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)
Oct 1, 13, 12:50 pm
#2251
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Madison, WI, USA
Posts: 14,160
The CVS in downtown Madison, WI was out of VRs when I checked this morning -- they looked everywhere for me -- but they said a truck was outside unloading, so I'll check back later today. If no, then I'll try the other one this evening. I have another CC spend to meet, and it's much more fun when I don't have to go to WM for MOs.
Oct 1, 13, 1:02 pm
#2252
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Bay Area, CA
Programs: AA Plat, UA Gold, AS MVP Gold, HH Diamond, SPG Gold, Club Carlson Gold, US
Posts: 953
So one of my regular cashier told me that CVS is pulling them out..
no idea how much truth is in that.. will see...
if it's true then a big
no idea how much truth is in that.. will see...
if it's true then a big
Oct 1, 13, 1:28 pm
#2253
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: DCA
Posts: 77
CVS that was out during that drought a few weeks ago just had some more. So clearly they are restocking. New diagonal scratch off area for anyone interested. ^
Oct 1, 13, 1:50 pm
#2254
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Beverly Hills
Posts: 713
total crapshoot in my area. One CVS was able to run 3x$500 in different transactions, no ID scan, but 4th $500 wouldn't go through on my Citi biz. Other CVS ran $970 across 2 VRs on 1 card with no ID swipe no problem.
Oct 1, 13, 2:10 pm
#2255
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 151
Has anyone experimented with that 24-hour limit to buy more cards after buying $5K?
I bought $5K at a CVS at 5:19 PM yesterday. Today an attempt to buy another $5K was denied at 10:13 AM. So when can I buy another $5K? 5:20 PM today? 5:01 PM today? 12:01 PM?
I assume the limit applies across all local CVS stores, but I haven't checked that. Has anyone? If you buy $5K in a Los Angeles CVS and then fly to Vegas, can you buy another $5K there without waiting the 24 hours? I'm curious.
I bought $5K at a CVS at 5:19 PM yesterday. Today an attempt to buy another $5K was denied at 10:13 AM. So when can I buy another $5K? 5:20 PM today? 5:01 PM today? 12:01 PM?
I assume the limit applies across all local CVS stores, but I haven't checked that. Has anyone? If you buy $5K in a Los Angeles CVS and then fly to Vegas, can you buy another $5K there without waiting the 24 hours? I'm curious.
Oct 1, 13, 4:06 pm
#2256
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Okinawa
Posts: 2,598
Has anyone experimented with that 24-hour limit to buy more cards after buying $5K?
I bought $5K at a CVS at 5:19 PM yesterday. Today an attempt to buy another $5K was denied at 10:13 AM. So when can I buy another $5K? 5:20 PM today? 5:01 PM today? 12:01 PM?
I assume the limit applies across all local CVS stores, but I haven't checked that. Has anyone? If you buy $5K in a Los Angeles CVS and then fly to Vegas, can you buy another $5K there without waiting the 24 hours? I'm curious.
I bought $5K at a CVS at 5:19 PM yesterday. Today an attempt to buy another $5K was denied at 10:13 AM. So when can I buy another $5K? 5:20 PM today? 5:01 PM today? 12:01 PM?
I assume the limit applies across all local CVS stores, but I haven't checked that. Has anyone? If you buy $5K in a Los Angeles CVS and then fly to Vegas, can you buy another $5K there without waiting the 24 hours? I'm curious.
Oct 1, 13, 5:24 pm
#2257
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: MR,UR, UA, BA, AA, Hotels
Posts: 579
Has anyone experimented with that 24-hour limit to buy more cards after buying $5K?
I bought $5K at a CVS at 5:19 PM yesterday. Today an attempt to buy another $5K was denied at 10:13 AM. So when can I buy another $5K? 5:20 PM today? 5:01 PM today? 12:01 PM?
I assume the limit applies across all local CVS stores, but I haven't checked that. Has anyone? If you buy $5K in a Los Angeles CVS and then fly to Vegas, can you buy another $5K there without waiting the 24 hours? I'm curious.
I bought $5K at a CVS at 5:19 PM yesterday. Today an attempt to buy another $5K was denied at 10:13 AM. So when can I buy another $5K? 5:20 PM today? 5:01 PM today? 12:01 PM?
I assume the limit applies across all local CVS stores, but I haven't checked that. Has anyone? If you buy $5K in a Los Angeles CVS and then fly to Vegas, can you buy another $5K there without waiting the 24 hours? I'm curious.
Oct 1, 13, 6:53 pm
#2258
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 79
Bought 5k this morning, was in a different town and county this afternoon and stopped in at a CVS there and decided to pick up three to round up an earlier in the week purchase. As soon as I hit 1k and they entered my DL it generated an alert that I had already meet my 5k limit for the day. Wish I had done 3x500$ different transactions.
Oct 1, 13, 7:51 pm
#2259
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: SJC
Programs: AA, AS, Marriott
Posts: 5,477
Bought $2k today. The two cashiers conferred and said, "I think the limit is $1k per transaction. We might have to split it." I asked if they could try it in one go, and no problem at all. 
I haven't been to this location since the beginning of last month. There were only about 6 or 7 on the rack. A lone VR was placed on top of one of the hooks too. Which other FT member is frequenting this location?
I haven't been to this location since the beginning of last month. There were only about 6 or 7 on the rack. A lone VR was placed on top of one of the hooks too. Which other FT member is frequenting this location?
Oct 1, 13, 8:49 pm
#2260
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 829
good to know it is not the corporate policy as of now, unlike the OD approach.
Seems like every small despot at any CVS store is allowed to make his/her own set of rules.
We small fishes have to deal with their power struggles.
Seems like every small despot at any CVS store is allowed to make his/her own set of rules.
We small fishes have to deal with their power struggles.
Oct 1, 13, 10:08 pm
#2261
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Madison, WI, USA
Posts: 14,160
Tried the downtown MSN CVS again this evening -- no VRs. Same at the west side CVS, and both cashiers remarked that they've been out for a while. I haven't bought any since the beginning of last month, so I don't know how long they've been dry.
Oct 2, 13, 3:13 am
#2262
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: PHX & AGP
Programs: AA Lifetime PLT, Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 10,969
Bought 5k this morning, was in a different town and county this afternoon and stopped in at a CVS there and decided to pick up three to round up an earlier in the week purchase. As soon as I hit 1k and they entered my DL it generated an alert that I had already meet my 5k limit for the day. Wish I had done 3x500$ different transactions.
Oct 2, 13, 4:20 am
#2263
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: USA
Posts: 1,179
2 CVS stores I went to today implemented $1K/day policy- Weird!
Oct 2, 13, 8:06 am
#2264
Join Date: Jul 2011
Programs: BAEC, A*A, SW RR
Posts: 199
Anyone having any luck in the New Orleans area? We used to have a well-stocked pond but things have been dry for over a month now.
Oct 2, 13, 11:18 am
#2265
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 756
Tried for 2K, had register issues with the DL scan. They even rebooted the cash register. Eventually, got a transaction 90% through and then it all reversed. Shows up as purchase for the full amount as pending on my BA card, but they reversed the VR as they failed to authorize. The charge for my soda and snickers bar went through. Waste of a lunch outing.
