Last updated Feb. 14, 2023 by Peter Jakes
Do you qualify for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits? If you do, there are lots of gas stations that accept EBT cards. Unfortunately, with the gas price hitting $4 a gallon, it’s impossible to stay on top of your money budget. Fortunately, most gas stations accept EBT cards in exchange for gas.
But, to qualify for gas with your EBT cards, you need to be certain of the benefits your EBT card holds. For example, holders of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) card are only eligible for food ingredients, meals at grocery stores, and non-alcoholic beverages.
But holders of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program card (also known as EBT Cash Card) are eligible for a wider range of services.
What is an EBT Card?
The Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card is a debit card that allows people enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to pay for food with their SNAP benefits. It is also used to distribute cash benefits to eligible people for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program.
Since June 2004, governments have issued SNAP and TANF program benefits, which are used in the following ways:
- Each of the 50 states.
- The city of Washington, D.C.
- The island of Puerto Rico
- The British Virgin Islands
- Guam
EBT cards can be used to make purchases in the same way that regular debit cards can, with a few exceptions. First, they can only be redeemed on qualifying purchases.
Related: 12 Best Apps to Find Cheap Gas Near Me
Can You Use EBT/Food Stamps at Gas Stations?
Yes, you can use your EBT/Food Stamps at Gas stations near you. Here is a list of the items you can buy with your EBT Card:
- Shelter
- Cereals and bread
- Vegetables and fruits
- Transportation
- Pork products, like chops, sausages, bacon, and tenderloin.
- Breads and cereals, like pita bread, rye bread, tortillas, pasta, bagels, and rice.
- Desserts, like ice cream, cookies, or brownies
- Candy
- Home maintenance
- Fuel
- Non-alcoholic beverages include soft drinks like Sprite and Pepsi and energy drinks like Red Bull.
- Meats, seafood, and poultry
- Milk and dairy products
- Personal hygiene
- Employment expenses
- Plants and seeds that produce food
So, the answer is YES; you can use your EBT card at gas stations if you buy items from the approved list. However, because most gas stations have convenience stores that sell bread, milk, dairy products, and other items, you can use your EBT Card to purchase these items at gas stations.
Your EBT card won’t work at the pump or in gas station coffee shops, restaurants, delis, food counters, or pizza and sandwich shops. If you try to buy something that isn’t allowed, your purchase will be turned down.
You can always use other ways to pay at gas stations, like credit cards, debit cards, and mobile payment options that don’t require contact. Remember that most contactless payment options, like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay, only work inside the store and not at the pump. With the EBT cash card, you can receive gas at some gas stations listed below. If you are asking if Amazon accepts EBT cards, yes they do, so you can also take advantage of it.
What Can’t You Buy with EBT?
There are many things you can’t buy with your EBT card at the gas station, including:
- Gasoline (Unless you are enrolled in the TANF program)
- Hot and prepared food
- Medicine
- Lottery Tickets
- Pet Food
- Beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes, or tobacco
- Vitamins, medicines, and supplements.
- Hygiene items
- Cosmetics
- Paper products
- Cleaning supplies
More About SNAP Benefits
Every year, around 42 million Americans get Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payments. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federally funded program that helps low-income families and children to meet their nutritional needs by supplementing their food budgets. SNAP is administered at the state level to provide a broader reach and more efficient administration.
This implies that you must apply via your present state of residency to become a SNAP recipient. To qualify for the program, you must prove incapable of providing your nutritional needs. Once you have been determined eligible, the government creates benefits account in your name. Every month, cash from your SNAP benefits will be deposited into your account.
SNAP users are handed Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards, which function the same way as credit and debit cards function. In addition, the card can be used to purchase specific products from stores where it is accepted.
Related: 12 Best Apps to Find Cheap Gas Near Me
9 Gas Stations That Accept EBT/Food Stamps Near Me!
Some gas stations are owned and run by people who are not related to each other and may not accept EBT cards. Therefore, you should call the gas station you want to go to ahead of time to make sure they accept EBT. We researched for you and checked the USDA’s list of SNAP-approved retailers to ensure that the gas station stores accept EBT cards.
We’ve also written down other ways to pay and the services each gas station offers. If your EBT balance is low, the different payment methods give you more options.
1. 76
About 1800 stations under 76 gasoline companies accept EBT cash cards. EBT cash cards, debit cards, credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, Visa Checkout, and Chase Pay are all acceptable forms of payment in this gasoline station.
Locations: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, D.C., Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia
2. B.P. (British Petroleum)
B.P. is one of the gas stations that accepts Apple Pay. More than 7200 gas stations under the British petroleum company acceptEBT cash cards. So look around your area; there might be a B.P. station. Payment methods accepted by this gas station include EBT cash cards, debit cards, credit cards, American Express gift cards, Apple Pay, and PayPal.
Other amenities provided by this gas station include: 24-hour ATM services (may vary from store to store), $40 cash back when using a debit card, and a $40 cash back when using a credit card
3. Chevron
Over 300 Chevron-owned gas stations and over 400 franchise gas stations under Chevron accepts EBT cash cards.
Payment methods accepted include: EBT cash card, debit card, credit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, American Express gift cards, and PayPal (for those who want to pay online)
Other services provided by Chevron include ATM withdrawals, propane tank refills, and a $40 cash-back reward for using a Visa debit card or MasterCard. In addition to these services, they like gas stations that cash check offer similar services.
4. CITGO
(Citizens for Environmental Responsibility and Sustainability)
In over 30 states, CITGO provides gas outlets that accept EBT cash cards. EBT cash cards, debit cards, credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal are all acceptable forms of payment.
Other services include check cashing, mobile money transfers, and a $40 cash-back bonus for debit card purchases (no credit cards).
5. ConocoPhillips
Conoco provides over 2,000 gas stations that take EBT cards across the United States. EBT, debit cards, credit cards, and Google Pay are all accepted forms of payment. Other services include an ATM and a $50 cash-back offer when you make purchases above $3.
Locations: Delaware, Pennsylvania, Indiana, New York, New Jersey, Arkansas, Texas
6. Exxon Mobil Corporation
According to the company, Exxon Mobil provides over 12,000 petrol stations that take EBT cards. EBT, debit cards, credit cards, Google Pay, Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, PayPal, Masterpass, and AMEX gift cards are all acceptable forms of payment. Other services include a 24-hour ATM service and a $40 cash-back guarantee.
7. Family Express Gas Station
Family Express has about 70 petrol stations and convenience shops that take EBT/food stamps in exchange for gas. Payment methods accepted include EBT, debit cards, credit cards, Google Pay, Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, and other mobile wallets. Other services include an ATM service, money order sales, lottery tickets, etc. You can even find out other free or subsidised services they offer or check gas stations that with free vacuums.
8. Gulf Oil
According to the company, Gulf Oil has more than 1,800 gas stations that take EBT cash cards in 36 states across the United States. EBT, debit cards, credit cards, and authorized American Express gift cards are all acceptable forms of payment.
9. Kwik Trip
Kwik Trip has more than 600 gas station convenience shops in Minnesota and Wisconsin that accept EBT cash cards.
Grocery Stores That Take EBT with Gas Stations
With your SNAP benefits, you can put gas in your car and buy a few things. Some of these stores have legit ways to get free gas and in addition to SNAP benefits, take advantage of it. The following grocery stores accept EBT and sell gas at their gas stations. So you save both times, save groceries and gas!
Walmart
More than 4,700 Walmart stores accept EBT, and most have gas stations. EBT, debit cards, credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Sunoco gift cards can be used to pay.
Walmart also has services like Cheap haircuts, Coinstar, buying kerosene, postage stamps, wheel alignment, key copies, cheap trendy clothes, a party store that cashes checks without an I.D., up to $100 cash-back in multiples of $20 with a debit card.
Publix
In the southeast, more than 1,250 Publix grocery stores with gas stations accept EBT cards. Unfortunately, no ATM in the store gives out $5, $1, $50, or $100 bills. To get cash back at Publix, go to the cash register. EBT, debit cards, credit cards, personal checks, payroll checks, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay are all acceptable forms of payment.
Publix also has services like Gift cards from local stores, money transfers through Western Union, selling stamps, making copies, buying money orders, selling dry ice, and getting up to $100 cash back when you use a debit card.
Kroger
Kroger has about 2,800 stores that sell food. It’s a supermarket with a bakery that takes EBT. EBT, debit cards, credit cards, Samsung, and personal checks can be used to pay. Money orders, dry ice, an ATM, and a grocery store that gives the most cash back with a debit card at $300 are some other services offered.
Convenience Stores that Accept EBT Cards
Customers can get almost everything they need at convenience stores, from groceries to gas. Convenience stores also sell soft drinks, coffee, magazines, newspapers, toiletries, over-the-counter drugs, snack food, bread, dairy products, tobacco products, and candy. Here is a list of convenience stores that accept EBT and have gas stations where you can fill up your car and buy a few EBT-approved items.
7-Eleven
In the U.S., more than 14,000 gas stations and convenience stores owned by 7-Eleven accept EBT, debit cards, credit cards, American Express gift cards, Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, and 7-Eleven gift cards are all accepted forms of payment. If you sell money orders from MoneyGram or Western Union, you can get $10 back with no fees.
Cumberland Farms
Cumberland Farms has about 600 stores in eight states that accept EBT money. EBT, debit cards, credit cards, Apple Pay, and PayPal are all ways to pay. Their money services includes: ATM, MoneyGram money transfers
Huck’s Food & Fuel
Huck’s Food & Fuel, which used to be called Huck’s, has more than 120 stores in Kentucky, Illinois, Tennessee, and Missouri that accept food stamp cards. EBT, debit cards, credit cards, personal checks, cashier’s checks, and buy-money orders can all be used to pay.
QuickChek
QuickChek has more than 150 stores in New Jersey and New York that are open 24 hours and have gas stations, pharmacies, and liquor stores. They also cash checks. EBT, debit cards, and credit cards can be used to pay. Check to cash, a Tesla charging station, free air for tires, free WiFi, and vacuum cleaners for cars are among the other services QuickChek offer.
Shop-A-Minit
Shop-A-Minit has more than 20 general stores and gas stations in South Carolina that accept food stamps. Some of these places are open 24 hours a day. EBT, debit cards, credit cards, and fleet cards can be used to pay.
There are also: Kerosene, diesel for off-road vehicles, air-to-fill tires, an ATM, and a carwash.
Travel Centers That Take EBT with Gas Stations
When travelling between states or on a long trip, a travel centre can feel like a home away from home. This is because most travel centres have everything you need, like gas stations, restaurants, and stores where you can buy almost anything. Because of this, travel centres are great places to spend SNAP money when moving from one state to another.
TravelCenters of America
TravelCenters of America has more than 270 full-service truck stops in more than 44 states along the interstate that accept food stamp cards.
Payment Method: EBT, debit card, credit card
Money services: up to $300 in check cashing and cash advances with a minimum purchase, tire service, laundry service, WiFi, oil changes, dental services, and chiropractic services.
Love’s Travel Stops
Love’s has more than 550 24-hour travel stops in 41 states that accept EBT and sell gas, diesel, and compressed natural gas.
Payment Methods: EBT, debit card, credit card, business checks
How Does the Food Stamp Program Work
The Food Stamps Program benefits also called SNAP benefits, is a federally funded program run by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) but run by the states. It helps millions of eligible low-income individuals and families eat better by giving them food stamps.
But if you want to get food stamps, you must apply through the state agency that runs the program in your state. In addition, to get SNAP benefits, you have to meet strict eligibility requirements and criteria, like having a certain amount of income.
But if you are approved for food stamps, you will be given an EBT card. As we said before, an EBT card works like a debit card and lets you buy foods on the approved list from any approved merchant.
What is the Difference Between TANF vs SNAP
First, let’s take a quick look at the programs that help low-income households in the U.S., like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture runs the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which used to be called food stamps. It gives families benefits on an electronic debit card that can be used to buy food, non-alcoholic drinks, meal ingredients, and seeds at grocery stores and other stores that accept EBT as a form of payment.
The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program also offers an EBT card called EBT Cash. It can be used for a wider range of living costs, such as gas, housing, home maintenance supplies, personal hygiene, and other living costs. You can also use your ETC Cash card to get cash from an ATM.
How to Find Gas Stations That Accept EBT Near You
It’s easy to find one near you if you want to. Search for “[name of the gas station or store with a gas station] near me” on your phone or computer.
You could type “Shell gas station near me” or “Costco gas station near me,” for example. Then hit enter, and a list of nearby gas stations should appear.
You can also type in the name of the gas station or store with a gas station, followed by the name of your city. So, this could be something like “B.P. gas station Delaware.” Again, this should show you gas stations near you.
Related: Gift Card Exchange Kiosk Near Me: Get Cash for Your G.C.s in Person
Bottom Line
The list of gas stations that accept EBT/Food stamps above shows that quite a few gas stations accept EBT. So, you can buy things like bread, dairy products, cold drinks, and snacks with your SNAP benefits. If you are in the TANF program, you might even be able to use your cash benefits to buy gas. If you do all these things and use the rewards programs at gas stations, you’ll save a good amount of money.
Make sure you always have a backup way to pay if something goes wrong. For example, if you want to buy things with your EBT card, try the gas stations and stores that have gas stations on the list above.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How can I redeem my SNAP Benefits
SNAP benefits can be redeemed on cheese, fruits, bread, snacks, or dairy products like cheese. When you’re on the road, it’s a big help to find a gas station that takes an EBT card. You can avoid going to the grocery store by buying gas with your credit or debit card and fast food on the go with your EBT card.
Q: Who takes EBT?
Amazon, Walmart, and Target are three big online stores that accept EBT payments for food items that qualify for SNAP.
Q: What are the qualifications needed for an EBT card?
Not everyone can get the card because they don’t meet the requirements. Your income will be checked against the federal poverty level to see if you qualify. But most of the time, people with disabilities and those with less money are considered.
Q: Does McDonald’s take EBT in Florida?
Most of the time, you can’t use your EBT card to buy food at McDonald’s, but there are some exceptions. For example, QuerySprout says that if you get Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits or qualify for the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP), you could use your SNAP benefits to buy something at McDonald’s.
Q: Can you buy medicine with EBT?
If you get food supplements (or SNAP), you can buy medicine with your EBT card. Food includes everything from slices of bread to seeds and plants to grow food. However, you cannot use your food supplements to buy hot foods, alcohol, cigarettes, pet food, paper products, medicine, or household supplies.
