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)
Oct 5, 2013, 3:02 pm
#2311
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Austin, Texas
Programs: Airline nobody. Sad!
Posts: 26,062
Should actually be the third time it has changed.
Let's hope not, Netspend shuts you down if you even sneeze the wrong way.
Let's hope not, Netspend shuts you down if you even sneeze the wrong way.
Oct 5, 2013, 4:06 pm
#2312
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 1,153
I was talking about use of netSpend reload network, not the actual use of the NetSpend PrePaid...but I guess netSpend can monitor reloads like GreenDot does for their MoneyPak...I loaded PayPal PrePaid with some VRs and sock drawered it. Just collecting interests on its savings account.
Oct 5, 2013, 4:12 pm
#2313
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Austin, Texas
Programs: Airline nobody. Sad!
Posts: 26,062
Are you talking about Netspend PrePaid Card? I don't have one...is it that bad?
I was talking about use of netSpend reload network, not the actual use of the NetSpend PrePaid...but I guess netSpend can monitor reloads like GreenDot does for their MoneyPak...I loaded PayPal PrePaid with some VRs and sock drawered it. Just collecting interests on its savings account.
I was talking about use of netSpend reload network, not the actual use of the NetSpend PrePaid...but I guess netSpend can monitor reloads like GreenDot does for their MoneyPak...I loaded PayPal PrePaid with some VRs and sock drawered it. Just collecting interests on its savings account.
.
Oct 5, 2013, 5:44 pm
#2314
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2013
Programs: AA, HH, UA, Marriott, SW, Club Carlson, IHG
Posts: 202
FT-ers in the city of Wane and Garth.
I was making a visit to city of Wayne and Garth yesterday and I stopped by my favorite CVS for VRs there. They were out! They've never been out of stock before and I could pretty regularly count on them. So there must be a few other FT-ers around this area. They said they'd be getting more in on Tuesday. It's going to be tough meeting my Discover $3000/month for 6 months without VRs if the shortages continue.
Oct 5, 2013, 8:01 pm
#2315
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 50
Spent a good part of the day looking for VRs around DC. All of the CVS and 7/11 stores I visited were out, even the few that almost always had them. Not a development I'm happy about....
Oct 6, 2013, 7:33 am
#2317
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 187
My usual CVS spot has been out for a few weeks. The last time I tried to buy 2, one rang up fine and the other rang up as "product not for sale, please remove from sales floor". Sounded ominous.
Oct 6, 2013, 8:44 am
#2319
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Down South, The Desert
Programs: Marriot Rewards, Southwest Rapid rewards, Emerald Club, Avis Preferred
Posts: 1,871
I'm still out around here in the Middle TN area. It seems that Boston is out too. I'm not sure who else is experiencing an outage.
Oct 6, 2013, 9:18 am
#2320
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,944
Does anyone use their Citi Thank You Preferred card when buying the VRs?
Every single time when I swipe my card at the self swipe touch pad, it gives me a message saying "Another form of payment required". Then when I ask the cashier to try to swipe my card on their register, it works fine.
Every single time when I swipe my card at the self swipe touch pad, it gives me a message saying "Another form of payment required". Then when I ask the cashier to try to swipe my card on their register, it works fine.
Oct 6, 2013, 10:19 am
#2322
Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 817
Maybe CVS doesn't make a profit on these, so they don't try to replenish them quickly?
I mean, they're basically cash, so the markup might be low. So they see them as a "loss leader" then discover people are coming in buying nothing but VR, so they don't sweat if they run out.
I mean, they're basically cash, so the markup might be low. So they see them as a "loss leader" then discover people are coming in buying nothing but VR, so they don't sweat if they run out.
Oct 6, 2013, 11:12 am
#2323
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 50
Just found a store near DC with a lot of the new cards. Maybe stores are just waiting for stock of the new cards to come in.
Oct 6, 2013, 1:03 pm
#2324
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Chicago
Programs: UA, AA, US, DL, PC Plat, Dollar, Avis, National, SPG, HH Gold, CC Gold
Posts: 1,212
Maybe CVS doesn't make a profit on these, so they don't try to replenish them quickly?
I mean, they're basically cash, so the markup might be low. So they see them as a "loss leader" then discover people are coming in buying nothing but VR, so they don't sweat if they run out.
I mean, they're basically cash, so the markup might be low. So they see them as a "loss leader" then discover people are coming in buying nothing but VR, so they don't sweat if they run out.
Oct 6, 2013, 1:16 pm
#2325
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Down South, The Desert
Programs: Marriot Rewards, Southwest Rapid rewards, Emerald Club, Avis Preferred
Posts: 1,871
Prior to going to CVS for VR's, I never even went into a CVS. They have made money off of me that they never would have without the lure of VR's. Mistake, big mistake to take VR's off the shelves. I'm sure others have spent money there that might have gone to Walgreens, Target or Wally World.