SNAP

Does 7-Eleven take EBT?

Image of Aidan Lovely
Image of Aidan Lovely

Yes, 7-Eleven takes EBT in person and through the 7-Eleven app. You can use both regular SNAP benefits (also called food stamps) and Summer EBT (also called Sun Bucks) at 7-Eleven.

To find a store near you, use the 7-Eleven store locator. You can also use the USDA’s SNAP Retail Locator to find places near you that take EBT.

Tips for shopping at 7-Eleven with an EBT card:

  • Before you go, review the SNAP rules for eligible food items
  • You can use EBT on cold food items at 7-Eleven, including baked goods and Slurpees, but not hot items like pizza, hot dogs, or hot coffee
  • Check and track your EBT balance with an app like Propel so you can plan your next shopping trip

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Can you use EBT at 7-Eleven self-checkout?#can-you-use-ebt-at-7-eleven-self-checkout

Yes, you can use your EBT card at 7-Eleven self-checkout and regular checkout. If a 7-Eleven store you visit has a self-checkout option, all you need to do is scan your items and select EBT as your payment method.

You can also use the 7-Eleven app to do “mobile checkout” which lets you scan items on your phone and pay with whatever payment method you have saved on your account.

But not all 7-Eleven stores offer mobile checkout. You can use the “find participating stores” feature in the 7-Eleven app to check if your local store has it as an option.

Can you use EBT at 7-Eleven online?#can-you-use-ebt-at-7-eleven-online

Yes, you can use your EBT card at 7-Eleven online, but only through the 7-Eleven app. Here’s how to add your EBT card info:

  1. Download the 7-Eleven app
  2. Make an account with your phone number and email address
  3. Click the person icon in the upper right corner of the app
  4. Click “payment Methods” and then under “Add Payment Method” select “SNAP EBT.” You can also toggle your settings to “Show SNAP EBT eligible items” in the app on this screen
  5. Click add SNAP EBT card and enter your card information
  6. Add EBT eligible items to your cart
  7. Select your SNAP EBT card as your payment method during checkout

You may also be able to use your EBT card at 7-Eleven if you order delivery through an online service like Instacart, but remember that SNAP-benefits can only be used on eligible groceries, and you’ll need an extra payment method to cover delivery fees and tips when you order delivery.

Can you use EBT to buy hot food at 7-Eleven?#can-you-use-ebt-to-buy-hot-food-at-7-eleven

No, you can’t buy hot food at 7-Eleven with your SNAP benefits. SNAP can only be used to buy cold food and groceries.

Hot and ready-to-eat foods aren’t SNAP-eligible, so that means that if you get SNAP benefits, you can’t use your EBT card to buy:

  • Hot dogs
  • Pizza
  • Hot coffee or hot chocolate
  • Taquitos
  • Chicken nuggets
  • Wings
  • Potato wedges

But 7-Eleven has some ready-to-eat food items that are served cold that are EBT-eligible if you get SNAP, including salads, cold sandwiches, and refrigerated snacks like string cheese.

There are two exceptions to the SNAP rules about hot food items. The first is the RMP: the Restaurant Meals Program, which only exists in some states but extends SNAP benefits to hot foods if you meet certain qualifications.

The other exception is Disaster-SNAP (D-SNAP), which can let you buy hot foods with your EBT card during disasters like hurricanes, floods, and wildfires.

What can you buy with EBT at 7-Eleven?#what-can-you-buy-with-ebt-at-7-eleven

A side-by-side image showing SNAP-eligible items like produce, eggs, tuna, soda, and cereal opposite non-SNAP-eligible items like hot chicken, soft serve ice cream, medicine, pet food, and paper towels

SNAP eligibility rules for food items are the same at all stores. Some SNAP-eligible foods you can buy with EBT at 7-Eleven include:

  • Milk, cheese, yogurts, and other dairy products
  • Bread, cereal, and other grains
  • Snack foods like popcorn, chips, nuts, or candy
  • Cold drinks like Slurpees, water, juice, and iced coffee
  • Cold deli products like cold sandwiches or salads

You can never use EBT to buy non-food items like soap, toilet paper, diapers, wipes, medicines, clothing, or pet food. Tobacco products are also not SNAP-eligible.

Can you get discounts at 7-Eleven with EBT?#can-you-get-discounts-at-7-eleven-with-ebt

There aren’t any EBT specific discounts at 7-Eleven, but the 7-Eleven app does have some deals and coupons available.

To get discounts on 7-Eleven items, download the app and create an account or sign in as a guest to get started. Once you add your location the “deals and rewards” page will show you the current deals at your local 7-Eleven.

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Protecting your EBT card while shopping at 7-Eleven#protecting-your-ebt-card-while-shopping-at-7-eleven

Whether you’re shopping at 7-Eleven or somewhere else, keep your EBT card safe from theft by following these tips:

  • Shake or jiggle card readers before using them to check for skimming devices meant to steal your EBT card information. If a card reader moves or shakes, don't use it and report the issue to a store employee
  • Change your EBT PIN monthly and don't share the number with anyone
  • Keep your physical EBT card in a safe place
  • Monitor your EBT card with an app like Propel to spot suspicious activity as soon as possible

Immediately report a lost or stolen EBT card by calling your state EBT number