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Many gas stations accept EBT. However, like grocery stores, you can only use your EBT benefits for specific items.
As a recipient of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), you’re restricted from purchasing toiletries, frozen food, over-the-counter medicine, alcohol, or tobacco. However, you can buy snacks, drinks, candy, dairy products, and cereal among other items.
In this article, I’ll discuss gas stations that accept EBT cards.
This includes:
- Popular chains such as Shell and 76.
- Convenience stores with gas stations that accept EBT.
- Grocery stores with gas stations that accept EBT.
- Travel centers with gas stations that accept EBT.
Contents
What is an EBT Card?
The EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) card is a debit card for those enrolled in SNAP, enabling them to purchase food using their SNAP benefits.
It also gives cash benefits to individuals enrolled in the TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) program.
Since June 2004, the EBT card has been the exclusive method for governments to distribute SNAP and TANF program benefits. It’s used across:
- All 50 states
- The District of Columbia
- Puerto Rico
- The Virgin Islands
- Guam
EBT cards function similarly to regular debit cards for purchases, with a few exceptions. They’re restricted to eligible purchases only.
Can you use EBT/Food Stamps at a gas station?
Yes, you can use SNAP EBT benefits to buy certain food and drink items at approved stores. This includes staple foods like dairy products and snacks such as milk, cheese, chips, and crackers, which you can get at gas stations.
However, you can’t use SNAP benefits to buy gas, at the deli, in restaurants, at food counters, or places like pizza or sandwich shops inside gas stations.
You can only use EBT cards to buy food and drinks eligible for SNAP. Gas purchases aren’t covered.
There’s one exception: if you’re eligible for cash benefits.
Cash benefits are more flexible. You can use them for things like getting cashback.
TANF is the main program that gives out EBT cash benefits. If you qualify for TANF, money is automatically deposited onto your EBT card. You can withdraw this cash from ATMs.
Each state has its own rules for using EBT cash benefits. But generally, they aim to help low-income families cover basic needs.
In most states, you can use your EBT cash benefits for essential living expenses such as:
- Shelter
- Fuel
- Food
- Transportation
- Clothing
- Home maintenance
- Personal hygiene
- Employment expenses
EBT cash benefits provide greater flexibility than SNAP benefits, allowing you to buy various necessities beyond just food.
Gas stations that accept EBT
Popular gas stations such as 76, Shell, BP, and others accept EBT at locations near me. Remember, EBT funds can only be used for eligible purchases. However, if you’re part of the TANF program, you may enjoy additional benefits.
Here’s a list of gas stations that accept EBT:
- 76
- 7-Eleven
- ampm
- BP
- Casey’s General Stores
- Chevron
- Circle K
- CITGO
- Clark’s Pump-N-Shop
- Conoco
- Costco
- Country Fair
- Coen
- Cumberland Farms
- Delta Sonic
- ExxonMobil
- Fas Mart
- Gulf Oil
- GetGo
- High’s
- Holiday Stationstores
- Huck’s Food & Fuel
- Kroger
- Kum & Go
- Kwik Trip
- Lassus Handy Dandy
- Love’s Travel Stops
- LUKOIL
- Marathon
- Maverick
- Murphy USA
- Phillips 66
- Pilot Flying J Travel Centers
- Plaid Pantry
- QuickChek
- QuikTrip
- RaceTrac/RaceWay
- Royal Farms
- Rutter’s Farm Store
- Sam’s Club
- Sheetz
- Shell
- Sinclair
- Speedway
- Spinx
- Stop-A-Minit
- Stewart’s Shops
- Sunoco
- Texaco
- Thorntons
- Turkey Hill
- TravelCenters of America
- Valero
- Wawa
What can you buy with an EBT Card?
Below are items you can buy using your EBT card:
- Cooking oils like olive oil and vegetable oil
- Poultry products such as chicken and eggs
- Red meat like steak, ribs, and ground beef
- Dairy products like cheese, milk, and almond milk
- Seafood like fish, shrimp, shellfish, and lobster
- Pork products like chops, sausages, bacon, and tenderloin
- Breads and cereals like pita bread, rye bread, tortillas, pasta, bagels, and rice
- Desserts such as ice cream, cookies, or brownies
- Candy
- Cold sandwiches
- Salads
- Chips
- Snack crackers
- Other snack foods
- Non-alcoholic beverages like soft drinks (e.g., Sprite, Pepsi) and energy drinks like Red Bull
- Seeds and plants that produce food for the household to eat
You can also use your EBT card at gas stations, provided you buy items from the approved list. Many gas stations have convenience stores selling SNAP-eligible items like bread, milk, dairy products, and more, making it possible to use your EBT card for these purchases.
What can’t you buy with EBT?
At gas stations, you can’t purchase several items using your EBT card, such as:
- Gasoline (unless you’re in the TANF program)
- Hot prepared food
- Vitamins, medicines, and supplements
- Hygiene items
- Cosmetics
- Paper products
- Cleaning supplies
- Medicine
- Lottery tickets
- Pet food
- Alcohol, cigarettes, or tobacco
How to find gas stations that accept EBT near you
If you’re wondering where you can use your EBT card at gas stations, there are plenty of options listed above.
To find one nearby, simply use your phone or computer to search for gas stations or stores with a gas station you’re interested in, like Shell or Costco near your location. Type “Shell gas station near me” or “Costco gas station near me.” Hit enter and you’ll get a list of nearby options. It’s that easy!
You can also search for the name of the gas station or store with a gas station, followed by your city’s name. For instance, you could search “BP gas station St. Louis.” This should help you locate nearby fuel centers.
Important warning
EBT thefts have surged recently, with thieves frequently using skimming devices on payment terminals to steal benefits.
To protect yourself, carefully inspect terminals for signs of tampering like loose parts, strange overlays, or misalignment before swiping your card at gas stations, as these could indicate a skimmer.
Stick to terminals that are intact, well-lit, and under continuous monitoring. Stay vigilant!
The bottom line
Many gas stations accept EBT, allowing you to use SNAP benefits for items like bread, dairy products, beverages, and snacks. If you’re part of the TANF program, you might even buy gas with your cash benefits.
Combining these benefits with gas station rewards programs can help you save a significant amount of money.
Always have a backup payment method available. Consider using gas stations or stores with a gas station listed above if you plan to make purchases with your EBT card.
