Does Wawa Take EBT? What You Can and Can’t Buy

If you receive SNAP benefits and shop at Wawa, you’ll be glad to know that Wawa does accept EBT cards at most locations. However, not everything in the store qualifies for EBT purchases. Understanding what you can and can’t buy with your EBT card at Wawa helps you plan your shopping and avoid surprises at the register.

Disclaimer: This site is not affiliated with Wawa, Inc. EBT/SNAP policies may vary by state and location. For official information, visit wawa.com.

Does Wawa Accept EBT Cards?

Yes, most Wawa locations accept EBT cards for qualifying SNAP-eligible purchases. Wawa is an authorized SNAP retailer, meaning you can use your Electronic Benefits Transfer card to buy eligible food items in the store.

To use your EBT card at Wawa, simply select your eligible items, swipe or insert your EBT card at the payment terminal, select “EBT” as your payment method, and enter your PIN. The transaction process is the same as using a debit card.

What You Can Buy with EBT at Wawa

SNAP benefits can be used to purchase food items intended for home consumption. At Wawa, eligible items generally include:

• Packaged snacks — chips, pretzels, trail mix, nuts, crackers, and cookies (pre-packaged, not from the bakery case in some cases)
• Bottled and canned beverages — water, juice, milk, soda, and iced tea
• Bread and bakery items — packaged bread, rolls, and pre-packaged baked goods
• Dairy products — milk, cheese, yogurt, and cream cheese
• Deli meats and cheese — pre-packaged sliced meats and cheese
• Fresh fruit — pre-cut fruit cups and whole fruit (bananas, apples)
• Cereal and granola bars
• Candy and gum
• Ice cream and frozen novelties (pre-packaged)

What You Cannot Buy with EBT at Wawa

Federal SNAP rules prohibit using EBT benefits for certain categories of items, regardless of the retailer:

• Hot prepared food — This is the biggest restriction at Wawa. Hot hoagies, Sizzli sandwiches, soups, mac and cheese, chicken strips, hot dogs, and any other items from the hot food case or made-to-order hot food cannot be purchased with EBT.
• Coffee and hot beverages — Hot coffee, lattes, hot chocolate, and other heated drinks are not EBT-eligible.
• Alcohol — Beer, wine, and spirits (where sold) are never EBT-eligible.
• Tobacco products — Cigarettes, cigars, and other tobacco items.
• Non-food items — Household supplies, paper products, cleaning items, medicines, and personal care products.
• Fuel — Gasoline cannot be purchased with EBT.
• Gift cards — Wawa gift cards cannot be purchased with EBT.

Can You Buy Cold Wawa Hoagies with EBT?

This is where it gets a bit nuanced. The general SNAP rule is that cold, pre-made sandwiches intended for takeaway may be eligible for EBT, while hot or heated food is not. At Wawa:

• Cold pre-made sandwiches from the refrigerated grab-and-go section are generally EBT-eligible since they are cold food items.
• Built-to-order hoagies that are served cold (not toasted or heated) may be eligible at some locations, though this can vary. The determining factor is whether the item is classified as a “prepared hot food” at the point of sale.
• Toasted or heated hoagies are not EBT-eligible because they are considered hot prepared food.

If you’re unsure whether a specific item qualifies, ask the cashier before checking out. They can tell you which items the register will accept on EBT.

Split Payment: EBT and Another Method

If your order includes both EBT-eligible and non-eligible items, Wawa’s registers can handle a split payment. The EBT-eligible items will be charged to your EBT card, and you can pay for the remaining items with cash, debit, or credit. The cashier or payment terminal will automatically separate the charges.

This means you can buy a bag of chips and a bottle of water with EBT, and pay for a hot coffee with cash — all in the same transaction.

How to Check Your EBT Balance

Before shopping at Wawa, it’s helpful to know your available EBT balance. You can check it by:

• Calling the number on the back of your EBT card — The automated system will read your balance.
• Checking your state’s EBT portal or app — Most states have an online portal or mobile app for benefit management.
• Asking at the register — The cashier can check your balance as part of a transaction.
• Checking your last receipt — Your remaining EBT balance is printed on the receipt after each transaction.

Maximizing Your EBT Budget at Wawa

Wawa is a convenience store, so prices are generally higher than a grocery store. Here are tips to stretch your EBT dollars:

• Stick to Wawa-brand items when possible — they’re typically priced lower than national brands.
• Buy cold grab-and-go items rather than hot food if you want to use EBT for a meal.
• Use Wawa for quick fill-ins rather than full grocery trips — milk, bread, fruit, and snacks are reasonably priced, but a full week of groceries will cost more here than at a supermarket.
• Check the fresh fruit section — fruit cups and whole fruit (bananas, apples) are EBT-eligible and reasonably priced.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a Wawa hoagie with EBT?

It depends. Cold sandwiches and cold pre-made hoagies from the refrigerated section are generally EBT-eligible. Hot or toasted hoagies are not eligible because SNAP benefits cannot be used for hot prepared food. If you order a hoagie on the touchscreen and request it cold (not toasted), eligibility may vary by location.

Can I use EBT at the Wawa gas pump?

No. EBT/SNAP benefits cannot be used to purchase fuel. You will need to use cash, debit, or credit to pay for gas at Wawa.

Does Wawa accept EBT for delivery orders?

Currently, EBT payment is only available for in-store purchases at Wawa. Third-party delivery services like DoorDash and Uber Eats do not support EBT payment for Wawa orders, though some delivery platforms have begun accepting EBT for grocery orders from select retailers.

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Written by the MyWawaVisit Guide Team