Caitlin TrouttShort Answer
H-E-B does accept EBT for qualifying in-store food purchases. A few locations also accept EBT cards for curbside pickup. For more information on using EBT at H-E-B, see below.
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Does H-E-B Take EBT?
H-E-B stores accept EBT for in-store purchases of food; select locations also accept EBT for pickup orders. H-E-B does not take EBT for home delivery. We confirmed this information with H-E-B’s customer service department, several store locations, and the USDA’s Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP)-approved retailer list.
Eligible Purchases
You can purchase a wide variety of items at H-E-B with your SNAP benefits. Eligible products include staple foods like meat, vegetables, bread, cereal, and pasta.
There are some things you cannot buy with your EBT card, including alcohol, tobacco, household cleaning supplies, and pet food. H-E-B also sells items like toys, sporting equipment, and electronics, which are not EBT-eligible.
For more details, see our research on what you can and can’t buy with EBT.
Using EBT at H-E-B
Your EBT card functions like a debit or credit card. When you’re ready to pay, use the card reader as you usually would. Your SNAP benefits will apply to all of the eligible items in your order, as long as you don’t exceed your current balance. (See our related research on how to check your EBT balance.)
Representatives for H-E-B told us that customers using EBT should also have a second payment method on hand. You can use a credit card, debit card, or H-E-B gift card for curbside pickup; you can use any of those options or cash inside the store. Your second payment method will cover any items in your order that are not EBT-eligible. Swipe your EBT card first when you pay.
If you have trouble using your EBT card at H-E-B, contact the Texas EBT hotline at (800) 777-7328.
Similar Stores That Accept EBT
For more shopping options with your SNAP benefits, see our full list of grocery stores that take EBT.
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Kait Scirri
Not true. H-E-B does not accept Lone Star Card purchases. I’ve attempted this at several H-E-B locations and none have accepted the card. Walmart, yes. Randalls, yes. H-E-B, NO.
Hello, Sam. All of the H-E-B stores we have contacted say that they do accept the Lone Star Card/SNAP for approved purchases. H-E-B also appears on the USDA’s list of approved SNAP retailers. Is it possible that your order included prohibited items, such as prepared foods? There may also be a problem with your card; you can contact Texas Health and Human Services for assistance at (800) 777-7328. We’re sorry to hear that you had a negative experience! We have updated our article to include the Texas HHS contact information.