WIC online shopping works at a small number of stores, and the list varies by state
Not every store that takes WIC in person lets you order online with your WIC card. As of now, Amazon and Walmart are the two largest retailers that accept WIC benefits for online orders in most states. Some states also allow WIC purchases through Instacart when you shop at participating stores. The exact stores available to you depend on which state you live in and which WIC program runs your benefits — state programs have different contracts with retailers.
Before you set up an online order, check your state WIC program's website or call your local WIC office to confirm which online retailers are currently accepting WIC in your area. Store participation can change, and some states are still rolling out online shopping options while others have had them for years.
Key Takeaways
- Amazon and Walmart accept WIC online orders in most states, but you must verify your state's program allows it before you shop.
- You use your WIC card the same way online as you do in a store — the system checks that items are WIC-approved before you complete the purchase.
- Not all WIC-approved foods can be ordered online; some stores restrict fresh produce, meat, or dairy to in-store purchases only.
- Your state WIC program website lists which retailers accept online orders and any special steps you need to take to link your card.
How to use your WIC card for online orders at Amazon
Amazon accepts WIC benefits through a program called Amazon Fresh in states where the WIC program has a contract with Amazon. To shop, you create or log into your Amazon account, add your WIC card information to your payment method, and then shop the WIC-approved section of the site. The system automatically filters out items you cannot buy with WIC and only shows you foods that match your state's WIC food list.
When you check out, select your WIC card as the payment method. Amazon will process the WIC portion of your order and charge any remaining balance to another payment method if your purchase exceeds your WIC balance. You can place orders for delivery or, in some areas, pick them up at an Amazon Fresh store location. Delivery times vary by location — check the estimated delivery date before you complete your order.
Not all Amazon Fresh locations are available in all states. If you do not see the WIC option when you try to add your card, your state may not yet have a contract with Amazon, or you may need to update your account settings. Contact your state WIC program to confirm whether Amazon is an option for you.
Shopping WIC online at Walmart
Walmart accepts WIC benefits for online grocery orders through Walmart.com in most states. You add your WIC card to your Walmart account, shop the WIC-approved items, and pay with your WIC card at checkout. Like Amazon, the Walmart website shows you only items that match your state's WIC food list, so you do not have to guess which products are allowed.
Walmart offers delivery to your home or pickup at a store location near you. Pickup is often faster than delivery and may be available the same day or next day, depending on your location and how busy the store is. When you pick up your order, bring your WIC card — the store will verify it matches the card used to place the order before they hand over your groceries.
Some Walmart locations do not yet accept WIC online, particularly in rural areas. If you cannot find the WIC payment option on Walmart.com, call your local Walmart customer service or check your state WIC program's website to see whether online WIC shopping is available in your area.
Using Instacart with WIC benefits
Instacart is a delivery service that partners with grocery stores to bring food to your home. Some states allow you to use your WIC card through Instacart when you shop at participating stores — common partners include Kroger, Safeway, Whole Foods, and regional chains. However, not all states have approved Instacart for WIC purchases, and availability changes frequently.
If your state allows Instacart, you link your WIC card to your Instacart account, shop the WIC-approved items, and pay with your WIC card at checkout. The app shows you which items are WIC-approved so you do not accidentally add something you cannot buy. Delivery usually takes one to two hours in urban areas, though it can be longer in smaller towns.
Check your state WIC program's website to see whether Instacart is an option. If it is, the site will tell you which stores near you accept WIC through Instacart. Instacart charges a delivery fee and service fee on top of your grocery bill — these fees are not covered by WIC and come out of your own money.
What foods you can and cannot order online with WIC
The foods you can buy with WIC online are the same foods your state allows in stores: milk, cheese, yogurt, eggs, beans, peanut butter, cereal, bread, fruits, and vegetables. However, some online retailers restrict certain categories. For example, a store might let you order frozen vegetables but not fresh ones, or allow packaged cheese but not deli cheese.
Before you add items to your cart, read the product description or look for a WIC label on the item. If you are unsure whether something is allowed, do not add it — the system will reject it at checkout anyway, and you will have to remove it and start over. Some stores let you filter by "WIC-approved" to see only may be able to access items, which saves time.
Infant formula and baby food are WIC-approved in all states, but online availability varies. Some stores limit formula orders to one or two containers per month to prevent hoarding. Check the product page or call the store if you need more than the displayed quantity.
Steps to set up online WIC shopping
First, confirm that your state WIC program allows online shopping and which stores participate. Visit your state WIC program's website or call your local WIC office — they can tell you in one call whether online shopping is available to you and which retailers to use.
Next, create an account with the retailer if you do not already have one. For Amazon, go to Amazon.com and sign up. For Walmart, visit Walmart.com. For Instacart, read the app or go to Instacart.com. Use your real name and a valid address so the store can deliver to you.
Then add your WIC card to your payment methods. You will need your card number, expiration date, and PIN. The system will verify your card is active and has a balance. If your card is not recognized, contact your WIC office — your card may need to be activated for online use, or there may be a technical issue.
Finally, shop for WIC-approved items and check out using your WIC card. The system will deduct the purchase from your WIC balance. Keep your receipt — it shows what you bought and how much WIC money you spent, which helps you track your balance.
Troubleshooting common online WIC problems
If your WIC card is rejected at checkout, the most common reason is that your card is not active for online shopping in that state. Some states require you to call your WIC office or visit a website to set up online purchasing before you can use your card on the internet. Do this before you place an order.
If the store says an item is not WIC-approved but you thought it was, check your state's WIC food list on your state program's website. Food rules vary by state — something approved in one state might not be in another. If the item should be approved, take a screenshot of the product and your state's food list and contact the store's customer service.
If you cannot find the WIC payment option when you try to check out, your state may not have a contract with that retailer yet, or the contract may have ended. Call your state WIC program to ask which online retailers currently accept WIC. Do not assume a store that accepted WIC last month still does — contracts change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use WIC online at stores other than Amazon and Walmart?
It depends on your state. Some states have contracts with regional grocery chains, Instacart, or other retailers. Your state WIC program website lists all retailers that accept WIC online in your area. If you do not see a store listed, it does not currently accept WIC for online orders in your state.
Do I pay delivery fees with my WIC card?
No. Delivery fees and service fees are not covered by WIC and must be paid with your own money — a debit card, credit card, or cash. Only the food items themselves come out of your WIC balance. Some retailers waive delivery fees for WIC orders or offer free delivery if you spend a certain amount.
What happens if I order something that turns out not to be WIC-approved?
The system should reject non-approved items at checkout before you complete the purchase. If something gets through and you are charged, contact the store's customer service with your receipt. They can refund the WIC portion and reapply it to your card balance.
Can I use my WIC card for both online and in-store shopping?
Yes. Your WIC card works the same way online and in stores — it draws from the same monthly balance. If you spend $50 online, you have $50 less to spend in a store that month. Keep track of your balance so you do not run out before the month ends.
Do I need a separate PIN for online WIC shopping?
No. You use the same PIN online that you use at the store. Some retailers may ask you to verify your identity in other ways, like entering your zip code or date of birth, but you do not need a different PIN for online purchases.