Does Buc-ee’s Accept EBT Card, SNAP or Food Stamps Payment – In today’s modern finance landscape EBT or Electronic Benefits, Transfer stands as a key federal government initiative that assists low-income individuals or families to access food assistance. Therefore EBT or SNAP benefits are critical for low-income households in America to buy specific items at select grocery stores and convenience chains. One of the most popular gas stations and country stores in America is Buc-ee’s. With nearly 48 store locations, Buc-ee’s has earned a good reputation in the market and has risen in prominence among customers who live close to one of its participating locations.
With its growing prominence, it is critical to know the different payment methods that are available at Buc-ee’s. A lot of SNAP recipients wonder whether they can use their EBT card or food stamps at Buc-ee’s. This comprehensive guide will help you to know whether or not Buc-ee’s accept food stamps, EBT or SNAP benefits and what are the other similar grocery stores that help low-income households by accepting EBT.
Highlights of this Post
Key Takeaways
- Buc-ee’s does not accept EBT cards for in-store or online purchases.
- SNAP recipients can use their benefits at alternate grocery stores like Kroger, Walmart, and Aldi.
- Buc-ee’s limited grocery selection may disqualify them from the SNAP program.
- EBT cards can be used to purchase approved groceries like meat, produce, and dairy products.
What Exactly Are SNAP/ EBT Benefits?
The government issues Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards to low-income individuals and families who qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
Both EBT and SNAP are updated versions of the food stamps program but today beneficiaries of the program do not carry food stamps instead they get a preloaded card that works similarly to a debit card.
Apart from The SNAP program, many other assistance programs offer benefits to low-income individuals in the form of such as Temporary Assistance For Needy Families or TANF, Supplemental Nutrition for Women, Infants , Children (WIC) and so on.
What is Buc-ee’s?
Americans living in the northeast part of the United States of America might not have heard of Buc-ee’s however those who know about this store would love it. Buc-ee’s is located throughout the Southeastern United States of America and is a chain of convenience stores with gas stations. They are gas station convenience stores that have been around since the 1980s and have several gas stations and stores throughout the Southeastern part of America.
The store location remains open for 24 hours a day and provides made-to-order and breakfast lunches at most of its locations. They also offer a variety of other items like fudge, baked goods and beef jerky. The convenience stores are located in the following states throughout the country:
- Alabama
- Tennessee
- Texas
- South Carolina
- Georgia
- Florida
- Kentucky
Buc-ee’s is also working to expand its work in other locations throughout America including the following states:
- Missouri
- Mississippi
- Colorado
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Virginia
- Oklahoma
- Louisiana
Buc-ee’s opened its first store in 1982 in Texas and soon expanded its first travel center in 2001. The store provides food, novelties, fueling stations etc. One of the largest convenience stores of Buc-ee’s is located in New Brownfields Texas and is 68,000 square feet.
EBT recipients also look for: Does Murphy USA Take EBT?
Do Buc-ee’s Accept EBT, SNAP or Food Stamps?
Travel stops such as Buc-ee’s are convenient places where you can grab a snack or milk and fill your tank during a road trip or your daily transportation. SNAP recipients who pay for their food with EBT cards at some travel stops wonder whether they can use their EBT cards at Buc-ee’s.
Unfortunately Buc-ee’s does not accept EBT payments. Even though there are more than 1900 Buc-ee’s locations throughout the United States of America they do not accept EBT for any purchases including groceries and food. This policy applies to all locations like Alabama, Florida, South Carolina, Texas, etc.
Why Doesn’t Buc-ee’s Accept EBT, SNAP or Food Stamps?
Buc-ee’s stores need to apply individually to become SNAP retailers and must sell a certain amount of staple grocery such as meat, bread, fruits, vegetables, cereals etc. to qualify for the SNAP initiative.
Buc-ee’s does not accept EBT as a method of payment due to the restriction placed by the United States Department of Agriculture that prevents the company from participating in EBT transactions. The company is not participating in the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) that allows specific customers such as the elderly, disabled or homeless people in approved states to use their EBT card at select fast food chains and restaurants.
Buc-ee’s accepts many other payment methods like debit cards, credit cards, and e-wallets however EBT cards are not supported due to technical or regulatory constraints. The present payment processing system of Buc-ee’s is not compatible with EBT transactions and the store has not yet been authorized by SNAP authorities to accept EBT payments. A good alternative to Buc-ee’s is DoorDash which accepts EBT payments online and enables you to shop conveniently from the comfort of your home.
Also read: Does H Mart Accept Food Stamp or EBT
What Are The Working Hours Of Buc-ee’s?
All Buc-ee’s stores are open 24 hours a day and 365 days a year. Breakfast items are sold between 4:00 AM to 10:30 AM. They serve BBQ sandwiches from 11:30 AM till after midnight.
The company transitioned from breakfast to lunch between 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM. The following is the list of items that you can find 24/ 7 on visiting your nearest Buc-ee’s location.
- Fresh hot food
- Cold sandwiches
- Jerky bars
- Fruit cups
- Wraps
- Protein packs
- Salads
- Cold items
- Homemade Fudge
Interested about: Does 7-Eleven Accept SNAP, EBT, or Food Stamps? Read more in our next guide.
What Other Payment Methods Does Buc-ee’s Accept?
Outside EBT payments Buc-ee’s accept many other sources of payment like cash, credit cards, debit cards or contactless payments such as Samsung Pay or Apple Pay.
Customers can return any item that they have purchased at Buc-ee’s if it falls within the retailer’s 90-day return policy. Your card will either be credited or you will get a store credit. You can also get an exchange for an identical product. Buc-ee’s accepts major debit or credit cards including e-wallets.
SNAP recipients also look for: Which Restaurants Accept EBT In Kentucky?
What Are The General EBT Acceptable Items?
Electronic Benefits Transfer or SNAP will help to pay for essential and healthy groceries that help low-income families and individuals to feed and meet their dietary and nutritional requirements. Things that you can take home to feed your family are permissible instead of hot prepaid items like pizza or sandwiches.
The following is the list of EBT-friendly items that you can purchase at Buc-ee’s store locations anywhere throughout the country.
- Milk and Dairy Products: All types of milk, yogurt, cheese and butter are eligible
- Fruits and vegetables: All types of fresh, canned or frozen fruits and vegetables. This also includes dried fruits and vegetables.
- Meat, poultry and fish: This comprises all forms of meat such as pork, beef, turkey, chicken, fish and lamb
- Bread and cereals: All types of bread, crackers, cereals, pasta, oatmeal and rice are allowed
- Snacks and desserts: Chips, cakes, cookies and other snack items are eligible as long as they do not have any vitamins or minerals in them.
- Energy drinks: Specific energy drinks are allowed for purchase using an EBT card if they are labeled as Nutrition Facts.
- Seeds and Plants: SNAP participants can purchase plants and seeds to grow their produce.
Read also: What can you Shop Online With EBT?
What Can’t I Purchase With My EBT or SNAP Benefits?
As with any retailer that accepts food stamps or EBT benefits there are limitations on what can be purchased at Buc-ee’s. The following is the list of items that you can cover using your SNAP or EBT benefits.
No matter whether you are shopping at Walmart stores or any other supermarket or grocery store, the following is a list of categorized items that you cannot purchase with your EBT card.
- Alcoholic beverages such as liquor, wine, and beer
- Prepared hot food
- Cigarette and tobacco-containing products
- Drugs, vitamins, medicines, and supplements
- Non-food items like pet foods
- Cleaning supplies
- Laundry detergent
- Dry ice
- Fuel pumps
- Diapers
- Shampoo
- Live animals except (fish and shellfish)
- Gas
- Clothing
- Hygiene and sanitary products
- Cosmetics and skincare products
- Paper products
As per USDA guidelines EBT or SNAP credits are applied to the purchase of approved food items and groceries only. The transaction will not push even if you try to use the card at Buc-ee’s for unapproved items. Also repeated attempts to use the EBT card for unapproved purchases can result in EBT benefits suspension.
Following are the consequences that you may face for your unapproved food purchases.
- Three-month ban for the first unapproved SNAP purchase
- One year ban for the next unapproved SNAP purchase
- Two year ban for the third unapproved SNAP purchase.
Learn in our next guide: Does Menchie’s Accept EBT or Food Stamps?
Does Buc-ee’s Allow EBT or SNAP Benefits For Online Purchases?
The Online Purchasing Pilot Program by USDA is a digital purchasing choice for EBT recipients that enables them to make purchases at authorized stores using their EBT cards. A few states are participating in this program as it is a voluntary initiative with no compulsion. SNAP leaves it to individual states to enroll in the online EBT program so many states have not yet enrolled into this initiative.
Unfortunately, Buc-ee’s does not allow EBT or SNAP benefits for online purchases as well as in-store purchases. Once you learn about the store eligibility requirements set by the USDA Online Pilot Purchasing Program you will know why Buc-ee’s does not qualify for the program. A store has to meet two categories– either provide stable food sales or stable food inventory to qualify.
Both the categories do not apply to Buc-ee’s so you cannot use your EBT card here. There are many third-party resellers of Buc-ee’s products that are not authorized, affiliated with, endorsed or sponsored by Buc-ee’s in any way. Buc-ee’s also does not have an online store. You cannot use any other alternate payment source to order online at Buc-ee’s.
SNAP recipients also wonder: Does Wawa Accept SNAP, EBT, or Food Stamps?
Retailers That Accept EBT Payments Online
As you know Buc-ee’s does not accept Electronic Benefits Transfer as a method of payment you can consider opting for other alternative options if you are relying on government-sponsored SNAP benefits for your food and grocery needs. Below are some online retailers that accept EBT payments.
Instacart
Instacart is a popular grocery delivery service that operates throughout America and enables customers to order food from their preferred stores and get the groceries delivered to their doorsteps. Instacart takes EBT as a method of payment in a few areas. You must check whether an Instacart is operating in your area and accept EBT as a payment option.
Amazon Fresh
Amazon Fresh is another route for low-income individuals and families who depend on government SNAP benefits for their groceries and food bills. Customers can use their EBT card in select states to pay for SNAP-eligible items on the Amazon Fresh site. Amazon Fresh provides customers with an extensive selection of products and grocery delivery services by accepting EBT payments.
Walmart
Walmart provides a subscription-based membership program known as Walmart + that offers a plethora of advantages to its customers including unlimited free delivery on food items. In select states, Walmart + accepts EBT as a method of payment for online grocery orders. This enables SNAP beneficiaries to take advantage of the flexibility and convenience of grocery delivery with their best benefits.
Target
Target accepts EBT payments similar to Amazon. They have been allowing customers to use EBT cards for online payment recently. Customers get the convenience to choose their desired food and grocery items online.
Readals: Does Gopuff Take SNAP, EBT, or Food Stamps?
Alternate Grocery Stores That Accept EBT Payment
As you know Buc-ee’s works only in select locations like Alabama, Tennessee, Texas, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida and Kentucky therefore residents who are living in any other states need to look for alternate grocery stores that accept EBT in their area.
In this section, we have covered a list of grocery stores that accept EBT payments.
- Costco
- City Market
- Family Food Stores
- Foodland
- Rite Aid
- Speedway
- Food Lion
- ALDI
- Walgreen
- CVS
- Friendly Foods
- Harris Teeter
- Albertsons
- Big Y Foods
- BJ’s Wholesale Club
- Safeway
- Sam’s Club
- Market Basket
- Piggly Wiggly
- Publix
- H Mart
- Kroger
- Hometown Foods
- Jubilee Foods
- Kroger
- All Stores
- Dollar Tree
The aforementioned stores enable customers to use their food stamps or SNAP benefits and have SNAP labels on them so that people can understand what they can purchase and what can’t use their EBT card.
For any ineligible purchase, you have to use an alternate payment source to cover items that are not eligible for EBT. SNAP beneficiaries who are using their EBT card at these stores must use the card for purchasing nutritious groceries like meat, fruits, vegetables, cereals, whole grains, whole wheat bread, milk, juice and other edible products.
Read also: Does Shipt Accept Food Stamps, SNAP, or EBT?
Additional Food Assistance Programs And Resources
Food Pantries/ Food Banks
Disadvantage populations and low-income households who are struggling to make ends meet can turn to food assistance programs and food pantries. You can locate a food pantry in your local area by visiting the official website of Feeding America or contact the hunger hotline by dialing 1-866-3-HUNGRY
Recommended: How soup kitchen work for hungry people
Apply for Other Government-Funded Programs
Many government-funded initiatives help people pay for their food such as the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program For Women, Infants and Children, The National School Lunch Program, the Emergency Food Assistance Program etc. In case you do not qualify for SNAP EBT benefits you can easily qualify for one of these programs. To learn more information about the government food assistance programs, you can visit the official USDA website or contact the customer service hotline by dialing 1-800-221-5689.
Conclusion
Buc-ee’s convenience stores are popular for serving food, gas and many other novelties. Unfortunately, this gas station convenience store does not accept EBT at any of its participating stores and customers have to use alternate payment sources such as debit cards, credit cards or mobile wallets for any purchases. Customers cannot use their food stamp benefits for online purchases, gas or delivery at Buc-ee’s. If you want to find convenience stores that accept EBT as a method of payment you can make use of the SNAP Retailer Locator where you have to enter your zip code or address to see the nearest options. Our guide has provided a list of grocery stores that accept EBT payments as better alternatives to Buc-ee’s. Keep in mind that you cannot use pharmaceuticals, alcohol or tobacco products using your EBT even at these stores.
We hope this article has been informative enough to give you all the details you need regarding Buc-ee’s and EBT. You can learn more about the government grants and financial assistance program at the Get Government Grants’ blog section today
Frequently Asked Questions
How To Use SNAP or EBT Benefits?
Using SNAP or EBT benefits is simple and pretty straightforward. While paying for your food items you have to swipe your EBT card and enter the four-digit PIN to complete the transaction. Any amount purchased with EBT will be deducted from your monthly cash allowance. For additional items, you have to use another form of payment like a debit card or cash.
Can I Use an EBT Card To Purchase Goods Online At Buc-ee’s?
Buc-ee’s does not allow SNAP or EBT cards for online or in-store purchases. Generally, EBT cards cannot be used to pay for online delivery or curbside pickup. You need to use an alternate payment store to purchase items at Buc-ee’s.
Will The Cashier At Buc-ee’s Know I Am Using EBT Or SNAP Benefits?
Cashiers at any retail or grocery store will know if you are using your SNAP benefits for processing the transaction. Customers can also use their food stamp or EBT cards at any checkout similar to a debit card. A lot of customers prefer this as the register automatically calculates the number of items that are eligible for SNAP as you scan them. However, Buc-ee’s stores do not accept EBT payments.