Does Ampm Accept EBT Card, SNAP or Food Stamps – A convenience store chain known as Ampm runs 950 store locations in five states including Northern Oregon and Southern California. A lot of Ampm convenience stores are also attached to fuel stations. Are you an EBT card holder and have a local Ampm convenience store near you?
Then you must be wondering whether or not this convenience store accepts EBT, food stamps or SNAP benefits. Fortunately, this convenience store location accepts food stamps or EBT benefits from SNAP beneficiaries. This comprehensive guide will help you know what you can and cannot purchase at the Ampm convenience store with the help of the SNAP card.
Highlights of this Post
Key Takeaways
- Ampm accepts EBT cards at all U.S. locations for in-store purchases of SNAP-approved groceries.
- You cannot use EBT for hot food, gas, or non-food items at Ampm.
- Some Ampm locations in specific states allow EBT for prepared meals (check for Restaurant Meals Program participation).
- Always carry your receipt and separate SNAP-eligible items at checkout.
What Is AMPM?
Ampm is a popular convenience store chain that has branches located in various U.S. states like Arizona, California, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington and various other countries like Brazil and Costa Rica.
They are open 24 hours a day and even sell snacks like fresh sandwiches, bakery items, coffee, sodas, hot prepared food etc. In America, the stores are attached to ARCO or BP-branded gas stations. The first Ampm location opened in 1978 in Southern California. Ampm has plenty of locations that can be close to your location. To find a local store you can use its online locator here.
In Which States Can You Use Your EBT Card At Ampm?
A majority of Ampm stores throughout the country accept EBT for in-store purchases only. Some stores located in Montana, Louisiana, Hawaii and Alaska have not yet opted for EBT transactions. If you’re planning to use your EBT card to shop at an Ampm store then it is recommended to check ahead of time and contact the store manager to confirm their policy before visiting.
Despite the widespread acceptance of EBT at the majority of Ampm stores, you need to be aware of a few additional points.
- The EBT card can be used for purchasing valid eligible food items only and this does not include hot food or non-edible items
- To process EBT transactions you need to present your EBT card along with your legitimate government-issued ID.
What Is SNAP/ EBT?
SNAP stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and is a federal initiative that assists 9.5 million Americans who belong to the low-income category and enables them to purchase necessary food and groceries. Formerly known as the food stamp the SNAP benefits reach out to eligible recipients through an Electronic Benefits Transfer Card.
As per a recent report by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, nearly 41,206,900 Americans participated in the SNAP program accounting for 12% of the total U.S population. The card gets reloaded every month and helps people purchase SNAP-eligible food and beverages at authorized store locations just like they use any other debit card at a grocery store.
To qualify for SNAP benefits you must reside in a state and fulfill your household, bank and asset limits depending on your household size. When SNAP beneficiaries shop at EBT authorized stores their SNAP account gets debited to reimburse the store for qualified food.
Read also: Does Gordon Food Service Store Take SNAP or EBT Cards?
Does The Ampm Accept EBT Payments?
Yes, AMPM accepts EBT payment in all its store locations throughout the United States of America. In other words, SNAP recipients can use their food stamps or EBT cards to buy approved groceries and food items from participating Ampm stores.
As you know SNAP is a federal program that helps low-income families afford nutritious food, you must not buy anything that violates EBT guidelines or else it may lead to permanent SNAP benefits termination. You can use your EBT card at any participating location for eligible items. Using your EBT card to purchase snacks or essential items at Ampm is similar to using any other form of payment.
SNAP recipients also wonder: Does Wawa Accept SNAP, EBT, or Food Stamps?
What Are The Benefits Of Shopping With EBT At Ampm?
The acceptance of EBT payments by AMPM stores in America provides numerous advantages for EBT recipients including the following.
- Convenient: Ampm store locations operate 24/7 so you can easily shop for groceries and necessary food items whenever you need
- Variety: Ampm provides a wide selection of SNAP-eligible food items that makes it easy for SNAP beneficiaries to find any item they need without visiting different stores
- Get Food and Fuel Both in One Stop: There are a lot of Ampm stores that have gas stations on site which enable individuals to fill up their cards and also stock up on groceries in one trip.
How To Pay At An Ampm Store With Your EBT Card?
Using food stamp benefits at any participating Ampm store in America is similar to using a debit or credit card at any convenience or grocery store as per your choice. You simply have to use the EBT card on SNAP-eligible items within your state while shopping.
Ampm stores have tags on food and groceries that are EBT-approved and this will help you to shop conveniently without much confusion. Some of the items that are not covered by your EBT card are prepared food and non-edible items. EBT card holders can use their food stamp benefits at participating Ampm store locations in the following ways.
- Segregate your EBT-eligible and non-eligible items once you reach an operator register while loading the checkout
- Insert or swipe your EBT card at the point of sale and provide your 4-digit PIN for every transaction
- Inform the cashier at Ampm store about whether you will be charging your order using Cash or SNAP benefits.
- Re-enter your 4-digit PIN on the point of sale keypad and confirm if the charges are correct or not.
The purchase total will be deducted from your SNAP/ Cash account as per your choice. Do not forget to carry the receipt as it will help to prevent missed charges and see the latest SNAP EBT account balance. In case your purchase items at Ampm store include both eligible and ineligible items then you can use an alternate payment source to cover the latter such as cash or credit card.
Recommended: Does Buc-ee’s Accept SNAP, EBT, or Food Stamps?
Does Ampm Accept Food Stamp Benefits or EBT Online?
No, unfortunately, Ampm does not accept food stamp benefits or EBT cards from SNAP recipients through their online marketplace. Ampm is not participating in the online SNAP Pilot Program so you cannot buy SNAP-eligible goods online using your SNAP benefits.
To use your EBT card from the Ampm store you need to purchase food and groceries at the physical store while checking out. You can however shop with your EBT card online at other retailers like Target, Walmart, Amazon for Instacart etc.
Read also: What can you Shop Online With EBT?
How Can I Find EBT Accepting Ampm Locations Near Me?
To find an EBT accepting Ampm locations in your neighboring area follow the below-mentioned points carefully.
- Visit The Online USDA Retailer Locator: The USDA Retailer Locator is an online tool that helps its beneficiaries find EBT-authorized retailers for instance local Ampm stores. Here you’ll just have to enter your city, address or zip code and find Ampm locations in your local area.
- Contact Your Local AMPM Store: If you are unsure whether your local Ampm store accepts EBT or not contact them directly to confirm. You can contact them by phone or use the store locator tool.
- Check The Official Ampm Website: You can visit the Ampm store locator online and look for stores in your local area. Do not forget to filter for AMPM stores that accept EBT by checking the right box in the amenity section.
Read also: Does Lidl Accept Food Stamps or EBT?
What Can You Buy At Ampm Stores With Your EBT Card?
The SNAP EBT card can be used to purchase the following eligible items at Ampm store locations:
- Fruits and vegetables and this includes dried, frozen, fresh and canned fruits and vegetables
- Soy and tofu products
- Non-alcoholic beverages and juices
- Bread
- Pasta, rice, tortillas, oatmeal
- Cereals, crackers and cookies
- Seeds and plants to produce food
- Dairy products like milk, cheese, butter and yogurt
- Snack items
- Canned goods and dry goods
- Meat, poultry and fish
Depending on your eligibility and state of residence a lot of Ampm stores can also help you purchase prepared food items. These stores participate in the Restaurant Meals Program and will help you to buy hot prepared food and meals. The states participating in the Restaurant Meals Program are as follows:
- Arizona
- California
- Maryland
- Michigan
- Rhode Island
- Certain Illinois counties such as Franklin, Dewitt and Cook County.
SNAP recipients also look for: Does Winn Dixie Accept Food Stamps or EBT
What Can’t You Purchase At Ampm Stores With Your EBT Card?
While using your EBT card at the Ampm store you cannot purchase certain items and the rule applies at any gas station, grocery store or convenience store. Below is the list of items that are not covered by food stamps or EBT:
- Gas
- Alcohol
- Cigarettes
- Lottery tickets
- Pet food
- Vitamin, supplements and medicine,
- Soap
- Household cleaners
- Prepared food and hot beverage
- Hot food
- Toiletries
- Cosmetics
- Skin care products
- Hygiene products
- Paper good
The above-mentioned items come with no nutritional value and so they are deemed ineligible as per SNAP rules and guidelines. The SNAP is an affordable way for poor-income households in America to meet their health and dietary needs and alleviate hunger. To purchase these items you have to use an alternate source of payment.
Also read: Does Baskin-Robbins Take EBT, SNAP, or Food Stamps?
Purchasing Unapproved Items With EBT Card
If you somehow manage to use your food stamp benefits for unapproved items with the help of your EBT card at Ampm stores you may have to face serious consequences later. Repeated attempts to use your food stamp benefits for ineligible purchases will lead to SNAP suspension or benefit termination.
Vendors who engage in fraudulent activity associated with SNAP benefits of $100 or more can face a felony and prison time. Following is the list of consequences for purchasing unapproved food items with your EBT card.
- A three-month ban for the first unapproved SNAP purchase
- A year ban for the second unapproved SNAP purchase
- A two-year ban for the third unapproved SNAP purchase
What Are The Other Forms Of Payment Accepted At Ampm?
Besides EBT payments, AMPM accepts various other payment options such as the following
- Cash
- Credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, Diners Club, China UnionPay
- E-Wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay
- Debit cards such as Visa or Mastercard, Discover, Cirrus, Maestro, and American Express.
It is critical to note that Ampm does not accept prepaid cards or store credit cards. You need to ensure your payment method aligns with the rules and guidelines of the store before purchasing. It is also critical to note that a few Ampm outlets do not accept the aforementioned debit cards so contact the store employee about their EBT card acceptance policy.
Interested in knowing: Does H Mart Accept Food Stamp or EBT? Find the answer in our next guide.
What Are The Gift Cards Accepted At Ampm?
Ampm provides a wide variety of payment options to customers including gift cards. Following is a comprehensive list of gift cards that are accepted at Ampm locations.
- Ampm Gift Cards
- Visa Gift Card
- Mastercard Gift Card
- American Express Gift Card
- Discover Gift Card
- Cardcash
- Gift card Mall
- Raise
Customers who are shopping at Ampm must know the specific terms that are associated with these gift cards. For example, a few cards have a minimum purchase stipulation or come with an expiration date. Beyond the gift cards Ampm also accommodates traditional payment forms like debit cards, checks, cash and credit cards.
Read also: Does Piggly Wiggly Accept Food Stamps, SNAP, or EBT?
What Are The Working Hours of Ampm?
Navigating the opening and closing schedule of Ampm is simple. The store opens at 6:00 AM from Sunday to Thursday and continues its operation until 1:00 AM. However on Friday and Saturday the Ampm remains open until 2:00 AM. The one-size fits approach is applicable for Ampm operation hours.
The hours may change based on your location. If you’re planning to pay a visit to the Ampm store do not forget to make a quick phone call. The store hours may change during holidays like Christmas Day, Thanksgiving Day, Easter Sunday, New Year’s Day, Independence Day, Labor Day etc.
Read also: Does Shipt Accept Food Stamps, SNAP, or EBT?
Alternatives To Ampm For EBT Shoppers
Besides AMPM, there are major supermarket chains, smaller grocery stores, discount stores or online platforms that accept debit payments from SNAP beneficiaries. In the below section we will cover the best alternatives to Ampm for EBT shoppers so that they can buy eligible food items to feed themselves and their families.
Target
Similar to Walmart, Amazon, and Instacart, Target accepts food stamps or EBT from SNAP beneficiaries. Food Stamp recipients have been using their EBT cards as a means of payment since 2022.
You can shop conveniently at Target.com and order groceries online using your EBT card however to cover your delivery fees or other service charges you have to use an alternate source of payment like cash or credit card.
Instacart
Another popular grocery delivery service in America that allows SNAP recipients to order food from their favorite convenience stores and get it delivered to their doorstep is Instacart. However, Instacart accepts EBT only in select locations and you need to check whether this option is available in your area or not by visiting its official website.
ALDI
One of the biggest grocery chains in America, ALDI is already accepting EBT payments from customers. As with any other grocery chain, ALDI users who qualify for SNAP benefits can use the EBT card to buy groceries and food items at participating locations. ALDI makes it easier for people to get things they need and maximize their benefits with multiple payment options
Trader Joe’s
Trader Joe’s accepts EBT cards. If you are a SNAP recipient then you can shop groceries at Traders Joe’s and get the food you need for yourself by paying with your SNAP benefits or EBT card. Trader Joe’s is one of the most popular grocery stores for EBT holders since it caters to a wide array of customers and provides fresh food products in its outlets.
Circle K
Authorized store locations of Circle K accept EBT payments. Just like any other convenience store available throughout the United States of America, Circle K also accepts EBT as a form of payment for buying SNAP-approved food items and groceries. However, they do not accept food stamps or EBT online.
More EBT-Friendly Grocery Stores
- Kroger
- Big Y Foods
- BJ’s Wholesale Club
- Costco
- City Market
- ALDI
- Big Y Foods
- BJ’s Wholesale Club
- Costco
- City Markets
- Family Food Stores
- CVS
- Rite Aid
- Speedway
- All Stores
- Market Basket
- Albertsons
- Friendly Foods
- Foodland
- Food Lion
- Walgreen
- Harris Teeter
- Hometown Foods
- Jubilee Foods
- Piggly Wiggly
- Publix
- Safeway
- Dollar Tree
- Kroger
- Sam’s Club
This is not an exhaustive list of stores and retail outlets that accept EBT in the United States of America. To locate a retailer near you use the USDA retailer locator online.
Conclusion
Ampm provides much convenience for EBT recipients by accepting EBT payments at all its store locations. However, when it comes to ordering SNAP-eligible food items online from Ampm this facility is not available. However, this scenario is rapidly changing as more states and stores are enrolling in the USDA Online Purchasing Pilot Program. So you may expect Ampm to enroll in the program shortly. Ampm is a growing grocery chain and gas station that is popular among Americans for its food options, extensive choices and affordable prices. You must familiarize yourself with eligible food items that you can cover with your EBT card at Ampm stores. EBT cardholders must not forget to use an alternate source of payment as a backup for things that are not covered by food stamps.
EBT is an essential food assistance program designed for low-income households in America. You can learn how to apply for EBT benefits by checking our comprehensive guide to Get Government Grants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Ampm Accept EBT Cards or Food Stamp Benefits?
Yes, Ampm store locations throughout the United States of America accept EBT cards from SNAP beneficiaries and help them buy necessary food items with SNAP funds. You can use the SNAP Retail Locator to find a nearby Ampm store that accepts EBT cards and place your address or zip code to get the directions.
What Can I Buy At Ampm Using My EBT Card?
EBT cardholders can buy food staples or products that come with nutritional facts using their EBT card anywhere throughout the country. This includes fruits and vegetables, fish, bread, meat, snacks, cereals, dairy products, non-alcoholic beverages, plants and seeds to produce food etc.
What Is The Return Policy At Ampm Store Regarding Items That Are Covered By EBT Card?
EBT customers can return any item that they have purchased using their EBT card from Ampm stores within a stipulated period. If you’re not satisfied with any item and wish to return it then you have to bring the product to the physical store along with your receipt to get a full refund or an exchange.
Can I Purchase Gas At Ampm Stores With My SNAP EBT Card?
No Ampm does not accept EBT or SNAP benefits cards for gas payments. You can however withdraw cash to use it at the Ampm gas station to purchase fuel. In addition to EBT payments Ampm also accepts credit cards and cash.