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 6, 13, 1:29 pm
#2326
Join Date: Jan 2012
Programs: united 1k
Posts: 186
would expect some cvs insider to clarify this....
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, 13, 2:35 pm
#2327
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: BOS
Programs: AA, SPG, UA, CSP
Posts: 338
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, 13, 3:53 pm
#2328
Suspended
Join Date: Nov 1999
Posts: 24,156
Seems they are redoing the placement on the cards on the rack. The 1st few stores were not only bare of VRs but most GCs. By my 4th store (and 5th) there was a cart in front of the display loaded with all sorts of GCs except the VRs. (new orders)
I looked at the printout and it showed 4 placements for the VRs on the bottom left side, but there were none on the cart or any of the boxes that were lying nearby.
Eventually with a printout of stores in the area I was in I ended up getting the VRs I wanted. Probably due to each of those stores having a max of $1k as their limit.
It will make my work alot easier tomorrow when I hit them again, knowing who has them and who doesnt.
I looked at the printout and it showed 4 placements for the VRs on the bottom left side, but there were none on the cart or any of the boxes that were lying nearby.
Eventually with a printout of stores in the area I was in I ended up getting the VRs I wanted. Probably due to each of those stores having a max of $1k as their limit.
It will make my work alot easier tomorrow when I hit them again, knowing who has them and who doesnt.
Oct 6, 13, 4:22 pm
#2329
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: CT
Programs: HH Diamond, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 426
They're back!! After being wiped out the past month i found them again today. brand new cards w/ a new stripe. We have always had a ton of cards at all 6 stores around my house til about 6 weeks ago when they started dwindling and then were gone. Only able to hit 1 store which had a good amount, will check the others tomorrow and check back. Could be good news for those who had the same situation.
Oct 6, 13, 6:21 pm
#2330
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: PHX & AGP
Programs: AA Lifetime PLT, Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 10,969
I was able to buy 5K worth today at a CVS I have never been to, they have 4 racks FULL of beans, so I didn't feel guilty taking the 5K. The clerk rang them up single $500 transaction and my new Citi card got the welcomed it deserved!!! Now back to my United daddy the 10K bonus.
Oct 6, 13, 7:45 pm
#2331
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 367
I had less luck with VRs today.
First CVS - new one for me - they had many racks bare on the prepaid/reload side. I found 4 VRs hidden behind a stack of GDs (first sign that other's frequent this CVS for beans). I took 2 up to the counter and asked the cashier if their was a limit - was told $1k. He rang up my 2, asking me if I wanted the transaction split (second sign this wasn't his first rodeo).
Second CVS - Had pretty full racks of VRs last two times I went there. This time not a single on and also many bare racks on the prepaid/reload side. I took up 4 GDs thinking maybe I could purchase those(?). Cashier told me cash only for the GDs.. I frowned and asked her where all their VRs are? She pulled one from behind the counter and asked "these?"
"yes" I said, starting to get excited....but she walked back over to the rack and then investigated all the ones at the counter and couldn't find anymore. She seemed confused as if she was sure they had a bunch. I ended up just buying some other prepaids so not to leave with only one.
Third CVS - they haven't had any VRs for my last two trips there (about 6-8 weeks) - though they did carry them before that. Guy there said he didn't know if they were ever getting them back, stating that they just haven't sent any more. I rang out with a few more assorted prepaid to round out my daily 5K (although really 6K since the first guy didn't DL scan).
I'm not too worried - with the bare racks just looking to be filled and the reports from others that new ones are flowing in - I think its just a transition. Hopefully when I make it back out there in a few more weeks they will be stocked again.
Kiosk at my regular WM busted too....so had to unload my few K of GCs at cashiers today :/
First CVS - new one for me - they had many racks bare on the prepaid/reload side. I found 4 VRs hidden behind a stack of GDs (first sign that other's frequent this CVS for beans). I took 2 up to the counter and asked the cashier if their was a limit - was told $1k. He rang up my 2, asking me if I wanted the transaction split (second sign this wasn't his first rodeo).
Second CVS - Had pretty full racks of VRs last two times I went there. This time not a single on and also many bare racks on the prepaid/reload side. I took up 4 GDs thinking maybe I could purchase those(?). Cashier told me cash only for the GDs.. I frowned and asked her where all their VRs are? She pulled one from behind the counter and asked "these?"
"yes" I said, starting to get excited....but she walked back over to the rack and then investigated all the ones at the counter and couldn't find anymore. She seemed confused as if she was sure they had a bunch. I ended up just buying some other prepaids so not to leave with only one.
Third CVS - they haven't had any VRs for my last two trips there (about 6-8 weeks) - though they did carry them before that. Guy there said he didn't know if they were ever getting them back, stating that they just haven't sent any more. I rang out with a few more assorted prepaid to round out my daily 5K (although really 6K since the first guy didn't DL scan).
I'm not too worried - with the bare racks just looking to be filled and the reports from others that new ones are flowing in - I think its just a transition. Hopefully when I make it back out there in a few more weeks they will be stocked again.
Kiosk at my regular WM busted too....so had to unload my few K of GCs at cashiers today :/
Oct 7, 13, 12:32 am
#2332
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: ECP
Programs: DL Diamond
Posts: 1,655
They're baaaaaaack
Multiple locations that have been out for weeks were loaded up today. New ones have more logos on the front:
-PayPal
-netSpend
-Mastercard rePower
-MyVanilla
-NetSpend
-Mio
-Money Network
-Momentum
-Amex Serve
Note it specifically mentions Serve, not Bluebird, but it loaded my BB just fine.
Multiple locations that have been out for weeks were loaded up today. New ones have more logos on the front:
-PayPal
-netSpend
-Mastercard rePower
-MyVanilla
-NetSpend
-Mio
-Money Network
-Momentum
-Amex Serve
Note it specifically mentions Serve, not Bluebird, but it loaded my BB just fine.
Oct 7, 13, 6:08 am
#2333
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 498
hoping i can cure my bean hunger today. It may be a stretch to get 5k at my location but we shall see
Oct 7, 13, 7:42 am
#2334
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: COS
Programs: DL DM, Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 97
I don't normally have very good access to beans as I live in Colorado where CVS doesn't have any stores. However, on a trip to Omaha I decided to see what I could get. Walked up with 2 cards and asked for $500 each. Cashier told me they had a limit on their registers so they could only do one card at a time. I didn't really care as it worked for me. Just didn't seem like the normal protocol based on what I've read here.
Oct 7, 13, 8:05 am
#2335
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 413
They're baaaaaaack
Multiple locations that have been out for weeks were loaded up today. New ones have more logos on the front:
-PayPal
-netSpend
-Mastercard rePower
-MyVanilla
-NetSpend
-Mio
-Money Network
-Momentum
-Amex Serve
Note it specifically mentions Serve, not Bluebird, but it loaded my BB just fine.
Multiple locations that have been out for weeks were loaded up today. New ones have more logos on the front:
-PayPal
-netSpend
-Mastercard rePower
-MyVanilla
-NetSpend
-Mio
-Money Network
-Momentum
-Amex Serve
Note it specifically mentions Serve, not Bluebird, but it loaded my BB just fine.
Oct 7, 13, 8:27 am
#2336
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 367
They're baaaaaaack
Multiple locations that have been out for weeks were loaded up today. New ones have more logos on the front:
-PayPal
-netSpend
-Mastercard rePower
-MyVanilla
-NetSpend
-Mio
-Money Network
-Momentum
-Amex Serve
Note it specifically mentions Serve, not Bluebird, but it loaded my BB just fine.
Multiple locations that have been out for weeks were loaded up today. New ones have more logos on the front:
-PayPal
-netSpend
-Mastercard rePower
-MyVanilla
-NetSpend
-Mio
-Money Network
-Momentum
-Amex Serve
Note it specifically mentions Serve, not Bluebird, but it loaded my BB just fine.
The store that had only *1* behind the counter is the one that has all the new logos. This was the store that was previously well stocked.
I hope this means that since they had at least one (the one I bought) that they will be getting more in...
Oct 7, 13, 10:05 am
#2337
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Chicago
Programs: UA, AA, US, DL, PC Plat, Dollar, Avis, National, SPG, HH Gold, CC Gold
Posts: 1,212
Here's hoping the Chicago area will soon be stocked. I have had to go far a field to get to one store that had some.
Oct 7, 13, 10:35 am
#2338
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: HKG
Programs: MPC, Marriott, Hyatt
Posts: 406
Has anyone gotten any success recently in SoCal? Any recommendations would be helpful (PM, please?) - I've struck out at three local CVSs, two 7-11s and a Vons.
Oct 7, 13, 2:08 pm
#2339
Join Date: May 2000
Location: I see palm trees....
Posts: 414
What is the cheapest item(s) CVS sells?
I've been varying my VR and GC purchase amounts with bottled waters and other drinks that are usually on sale every week, but most of the items are overpriced.
I've been varying my VR and GC purchase amounts with bottled waters and other drinks that are usually on sale every week, but most of the items are overpriced.
Oct 7, 13, 2:41 pm
#2340
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 784
Why not just vary the amount of the last VR?
