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)
#2461
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: IAD
Programs: Marriott- Platinum, IHG - Platinum, Hyatt - Globalist, CC - Gold, Hilton - Diamond, BW - Platinum S
Posts: 256
Anyone can find VR at IAD area?
I have been to many stores in IAD area and its been running dry for the last 3 weeks now.

#2462
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: RDU
Programs: A few
Posts: 5,493
Still going nicely here in NC. The $5k limit is the official line regardless of what individual stores may say, and it works just fine here. I don't care about scanning DL. The thread title should be updated to reflect the correct load amount

#2463
FlyerTalk Evangelist

Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: PHX & AGP
Programs: AA Lifetime PLT, Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 10,969
I just bought 14K in two days, each at $500 transactions, so the 1K and 5K limits seem to a store to store thing...

#2465
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: RDU
Programs: A few
Posts: 5,493
no the official cvs policy is clearly 5k per day... just because individual stores implement it incorrectly doesn't make it any less correct. if you are running around store 28 times the way you describer that is your choice but official policy is you can buy $5k per day with dl scan

#2466
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: DCA
Posts: 7,700
One thing also of note is that it seems the new VR are selling out quicker than ever. I think people are gun-shy after that long dry spell, thinking either that there's going to be another supply interruption or the gravy train will run out for good. So they buy like mad. Most places near me run dry in a business day.

#2468
FlyerTalk Evangelist

Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: PHX & AGP
Programs: AA Lifetime PLT, Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 10,969
I did $500 on each transactions I refuse to do the $1K to have my DL scanned. I'm back in PHX tomorrow and will hit my fave CVS for more beans. I'll report if I can buy more then 5K.

#2469
FlyerTalk Evangelist

Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: PHX & AGP
Programs: AA Lifetime PLT, Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 10,969
no the official cvs policy is clearly 5k per day... just because individual stores implement it incorrectly doesn't make it any less correct. if you are running around store 28 times the way you describer that is your choice but official policy is you can buy $5k per day with dl scan

#2470
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 809
Not too sure were I describe I was running around 28 times, but I went to ONE CVS and walked up to counter with 8 beans, came back about an hour later (I brought other FTers) and bought 8 more (same day) then the following day the same FTers and I went back and then I bought the rest of my load as well as the other FTers.

#2471
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: RDU
Programs: A few
Posts: 5,493
Doesn't change the fact the thread title is wrong. Should read something like CVS now up to $999 per transaction without DL scan, up to $5k per day with scan. $1k/day is just no longer relevant

#2472
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Chicago
Programs: Mileage Plus, Rapid Rewards
Posts: 949
Is the $5k limit inclusive of the $3.95 purchase fee per card, or is it just the total load amount that is capped at $5k?

#2473
Join Date: May 2005
Programs: UA Plat (1MM), AA Plat, HH Diamond, MR Plat, Hyatt Diamond, SPG Plat.
Posts: 655
Albany, NY
I am heading to Albany for business. Will report back the bean situation over there. Of course if someone could share info, that is more than welcome!
Cheers
@ORD
Cheers
@ORD

#2474
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Down South, The Desert
Programs: Marriot Rewards, Southwest Rapid rewards, Emerald Club, Avis Preferred
Posts: 1,871
Agreed. Also, if we can buy the 5k we need per bird, why go through the extra steps that cause additional scrutiny. We have a unique situation here since the gravy train took a turn for our favor. I'm not sure why we would ask cashiers to do things contrary to the policy. If the policy doesn't work the way CVS wants it to, they are likely to change it again and make it more strict.

#2475
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 202
I've had a lot of luck. I think the time of the month has an effect. I've been dry for a week then find a ton of them available. The only one that gives me trouble about Purchasing with CC is on Tremont Ave in Throggs Neck.
