foods through Walmart.com and the Walmart mobile app, but not in the same way you use it in a physical store. Walmart's online service works with most state WIC programs, though the process and which foods you can order vary by state. You'll need to link your WIC card to your Walmart account, shop from the WIC-approved food list, and pick a delivery or pickup option at checkout.

The key difference from in-store shopping: you cannot use your WIC card as a payment method online the way you swipe it at the register. Instead, you pay with a regular debit card, credit card, or Walmart+ membership, and Walmart reimburses itself from your WIC benefits after you complete the order. This means you need a non-WIC payment method to check out, even though the purchase comes from your WIC balance.

Key Takeaways

  • You must link your WIC card to your Walmart account before you can shop for WIC foods online.
  • Only foods on your state's WIC-approved list will show as available for purchase on the app or website.
  • You pay at checkout with a debit card, credit card, or Walmart+ membership, and the charge is deducted from your WIC balance after the order is placed.
  • Delivery and pickup options vary by location, and some areas may not yet support WIC online ordering.

Step-by-Step: Linking Your WIC Card to Walmart

Open the Walmart app or go to Walmart.com and sign in to your account. If you don't have a Walmart account, create one with your email address and a password. You'll need to provide your name, address, and phone number.

Once you're logged in, go to your account settings. Look for a section labeled "WIC" or "Payment Methods" — the exact location varies depending on whether you're using the app or the website. Select the option to add or link a WIC card. You'll be asked to enter your WIC card number, the expiration date, and the PIN you use at checkout in stores. Some states also require you to verify your identity by answering security questions or confirming your date of birth.

After you submit this information, Walmart will verify your card with your state's WIC program. This usually takes a few minutes, but can take up to 24 hours. Once your card is linked, you'll see a confirmation message, and you can start shopping for WIC foods.

Finding and Ordering WIC-Approved Foods

After your WIC card is linked, search for foods on the Walmart app or website as you normally would. Only items that are on your state's WIC-approved food list will be available for purchase with your WIC benefits. These typically include milk, cheese, eggs, bread, cereal, peanut butter, beans, canned vegetables, canned fruit, and infant formula — but the exact list and brands vary by state.

When you add WIC-approved items to your cart, the app will show you how much of your WIC balance each item will use. If you add non-WIC items to the same order, you'll pay for those separately at checkout with your regular payment method. Walmart will split the charge: WIC items come out of your WIC balance, and everything else comes from your debit or credit card.

Some items may show as "WIC-may be able to access" but not be available in your area or at your selected store. If an item is grayed out or marked as unavailable, it means that specific brand or size is not in stock or not approved for your state's program. You can choose a different brand or size that is available, or skip that item and add it to your next order.

Choosing Delivery or Pickup at Checkout

When you're ready to check out, Walmart will ask you to choose between delivery or pickup. Not all locations support both options for WIC orders, so you may see only one choice depending on where you live. Delivery times and fees vary by area — some areas offer free delivery on orders over a certain amount, while others charge a flat fee.

If you choose pickup, you'll select a Walmart location near you and a time window for pickup. You'll receive a notification when your order is ready, usually within a few hours to one business day. When you arrive to pick up, bring your WIC card and a photo ID. A Walmart associate will verify your identity and hand over your order.

For delivery, Walmart will bring your groceries to your address on the date and time you select. You don't need to be present for delivery in most cases, but you can request a signature confirmation if you prefer. Keep your receipt or order confirmation for your records.

Payment and How Your WIC Balance Is Charged

At checkout, you'll see two separate charges if your order includes both WIC and non-WIC items. The WIC items will be deducted from your WIC card balance, and the non-WIC items will be charged to your debit card, credit card, or Walmart+ membership. You must have a valid payment method on file to complete the order, even if you're only buying WIC foods.

The charge from your WIC balance usually appears within 24 to 48 hours. You can check your remaining WIC balance by logging into your state's WIC program website or app, or by calling the customer service number on the back of your WIC card. Your balance updates after each transaction, so you'll know exactly how much you have left to spend.

If your order is canceled or returned, the WIC funds are returned to your account. Return the items to a Walmart store or follow the return instructions in your order confirmation email. Refunds typically process within 3 to 5 business days.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your WIC card won't link to Walmart, the most common reason is that your state's WIC program is not yet connected to Walmart's online system. Not all states support WIC online ordering, and some states only support it in certain counties or regions. Check your state's WIC website or call your local WIC office to confirm whether online ordering is available in your area.

If your card is linked but you see an error message at checkout, your WIC balance may be too low to cover the items in your cart, or your card may have expired. Check your balance and your card's expiration date. If your card has expired, contact your WIC office to request a replacement card before placing another order.

If you're having trouble finding WIC-approved items, make sure you're searching for the exact brand and size that appears on your state's approved list. Some states have very specific requirements — for example, only certain brands of whole wheat bread or specific sizes of milk containers may have access to. If an item you expect to see is not showing up, it may not be approved in your state or may be out of stock at your selected location.

State Variations and Availability

Walmart's WIC online service is available in most states, but the exact foods you can order, the delivery and pickup options, and the process for linking your card all depend on your state's WIC program. Some states have been using this service for several years, while others added it more recently. A few states do not yet support WIC online ordering through Walmart or any retailer.

Before you start, visit your state's WIC website or contact your local WIC office to confirm that online ordering is available where you live. They can also provide you with a list of approved foods specific to your state and tell you which Walmart locations in your area accept WIC for online orders. If your state doesn't support WIC online yet, you can continue to use your WIC card in physical Walmart stores.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my WIC card to pay directly at checkout on the Walmart app?

No. You must pay with a debit card, credit card, or Walmart+ membership at checkout. Walmart then deducts the WIC items from your WIC balance after the order is placed. This is different from in-store shopping, where you swipe your WIC card directly at the register.

What happens if I order both WIC and non-WIC items together?

Walmart splits the charge at checkout. WIC-approved items are deducted from your WIC balance, and non-WIC items are charged to your debit or credit card. Both charges appear on your receipt, and you can see exactly how much came from each payment method.

How long does it take for my WIC balance to update after I place an order?

The charge usually appears within 24 to 48 hours. You can check your updated balance by logging into your state's WIC program website or app, or by calling the number on the back of your WIC card. Your balance updates after each transaction.

What if my state doesn't support WIC online ordering yet?

You can continue to use your WIC card in physical Walmart stores. Check your state's WIC website periodically to see if online ordering becomes available in your area. Some states are rolling out this service gradually by region.

Can I return WIC items I ordered online?

Yes. Return the items to a Walmart store with your receipt or order confirmation. Refunds are processed within 3 to 5 business days and returned to your WIC balance. You don't need to return items to the same location where you picked them up.