Aug 2, 13, 6:51 pm
Last edit by: CWAL
A new thread was created for the new year in 2017. This is the old thread. For the 2017 on this topic, go here: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/manufactured-spending/1819562-cvs-master-thread-2017-a.html
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.
New limits rolling out starting 10/20:
Transactions with $300 or more of card face value require ID.
Limit $2000 of card face value per 24 hour rolling period.
Limit of 10 cards per 24 hours.
Cashback posted in 48 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.
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.
New limits rolling out starting 10/20:
Transactions with $300 or more of card face value require ID.
Limit $2000 of card face value per 24 hour rolling period.
Limit of 10 cards per 24 hours.
Cashback posted in 48 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.
CVS master thread(2013-2016)
Aug 18, 13, 10:11 am
#1531
Join Date: Apr 2013
Programs: UA MPE, BA Blue, AA, IHG Plat Amb, Marriot Silver, HHonors Silver, National Exec, Avis First
Posts: 553
^
Aug 18, 13, 12:00 pm
#1532
Join Date: Jul 2012
Programs: HH Diamond, DL PM
Posts: 29
The CVS's around me have been dried up for sometime of the VR cards.
Aug 18, 13, 1:11 pm
#1533
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 939
Though I have read that managers can order more at will. I talked to the Manager at my closes store and she told me she is not able to go in to do an override. They come in whenever. Sucks... I'd want her to keep 2 packs on standby at all times.
Aug 18, 13, 1:36 pm
#1534
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Down South, The Desert
Programs: Marriot Rewards, Southwest Rapid rewards, Emerald Club, Avis Preferred
Posts: 1,871
Aug 18, 13, 4:54 pm
#1535
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Madison, WI, USA
Posts: 14,160
Aug 18, 13, 5:45 pm
#1536
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: LA
Posts: 7,166
Looking to the future and finally set up BB this week. Initially no luck at the CVS around the corner and ALL 7-11's want cash.
Decided to spend my Sunday morning driving around to see how hard it is to get VR's. I found two CVS's 20 minutes from the house stocked. They did not ID or seem to care how many I buy. Very cool.
Decided to spend my Sunday morning driving around to see how hard it is to get VR's. I found two CVS's 20 minutes from the house stocked. They did not ID or seem to care how many I buy. Very cool.
Aug 18, 13, 7:05 pm
#1537
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Down South, The Desert
Programs: Marriot Rewards, Southwest Rapid rewards, Emerald Club, Avis Preferred
Posts: 1,871
Aug 18, 13, 9:37 pm
#1538
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: CLT
Programs: AA, UA, BA, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Gold, IHG Platinum
Posts: 2,074
Data point:
Went to a CVS today. Wife bought two $500 VRs and had DL scanned. I bought one $500 and one $490 VR, no DL scan
Went to a CVS today. Wife bought two $500 VRs and had DL scanned. I bought one $500 and one $490 VR, no DL scan
Aug 18, 13, 9:56 pm
#1539
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: SAN
Programs: DL MM, Marriott LT Titanium, AA EXP, Avis Chairmans
Posts: 1,399
I went to my usual CVS on Friday night. I tried to buy 1K worth of GCs, and when the register prompted for ID she said "This card is bad, it's not registering as Visa." So she had me go get another card (I was playing along to be nice). Same thing. Then she says VERY loudly "This is a restricted item, I'm not sure what to do." She says "restricted item" loudly several more times. Felt like I was trying to buy porn or something. LOL
She pages some other cashier and reassures her that all is needed is an ID swipe. Swipes, I pay, and on my way.
She pages some other cashier and reassures her that all is needed is an ID swipe. Swipes, I pay, and on my way.
Last edited by yngdiego; Aug 18, 13 at 10:07 pm
Aug 19, 13, 5:58 am
#1540
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: RDU
Programs: A few
Posts: 5,493
got a $3k load here in rdu area... seems everyone is up to speed now. except the cashier, who i had to basically take through the transaction
Aug 19, 13, 6:50 am
#1541
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: LGA
Programs: DL Gold, AA Plat
Posts: 51
Any updates in NYC area locations?
Has the 5K limit made it to here? Not that you will find that many VRs at one spot!
Aug 19, 13, 10:04 am
#1543
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 367
Two CVS out in IL burbs - one has had VRs before, but no longer seems to.
Other one 3 miles down the road is fully stocked and allowed $1K purchase.
Cashier knew nothing about $5K limit.
In addition to the $1K I bought, i also bought $1K in PayPal Cash at the first CVS.
Both requested and scanned my ID (register told them to "Restricted Item, Scan ID") for $1K in purchases.
Other one 3 miles down the road is fully stocked and allowed $1K purchase.
Cashier knew nothing about $5K limit.
In addition to the $1K I bought, i also bought $1K in PayPal Cash at the first CVS.
Both requested and scanned my ID (register told them to "Restricted Item, Scan ID") for $1K in purchases.
Aug 19, 13, 1:06 pm
#1544
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: NYC
Posts: 83
Odd data point if anyone's in the area looking (Steinway and 31st in Astoria) - went to a new store (new for me) and was informed that "All Gift Card or Reload Cards over $75 must be paid for with cash". When I asked why I was very bluntly told it's "CVS corporate policy". There was a stack of at least 3 dozen so if anyone else wants to give it a try in hopes of a different sales associate then good luck.^
Aug 19, 13, 2:48 pm
#1545
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: SNA/LAX
Posts: 145
I haven't been keeping up with the thread much recently so I apologize if this has already been discussed, but does anyone know how the $5K limit is enforced? I buy VRs regularly and in large quantities (I have no problem doing $5K at a time), and today the register printed out "Daily limit of $5,000 reached. You may continue purchasing prepaid cards/phones tomorrow." I was able to buy up to $3K worth, which I did. See my twitter account for the image if you have no imagination.
Yesterday I purchased $4.5K in VRs in 4 separate transactions, each one requiring my ID to be scanned (no, I'm not concerned about it). The problem is that these were all done late afternoon (2pm-5pm) and my purchase today was at 1pm.
That means the limit does not go by calendar day, and clearly it's not 24 hours either. Anyone else run into this issue?
Also just to add to other conversations that are ongoing, I always pay off my credit card directly from Bluebird the day I load it. In fact, I pay off one credit card with multiple bluebird accounts at the same time sometimes. For example, if I have a $3K outstanding on my cc, I'll use 3 different BBs to send $1K each (since that's all I can load in a day). I've been doing this since BB came along without issue.
I also have no problem paying my SPG Amex cards with BB. I know people are afraid that both systems are Amex, but I've done this without issue. I've done it only minimally to pay other Amex cards (plat/gold etc.).
To the new people, don't be afraid of them scanning your DL. You're not breaking any laws. It looks like they just want to be able to enforce this $5K limit.
Yesterday I purchased $4.5K in VRs in 4 separate transactions, each one requiring my ID to be scanned (no, I'm not concerned about it). The problem is that these were all done late afternoon (2pm-5pm) and my purchase today was at 1pm.
That means the limit does not go by calendar day, and clearly it's not 24 hours either. Anyone else run into this issue?
Also just to add to other conversations that are ongoing, I always pay off my credit card directly from Bluebird the day I load it. In fact, I pay off one credit card with multiple bluebird accounts at the same time sometimes. For example, if I have a $3K outstanding on my cc, I'll use 3 different BBs to send $1K each (since that's all I can load in a day). I've been doing this since BB came along without issue.
I also have no problem paying my SPG Amex cards with BB. I know people are afraid that both systems are Amex, but I've done this without issue. I've done it only minimally to pay other Amex cards (plat/gold etc.).
To the new people, don't be afraid of them scanning your DL. You're not breaking any laws. It looks like they just want to be able to enforce this $5K limit.
Last edited by TravelSummary; Aug 19, 13 at 3:01 pm Reason: Left out important detail.
