Aug 2, 2013, 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)
Sep 25, 2013, 6:24 pm
#2116
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 939
Guys, I dont want to alarm but I noticed a new stack of Vanillas GCs with a holiday them on them (snowflakes I think). What caught my eye was the fact they were $5.95 instead of the normal $4.95.
I'm not sure but we may be seeing the phasing out of the cheaper cards in favor of the more expensive ones like the grocery stores have.
I'm not sure but we may be seeing the phasing out of the cheaper cards in favor of the more expensive ones like the grocery stores have.
Sep 25, 2013, 6:48 pm
#2117
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 1,153
Guys, I dont want to alarm but I noticed a new stack of Vanillas GCs with a holiday them on them (snowflakes I think). What caught my eye was the fact they were $5.95 instead of the normal $4.95.
I'm not sure but we may be seeing the phasing out of the cheaper cards in favor of the more expensive ones like the grocery stores have.
I'm not sure but we may be seeing the phasing out of the cheaper cards in favor of the more expensive ones like the grocery stores have.
Sep 25, 2013, 6:59 pm
#2118
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Austin, Texas
Programs: Airline nobody. Sad!
Posts: 26,062
Guys, I dont want to alarm but I noticed a new stack of Vanillas GCs with a holiday them on them (snowflakes I think). What caught my eye was the fact they were $5.95 instead of the normal $4.95.
I'm not sure but we may be seeing the phasing out of the cheaper cards in favor of the more expensive ones like the grocery stores have.
I'm not sure but we may be seeing the phasing out of the cheaper cards in favor of the more expensive ones like the grocery stores have.
Sep 25, 2013, 7:07 pm
#2119
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 417
Do not worry about that. It is not a new thing. I've seen 5.95 Vanilla GCs in other stores before. They usually are right next to 4.95 ones.
The difference is that 5.95 have some special design, i.e. like snowflakes, Anne Something, and so on, so InComm is charging $1 extra for them.
Sep 25, 2013, 7:12 pm
#2120
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 1,153
In CVS?
Do not worry about that. It is not a new thing. I've seen 5.95 Vanilla GCs in other stores before. They usually are right next to 4.95 ones.
The difference is that 5.95 have some special design, i.e. like snowflakes, Anne Something, and so on, so InComm is charging $1 extra for them.
Do not worry about that. It is not a new thing. I've seen 5.95 Vanilla GCs in other stores before. They usually are right next to 4.95 ones.
The difference is that 5.95 have some special design, i.e. like snowflakes, Anne Something, and so on, so InComm is charging $1 extra for them.
Sep 25, 2013, 7:24 pm
#2121
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Down South, The Desert
Programs: Marriot Rewards, Southwest Rapid rewards, Emerald Club, Avis Preferred
Posts: 1,871
Lol at vagrants reactions.
Yeah, I've seen the same things. I'm assuming it's for the holidays.
Yeah, I've seen the same things. I'm assuming it's for the holidays.
Sep 25, 2013, 8:11 pm
#2122
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 367
I respectfully contest that statement.
It depends on a few factors... primarily what card are you using and the proximity of CVS vs OD+WM. I generally disregard the latter, as long as it's in a 10-15mile radius.
For a cc with no bonus cats and high point value (like SPG), VRs are a good deal but for something like Chase SP/Ink... not so much. Also, cpm using 5x from office store is .67cent whereas it is .78cent from VRs.
However from convenience point of view - VRs all the way.
It depends on a few factors... primarily what card are you using and the proximity of CVS vs OD+WM. I generally disregard the latter, as long as it's in a 10-15mile radius.
For a cc with no bonus cats and high point value (like SPG), VRs are a good deal but for something like Chase SP/Ink... not so much. Also, cpm using 5x from office store is .67cent whereas it is .78cent from VRs.
However from convenience point of view - VRs all the way.
I interested in what you are using a CSP card for though? AFAIK, CSP is 2x points in dining and travel (restaurants, rental cars, hotels, tickets). So when does it make sense to use CSP when buying GCs at a location where GCs are sold?
Also...remember this is a thread about CVS...so it doesn't really make sense to be discussing cards that don't get good spend bonuses at pharm.
Sep 25, 2013, 8:30 pm
#2123
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 249
I have seen some slightly disturbing developments at my local CVSs (which haven't restocked VRs in weeks now) but so far still not taking them TOO seriously. By themselves they are nothing but just starting to add up. A couple stores have hung different products now (incl those 5.95 Vanilla Visas, Rush cards, etc.) where the VRs used to always hang. I inquired with a store manager when they'd be getting more VRs and she mentioned CVS is making 'changes' to their GC/prepaids and may not see them coming in anymore. At a different store the manager told me the same thing. Of course I'm sure next week they'll all be restocked with VRs again
Sep 25, 2013, 9:56 pm
#2124
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,184
I have seen some slightly disturbing developments at my local CVSs (which haven't restocked VRs in weeks now) but so far still not taking them TOO seriously. By themselves they are nothing but just starting to add up. A couple stores have hung different products now (incl those 5.95 Vanilla Visas, Rush cards, etc.) where the VRs used to always hang. I inquired with a store manager when they'd be getting more VRs and she mentioned CVS is making 'changes' to their GC/prepaids and may not see them coming in anymore. At a different store the manager told me the same thing. Of course I'm sure next week they'll all be restocked with VRs again
Sep 25, 2013, 10:08 pm
#2125
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 117
I do have a Q, for those that are there or go, I have a trip to OGG in October and again in December. There, the Long's Drug Stores are named that, but are really CVS. Can anyone confirm that VRs are there? And available with a CC?
Sep 25, 2013, 11:17 pm
#2126
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: MR,UR, UA, BA, AA, Hotels
Posts: 581
I have seen some slightly disturbing developments at my local CVSs (which haven't restocked VRs in weeks now) but so far still not taking them TOO seriously. By themselves they are nothing but just starting to add up. A couple stores have hung different products now (incl those 5.95 Vanilla Visas, Rush cards, etc.) where the VRs used to always hang. I inquired with a store manager when they'd be getting more VRs and she mentioned CVS is making 'changes' to their GC/prepaids and may not see them coming in anymore. At a different store the manager told me the same thing. Of course I'm sure next week they'll all be restocked with VRs again
Sep 25, 2013, 11:22 pm
#2127
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: MD - BWI/DCA/IAD
Programs: SPG Plat, UA 1K, WN CP, Marriott Gold
Posts: 42
If you are going that way, just know that $500 + $499.99 or $499 doesn't necessitate a DL scan...might as well maximize cpm/cpp
Sep 26, 2013, 6:08 am
#2129
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 84
All VR cards gone from 4 stores near me. Only ones I found were on the checkout counter.
So I suspect CVS area manager or worst CVS corporation has decided to pull these off the shelves. Not just a restocking issue simultaneously at so many stores.
So I suspect CVS area manager or worst CVS corporation has decided to pull these off the shelves. Not just a restocking issue simultaneously at so many stores.
Sep 26, 2013, 9:55 am
#2130
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Down South, The Desert
Programs: Marriot Rewards, Southwest Rapid rewards, Emerald Club, Avis Preferred
Posts: 1,871
Are we all in the same area having this issue? So far the problem appears to be in the southeast and in the Boston area.