Yes, 7-Eleven accepts EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), formerly known as food stamps.
For those who qualify, TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) deposits funds onto the same EBT card as SNAP benefits, and TANF funds can be used like cash, to be spent on necessities such as food, rent, medical bills, transportation, or child care.
7-Eleven is an international gas station and convenience store. The convenience store menu includes sandwiches, fruit, snacks, ice cream, cold drinks, hot coffee, pizza, hot dogs, burgers, nachos, and alcoholic drinks. The SNAP Retail Locator finds locations near you that accept EBT. Locations can be found by city and state or zip code.
A 7-Eleven app is available, which offers exclusive coupons, online ordering, gas prices, and store locations. Please proceed to read the rest of this article to fully understand the details of shopping at 7-Eleven with EBT.
What Can You Buy With EBT at 7-Eleven?
The 7-Eleven items that may be purchased with EBT include any cold food items such as sandwiches, fruit, snacks, ice cream, cold non-alcoholic drinks, doughnuts, muffins, and salads.
What Can You NOT Buy With EBT at 7-Eleven?
According to this government website, products such as hot foods, alcohol, tobacco products, non-food items, vitamins, medicines, and supplements may not be purchased on EBT. For example, 7-Eleven items that may not be purchased with EBT include hot coffee, nachos, hot sandwiches, alcohol, and gasoline. These Items can be purchased with TANF funds, however.
How to Use an EBT Card at 7-Eleven
- Check Your Balance: Before going to 7-Eleven, check your balance on your EBT account to make sure you know your spending limit. You can check your balance by calling the number on the back of your card and following the prompts on the call.
- Separate Items: In order to avoid charging items that are not eligible on your EBT card on accident, it’s best to separate EBT eligible items and regular items before checkout. It is a good idea to present the EBT eligible items to the cashier first and pay first using your EBT card. The cashier will then tell you your total for the non-EBT items, and you would pay for them another way.
- Swipe your EBT card and enter your PIN. Alternatively, you may need to hand the card to the cashier.
- Take your receipt. Your current EBT balance is on the receipt.
What is the 7-Eleven Return Policy for Items Purchased With EBT?
According to this federal law, all SNAP recipients must be treated like any other customer. It says that “you may return or refund an item bought with a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, so long as store policy allows it.
All refunds for food items that you purchased with SNAP benefits go directly onto your EBT card. Cash refunds are not allowed for food items purchased with SNAP benefits under any circumstances.”
7-Eleven is a franchise, so return policies vary between stores.
What 7-Eleven Locations Accept EBT?
EBT is accepted at most 7-Eleven locations. Whether EBT is accepted at a particular location depends on the franchisee. You may find a 7-Eleven location here. 7-Eleven is located in 29 states:
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Massachusetts
- Maryland
- Maine
- Michigan
- Missouri
- North Carolina
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- Nevada
- New York
- Ohio
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
- Vermont
- Washington
- West Virginia
EBT Card FAQ at 7-Eleven
Do Cashiers at 7-Eleven Know if I’m Using EBT?
Yes, you should tell the cashier that you are using EBT in case they would have to run an EBT card differently from a credit or debit card.
Does 7-Eleven Accept EBT For Online Orders?
No. You can only use EBT for in-store purchases at 7-Eleven. Online orders must be paid another way.
Does 7-Eleven Accept EBT for Hot Food?
No, 7-Eleven does not accept EBT for hot foods. This applies to any food that is sold hot, such as hot coffee, hot sandwiches, and nachos.
Can You Use EBT for 7-Eleven Delivery?
No. You can only use EBT for in-store purchases at 7-Eleven.
Can You Use EBT for 7-Eleven Curbside Pickup?
No. You can only use EBT for in-store purchases at 7-Eleven.
Can You Buy Nachos at 7-Eleven with EBT?
No. Nachos are considered as hot food and thus cannot be purchased with EBT.
Can You Buy 7-Eleven Pizza with EBT?
Normally, you would not be able to purchase pizza with EBT because it is considered as hot food. However, it has been reported that you can purchase a frozen pizza at 7-Eleven with EBT and ask the staff to cook it for you.