Feb 3, 2017, 9:45 am
Last edit by: RedSun
This is the thread for 2017 onward. The previous discussion can be found here.
UPDATED Oct-2018: A lot of CVS store take CCs for GC purchases. Some stores check CCs and scan driver's license (with hand scanner). The best GCs are OVVGC and VVGC. The only differences are card designs. The current fee is $5.95 for $25 - $500 variable loading. If prompted for PIN, enter the last 4 digits.
Look for mobile shipping portal with CVS bonus. Certain CCs have category bonus.
CVS is cash only for all Incomm-related reloads and reloadable cards, including Vanilla Reloads and Serve swipe reloads. See memo to stores for complete list. Other cards at CVS can still be bought using credit, but YMMV depending on location, Manager, etc.
Transaction limits since October 20, 2014:
Transactions with $300 or more of card face value require ID.
Limit $ 2000 of card face value per 24 hour rolling period. (Some are reporting limit of $1000 per 24 hrs as of 2/2018)?
Limit of 10 cards per 24 hours.
Cash Register Freezing
Multiple reports that the CVS cash register will freeze and lock after scanning the ID when purchasing multiple prepaid cards. Then the register's computer needs to be restarted. Some report that "swiping" the ID instead of "scanning" will avoid the issue.
Limit of 7 tenders (swipes) per transaction. This is most commonly run into when using low-value AGCs. After seven, the transaction must be complete, no cash (or any other payment method) will be accepted to pay the balance.
System error after giving them license If you keep getting this error, there could be a problem with the magnetic strip on your license. Have them use the wand to scan it instead.
UPDATED Oct-2018: A lot of CVS store take CCs for GC purchases. Some stores check CCs and scan driver's license (with hand scanner). The best GCs are OVVGC and VVGC. The only differences are card designs. The current fee is $5.95 for $25 - $500 variable loading. If prompted for PIN, enter the last 4 digits.
Look for mobile shipping portal with CVS bonus. Certain CCs have category bonus.
CVS is cash only for all Incomm-related reloads and reloadable cards, including Vanilla Reloads and Serve swipe reloads. See memo to stores for complete list. Other cards at CVS can still be bought using credit, but YMMV depending on location, Manager, etc.
Transaction limits since October 20, 2014:
Transactions with $300 or more of card face value require ID.
Limit $ 2000 of card face value per 24 hour rolling period. (Some are reporting limit of $1000 per 24 hrs as of 2/2018)?
Limit of 10 cards per 24 hours.
Cash Register Freezing
Multiple reports that the CVS cash register will freeze and lock after scanning the ID when purchasing multiple prepaid cards. Then the register's computer needs to be restarted. Some report that "swiping" the ID instead of "scanning" will avoid the issue.
Limit of 7 tenders (swipes) per transaction. This is most commonly run into when using low-value AGCs. After seven, the transaction must be complete, no cash (or any other payment method) will be accepted to pay the balance.
System error after giving them license If you keep getting this error, there could be a problem with the magnetic strip on your license. Have them use the wand to scan it instead.
CVS Master Thread(2017 onwards)
Aug 8, 2017, 10:57 pm
#256
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: SAN
Programs: Delta Gold. Hilton Diamond. Hyatt Explorist.
Posts: 1,674
Sep 13, 2017, 10:19 am
#257
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: SoCal
Programs: IHG RA, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold, Delta Silver
Posts: 100
Well... today I noticed my go-to CVS started restocking OV VGC's with the $5.95 fee version with 2026 expiration dates. Outer packaging is a bit different and indicates $5.95 fee. "Prepaid Cardholder" is now printed and not embossed. I believe the number is still raised but I haven't bought one.
With the increased fee, this CVS will see me less often, which is a shame because they've made spend very easy for me.
With the increased fee, this CVS will see me less often, which is a shame because they've made spend very easy for me.
Sep 16, 2017, 7:09 am
#259
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 3,688
Well... today I noticed my go-to CVS started restocking OV VGC's with the $5.95 fee version with 2026 expiration dates. Outer packaging is a bit different and indicates $5.95 fee. "Prepaid Cardholder" is now printed and not embossed. I believe the number is still raised but I haven't bought one.
With the increased fee, this CVS will see me less often, which is a shame because they've made spend very easy for me.
With the increased fee, this CVS will see me less often, which is a shame because they've made spend very easy for me.
Sep 16, 2017, 10:51 pm
#261
Join Date: Apr 2017
Posts: 284
Went to a CVS today and was only seeing the white packaging VGCs with the 5.95 fee. I then shifted a few cards around on the rack and realized that there actually were three rows of 4.95 cards. But someone had put a 5.95 card at the front of each row to cover them all up. Guess someone was trying to protect this stash for himself.
Sep 18, 2017, 6:48 pm
#263
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 3,688
afaik, they still work at the PO, try it n see OR go to a grocery store that takes DC for WUMOs.
Sep 19, 2017, 9:05 am
#264
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,322
I regularly buy One Vanilla (black generic package). For the first time yesterday at CVS, I saw some OV packages with the $5.95 price on them, rather than the $4.95 that I am used to seeing. I think there is some possibility that Vanilla is changing their pricing overall.
Sep 20, 2017, 11:05 pm
#265
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 542
Actually stepped into a CVS to see what they had. I saw lots and lots of one vanilla 20-500 cards with $4.95 activation fee and Bancorp serviced by incomm. I see Bancorp can be cleared at USPS and WM is a no go according to the WM thread. Any cheaper options like the ...... banks at grocery stores?
Sep 21, 2017, 8:04 am
#266
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Land of the parrots and parrotheads
Programs: Several dozen
Posts: 4,820
Seeing lots more of the $5.95s these days. This is simply bad for business.
buy One Vanilla (black generic package). For the first time yesterday at CVS, I saw some OV packages with the $5.95 price on them, rather than the $4.95 that I am used to seeing. I think there is some possibility that Vanilla is changing their pricing overall.[/QUOTE]
buy One Vanilla (black generic package). For the first time yesterday at CVS, I saw some OV packages with the $5.95 price on them, rather than the $4.95 that I am used to seeing. I think there is some possibility that Vanilla is changing their pricing overall.[/QUOTE]
Sep 21, 2017, 8:26 am
#267
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Cincinnati
Programs: AA, Hyatt
Posts: 371
Sep 22, 2017, 10:06 am
#268
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 4,166
Just moved to an area with CVS stores. Let me know if what I've gathered sounds good.
OneVanilla - Can't use for MO at WM, but fine at Kroger (USPS Ok?)
VGC Bancorp - good for USPS (anywhere else?)
VGC Meta - I don't know anything about these.
No other prepaid card good for MS at CVS besides OVGC?
OneVanilla - Can't use for MO at WM, but fine at Kroger (USPS Ok?)
VGC Bancorp - good for USPS (anywhere else?)
VGC Meta - I don't know anything about these.
No other prepaid card good for MS at CVS besides OVGC?
Sep 22, 2017, 4:18 pm
#269
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 3,688
Vanillas sold at See V and DS at the corner of happy n healthy:
OneVanilla - Can't use for MO at WM, but fine at Kroger (USPS Ok?) YES
VGC Bancorp - good for USPS (anywhere else?)grocery stores/gas stations
VGC Meta - I don't know anything about these. NOT sold at DS but sold at most grocery stores and gas stations and these same stores may also sell WUMOs.
No other prepaid card good for MS at CVS besides OVGC? regular vanillas with the metallic black n silver package and Happy Birthday vanillas are good, too. just make sure the issuing bank is Bancorp or you can't use them at the PO but grocery stores and gas stations will likely take them. Check your store(s) if they still carry the ones with 4.95 fees on variables or else your fees go up by $1
AS ALWAYS, YMMV.
OneVanilla - Can't use for MO at WM, but fine at Kroger (USPS Ok?) YES
VGC Bancorp - good for USPS (anywhere else?)grocery stores/gas stations
VGC Meta - I don't know anything about these. NOT sold at DS but sold at most grocery stores and gas stations and these same stores may also sell WUMOs.
No other prepaid card good for MS at CVS besides OVGC? regular vanillas with the metallic black n silver package and Happy Birthday vanillas are good, too. just make sure the issuing bank is Bancorp or you can't use them at the PO but grocery stores and gas stations will likely take them. Check your store(s) if they still carry the ones with 4.95 fees on variables or else your fees go up by $1
AS ALWAYS, YMMV.
Sep 23, 2017, 8:30 am
#270
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,310
All the other reports at the restocks at $5.95 are all false reports? Business as usual?