Convenience Stores 7-Eleven and Circle K Accused of Widespread Price Discrepancies
An investigation by The Guardian revealed significant pricing errors at multiple locations across the United States.
Two major convenience store chains, 7-Eleven and Circle K, are facing accusations of overcharging customers due to widespread price discrepancies. A comprehensive investigation by The Guardian uncovered numerous instances where advertised prices differed from the amounts charged at checkout.
The probe identified that items displayed with lower prices on shelves, sale signs, or gas station marquees were being scanned at higher prices for customers. One documented case involved a customer at a Circle K in McAllen, Texas, who was charged $4.19 for beef and jalapeño cheese sticks that were advertised at $3.99. When the customer requested a price adjustment, it was denied.
This customer reported experiencing similar price discrepancies at other convenience stores at least five times in the preceding six months. These issues have been reported by shoppers in multiple states, including Ohio, Florida, North Carolina, Colorado, Utah, and New York.
According to the investigation, Circle K failed 35% of price-accuracy inspections in Florida, 62% in North Carolina, and 82% in Columbus, Ohio, between 2023 and 2025. 7-Eleven reportedly failed 47% of inspections in Colorado and Utah, and 79% in Ontario County, New York.
The news organization reviewed 153 shopper complaints concerning the two chains across 17 states. Approximately half of these complaints related to food, drinks, and merchandise, while the other half involved gasoline prices, with advertised prices on roadside signs often differing from the pump prices.
In one instance earlier this year, an inspection in Arizona found that 12 out of 25 products at a 7-Eleven scanned at higher prices than advertised. A pack of gum priced at $3.99 on the shelf rang up at $4.99 at the register.
To help consumers avoid being overcharged, shoppers are advised to pay close attention to advertised prices and compare them to the prices at which items are scanned. If a discrepancy is noticed, it is recommended to alert an employee before completing the payment, as it may be easier to rectify at that stage. Snapping a photo of the advertised price can also serve as evidence to support a price adjustment, particularly for promotions.
Consumers are also encouraged to report any pricing issues they encounter. Maintaining a record of discrepancies can be useful if a retailer is unwilling to resolve the problem, allowing consumers to escalate the issue to their local consumer-protection agency. Both 7-Eleven and Circle K were contacted for comment but had not yet responded at the time of reporting.