Do Gas Stations Accept EBT? Here's What It Depends On

​​Whether you can use EBT (also called SNAP or food stamps) to buy food at a gas station comes down to one basic question: Is that location authorized by the USDA to accept SNAP benefits? Some gas stations qualify because they operate convenience stores that sell bread, milk, eggs, and fresh produce. Such items count as "staple foods," and to be eligible to accept EBT, stores have to carry some of them (that is, they can't only sell snacks — even if these are often EBT eligible, they're not considered staples).

Gas stations may display a sign at the entrance or checkout area indicating whether they accept EBT. However, there's no legal requirement for such a sign, so if you can't see one, it can't hurt to ask the cashier if you can pay with EBT. It's also important to note that even if a gas station is authorized to accept EBT, that doesn't mean everything in the store is SNAP-eligible.

Just like at a supermarket, only some food is covered by EBT. Most packaged food, snacks, dairy, and non-alcoholic drinks are covered, while hot prepared food is not. This may be disappointing to some customers, as cold foods and produce at gas stations aren't always fresh. Snacks such as chips, candy bars, and soda are often eligible for EBT, except in a handful of states. Alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, medications, and non-edible items (be it anything from aluminum foil to a phone charger) are not eligible.

Even if a gas station sells EBT-eligible items, there are a few reasons it might not accept EBT. As mentioned, the gas station may not carry enough of those staple foods, but it also may just not want to jump through the bureaucratic hoops to accept it, or deal with the transaction costs connected to it.

For gas stations that accept EBT, it can sometimes be unclear what's covered. This is because SNAP rules prohibit the purchase of hot prepared foods meant for immediate consumption — so if you happen upon a gas station that unexpectedly sells great barbecue, EBT won't cover it (nor will it cover a lousy gas station hot dog, either). On top of that, some cold prepared foods (like sandwiches) are eligible. Generally, anything considered "staple food" will be covered, but there may be certain restrictions at the state level.

For hot food, there can be exemptions under the SNAP Restaurant Meals Program, which allows some individuals like adults over 60, people with disabilities, or those experiencing homelessness, to buy prepared or restaurant meals with EBT. However, this is only at approved locations in a handful of states (many fast food chains don't accept it), so it's safest to assume this isn't an option unless otherwise confirmed. If you're unsure about using EBT at a gas station, it's best to check the USDA SNAP Retailer Locator to confirm before shopping.