Does QuikTrip Accept SNAP or EBT?

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This information is current as of July 21, 2022.


Do you make frequent stops at QuikTrip for gas, groceries, or snacks? Ever ask yourself, does QuikTrip accept SNAP, Food Stamps, or EBT? 



QuikTrip does accept SNAP payments through EBT cards. This can be used to pay for any cold food items. You cannot buy gas or hot prepared foods with your EBT card.


This article will dissect how to use SNAP at QuikTrip, the pros, and cons of the popular gas station convenience store chain, some of its alternatives, and more.


What’s the Difference Between SNAP and EBT?


Before diving into QuikTrip, let’s clear up the difference between SNAP and EBT.


The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federal and state program that helps low-income individuals pay for healthy groceries.


Some people still refer to “food stamps” when they mean SNAP or EBT because SNAP used paper stamp coupons instead of an EBT card for benefits.


Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards are used to hold SNAP funds. If approved for SNAP, you’ll be mailed or given an EBT card automatically loaded with your monthly benefit. This card functions like any debit card.


Where Can I Use EBT at QuikTrip?


QuikTrip is a chain of convenience stores and gas stations that have been around for over 50 years. There are over 945 QuikTrip stores across sixteen states, including:


  • Alabama
  • Arizona
  • Arkansas
  • Colorado
  • Georgia
  • Illinois
  • Iowa
  • Kansas
  • Louisiana
  • Missouri
  • Nebraska
  • North Carolina
  • Oklahoma
  • South Carolina
  • Tennessee
  • Texas

How to Use EBT at QuikTrip


To use your SNAP benefits at QuikTrip, you’ll need to find a location near you. Head to your nearest QuikTrip and pick up some SNAP-approved items (listed in the next section).


Once at the register, let them know you’ll be paying with an EBT card. You’ll be asked to swipe or insert your card like any debit card. Then, enter your PIN. The cashier may ask to see a government ID to confirm the EBT card is yours.


Once approved, you’ll receive your receipt, and your payment will be automatically deducted from your SNAP balance.


If you want to purchase non-SNAP items with your groceries, you’ll need to pay for those separately with cash or another card.


If you spend more than you have on your SNAP balance, you’ll also be responsible for paying the difference with cash or another card.


Almost all returns for EBT items follow the same general return policy as other items from the store.


What You Can Buy at QuikTrip With SNAP or EBT


While QuikTrip may accept SNAP, federal guidelines decide what SNAP participants can and cannot buy.


EBT cards can only be used to buy certain foods, such as:

  • Meat, fish, chicken, and turkey
  • Dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese
  • Fruits and vegetables
  • Bread
  • Cereal
  • Snacks
  • Juices, sodas, and other drinks
  • Seeds and plants that can be used for food

As for QuikTrip-specific products, you can enjoy a wide range of snacks, drinks, cookies, pastries, cold subs, and more.


What You Can’t Buy With EBT at QuikTrip


You won’t be able to buy the following with your EBT card:


  • Alcoholic drinks
  • Cigarettes or tobacco
  • Medicine, supplements, or vitamins
  • If your item has a “Supplement Facts” label, you cannot buy it with SNAP
  • Live animals
  • Exceptions: shellfish and fish out of water
  • Pet food
  • Household supplies (cleaning supplies, paper products, etc.)
  • Hygiene items or cosmetics

If you try to purchase these items with your EBT card, your form of payment will be denied.


The Pros and Cons of Using EBT QuikTrip


QuikTrip is one gas station convenience store among many, so it has pros and cons.


Pros


As the most significant pro, QuikTrip accepts EBT on a large selection of its products. While you may not want to do your entire grocery haul there, it’s a great place to head to when you’ve run out of milk, snacks, or drinks.


QuikTrip is also well-known, with hundreds of store locations in more than fifteen states. Its prices are competitive and usually align with other convenience stores in the area.


Some QuikTrip stores even have an outside eating area where you can sit and enjoy your purchase.


Cons


QuikTrip has a wonderful hot foods area called “Grab and Go” that serves roller grill hot dogs and some hot sandwiches and wraps. While this is a pro on its own, a negative is that these items are not covered by SNAP payments.


Alternatives to QuikTrip


If you don’t have a QuikTrip near your home, other gas station convenience stores can offer similar items and accept EBT as payment.



How to Sign Up for SNAP


If you don’t have SNAP benefits, it’s time to see if you qualify and apply. SNAP helps thousands of families fill the monthly pay gap between their paychecks and bills. Having healthy food on the table is a need, not a want, and SNAP helps everyone meet that need.


To sign up for SNAP, you’ll need to check if you qualify, complete the application, attend an interview, and set up your EBT card.


1.    Qualify for SNAP


SNAP is a federal program that works with each state and changes slightly depending on the region. Your state’s SNAP program might be called a different name. You can verify your state’s program here.


Most states follow the federal guidelines for SNAP eligibility, although some have slightly different rules. You’ll need to make less than a certain amount to qualify for SNAP.


To check if you qualify, you’ll need to know the difference between a few terms.


First, gross monthly income is all the money your household makes in one year. Your household is everyone that lives and shares meals with you, including spouses and dependents. Add all the income of each household member together to get the total gross income.


Deductions are certain expenses you can subtract from your gross monthly income. This includes standard SNAP deductions, dependent care, certain medical expenses, and more. Your caseworker should help you in determining which deductions you qualify for.


Net income is your gross income minus your deductions. This is the money you have left over after expenses.


Assets are money you have aside in savings, cash, or investments. You can’t have more than $2,500 in assets to apply for SNAP or $3,750 if you have an elderly or disabled household member.


2.    Complete the Application


Once you confirm that you meet your state’s SNAP requirements, you can complete the application online or at a local office. Most applications will ask you to list things like:


  • Your address
  • The name, birthday, and Social Security number of each household member
  • Income information
  • Whether or not you participate in other government programs
  • Whether or not you owe child support
  • Any previous criminal convictions for you or your household members

Your local SNAP office can help you complete your application. Each state should also have a phone number you can call for assistance.


3.    Go to Your Interview


After your application is approved, you may have to attend a short in-person or over-the-phone interview. This interview will confirm the details of your application. You may be asked to bring supporting documents to prove your income or participation in another government program.


Some states give the interview the same day you apply if applying in person. Others will call you to schedule the interview within the next month. Most interviews are given within 30 days of receiving your application.


4.    Set up Your EBT Card


Once your application and interview are completed successfully, you’ll have to wait for your EBT card in the mail. It usually takes about a week to arrive. 


When you get your EBT card, follow the instructions to set up your PIN. This should be a number that’s easy for you to remember but hard for others to guess. You’ll need this number every time you pay with your card.


Many states have an online platform where you can track your EBT balance, renew SNAP benefits, and more. This may be the same platform you applied on. Keep your log-in details for this site safe and review your account monthly.


Finally, use your EBT card at least once monthly to keep your benefits active and enjoy some delicious, healthy, and free food!


In Summary


QuikTrip is one of the larger chains of gas station convenience stores in America.


With plenty of snacks, grocery items, and drinks to choose from, you can easily use your EBT benefits to purchase SNAP-approved items from QuikTrip. According to SNAP rules, these items cannot include alcoholic drinks, gas, or hot food items from the Grab and Go bar.


Next time you’re on the road or run out of a staple like milk or juice, head to your nearest QuikTrip and take advantage of your EBT benefits.


And, for more information on ways to save, check out other articles in our blog!


Save Money on Your Wireless Phone Service


If you qualify for SNAP, you may also be eligible for Lifeline or the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Lifeline and ACP are government-run programs that help low-income consumers receive free or heavily discounted communication services.


Click here to find out more and apply for this valuable benefit.


Get a Tablet for $10.01


If you qualify, you can get an 8″ tablet for just $10.01. Apply here to get started!


Save Even More With Recommended Resources and Amazon Deals


Looking to save on additional items? You may want to check out our Recommended Resources page. For example, you can learn how to save 50% on Amazon Prime membership and use your EBT card.

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