Does Bucees Take EBT, SNAP or Food Stamps?
Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) is a system that allows recipients of government assistance programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), to access their benefits through a debit card. This system replaces traditional paper food stamps and ensures a safer and more convenient way for eligible individuals to purchase food.
Buc-ee’s has become one of the most popular gas stations and country stores in the United States. With only 48 branches, it has gained something of a cult following in recent years. Additionally, it has gained prominence among shoppers who live near one of its several branches.
However, if you rely on government assistance programs such as EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer), SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), or food stamps to cover your grocery expenses, it’s important to know if you can use these benefits at Buc-ee’s.
Overview: Buc-ee’s does not accept EBT cards, which means SNAP recipients cannot use their benefits at these stores. For those who use EBT, it is critical to locate other authorized retailers using tools such as the USDA SNAP Retailer Locator. Buc-ee’s offers several customer-focused programs but does not participate in the EBT program. For accurate and up-to-date information, please contact your local Buc-ee’s.
Does Bucees Take EBT, SNAP or Food Stamps?
Buc-ee’s accepts SNAP or EBT benefits at their approved locations. You can use your benefits to purchase fruits and vegetables, bread, juice, and most other things you can buy at a regular grocery store.
The EBT policy can vary by location, but it appears to be uniform at Bucees. Specifically, locations in Alabama, Florida, Kentucky, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas do not accept EBT as payment in-store. Additionally, this is likely because a store must apply to become what is known as a SNAP retailer.
For stores to become SNAP retailers, they must meet certain criteria. This includes selling a specific amount of what has been called “staple” foods. Things like fruits, vegetables, meat, bread, and cereal are things that SNAP retailers must sell in certain quantities to qualify as approved retailers.
Although this is the process to become a SNAP retailer, there is no confirmation as to why Bucees does not accept EBT benefits. There is no indication that this decision is subject to change anytime soon. At the moment, there are no signs that the retail chain is looking to alter its operating base.
What Is Buc-ee’s Store Policy Regarding SNAP or EBT?
All Buc-ee’s stores allow customers to use their SNAP or EBT benefits, and most use WIC labels to help them understand what they can and cannot purchase.
Alternative payment is required for items that are not eligible for EBT.
You can also return any item purchased with an EBT card if it is within the retailer’s 90-day return policy. Your card will be credited, or you may get a store credit. You can also exchange the item for an identical item.
What Can You Buy at Buc-ee’s With SNAP or EBT?
Your EBT card will pay for essential, healthy foods that are typically covered by the EBT program, such as:
✅Milk
✅Cereal
✅Meats and Poultry
✅Pasta and rice
✅Fruits and Vegetables
✅Yogurt and Cheese
✅Banned Beans
✅Grains, such as whole wheat grains
✅Non-carbonated juices
✅Peanut butter
✅Soy and tofu products
What Can’t I Buy at Buc-ee’s With My SNAP OR EBT Benefits?
As with any retailer that accepts EBT benefits, there are limitations on what can be purchased. Listed below are some of those items:
❌Supplements, vitamins, and medications
❌Beer, wine, liquor, and other spirits
❌Cigarettes or other tobacco products
❌Live animals such as lobster or shellfish
❌Cleaning supplies
❌Hot, prepared meals
❌Pet supplies
❌Paper products
❌Personal hygiene products
❌Cosmetics
Other stores that Accept EBT
Although Bucees does not accept EBT, several stores in the United States do. Specifically, some of those stores are:
- ALDI
- BJ’s Wholesale Club
- Bravo Supermarkets
- Costco
- CVS
- Dollar General
- Dollar Gree
- Food Lion
- Harris Teeter
- H-E-B
- Kroger
- Lowes Foods
- Meijer
- Publix
- Raley’s
- Sams Club
- Sprout’s Farmers Market
- Rite Aid
These and many other stores may accept EBT benefits as a form of payment. If you’re unsure about a specific store, we recommend contacting the branch nearest you. Afterward, a direct inquiry could provide you with a quick answer on how to get the items you’re looking for.
How to Use SNAP or EBT Benefits at Buc-ee’s
It’s simple. Separate EBT-eligible products from your regular items. When you pay for your groceries, swipe your EBT card and enter your PIN to complete the transaction.
A supervisor may ask you to provide a photo ID to verify your identity before you pay. This helps protect you against fraud.
Any amount purchased with SNAP or EBT is deducted from your monthly cash allowance.
Additional items you wish to purchase can be purchased with another form of payment, such as cash or a debit card. Keep your receipt, which will help prevent incorrect charges and give you your EBT balance. You may also need it for any returns.
- Also read: I Need Help with Food Today
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does Buc-ee’s allow SNAP or EBT benefits for online purchases?
Currently, Buc-ee does not allow EBT cards for online purchases. You cannot use EBT benefits to pay for curbside pickup or delivery. You can only use your benefits to purchase items in-store in person.
Can I use my EBT card at any convenience store?
No, not all convenience stores accept EBT. It’s important to check if a store is authorized to accept EBT by using tools like the USDA SNAP Retailer Locator.
Will the cashier at Buc-ee’s know I’m using SNAP or EBT?
Cashiers at any retailer will know you’re using your SNAP benefits, as they need to process the transaction as such. But rest assured, using benefits is more common than you think, so don’t feel awkward.
The cashier should also know what form of payment you use to check the scanner and note which items are eligible.
Can customers use SNAP or EBT at self-service checkouts?
Of course, they can! Customers can easily use their EBT cards at any Buc-ee’s self-service checkout, just like they would a debit card.
Some customers prefer this, as the register automatically calculates the EBT-eligible items as you scan them. And you also have the peace of mind of knowing that you can use your card discreetly if you feel intimidated using it with a cashier.
How can I find out if a specific store accepts EBT?
You can use the USDA SNAP Retailer Locator online to find stores that accept EBT in your area.
Can customers use SNAP or EBT to buy gas at Buc-ee’s?
Just as you couldn’t use your benefits to buy gas at any other retailer, you can’t use your benefits card to buy gas at Buc-ee’s.
However, you can withdraw money from the ATM with your card if your policy allows it. You can then use that money to buy gas at Buc-ee’s.
What if I accidentally use my SNAP or EBT benefits to buy unapproved items?
Accidents happen. You’ll need to be careful not to accidentally buy something that SNAP or EBT doesn’t approve of. Often, the government can penalize you for doing so.
They can institute a ban from your SNAP or EBT benefit plan from three months to two years for repeat violations. So be careful!
How can I find out if a specific store accepts EBT?
You can use the USDA SNAP Retailer Locator online to find stores that accept EBT in your area.
Conclusion
Buc-ee’s stores offer many conveniences for their customers, from food to gas to novelties. Buc-ee’s also allows its customers to use their EBT cards to buy approved food items.
You cannot use your benefit card for online purchases, delivery, or gas at Buc-ee’s.
As with most retailers that accept SNAP or EBT benefits, you cannot purchase any tobacco products, pharmaceuticals, or alcohol with your benefits at Buc-ee’s.
